HIS LORDSHIP BISHOP CLEARY

New Zealand Tablet, 12 August 1915, Page 35

HIS LORDSHIP BISHOP CLEARY

On Sunday we received by cable 'the following authoritative information from Sydney relative to the illness of his Lordship Bishop Clcary:—' In twelve days Bishop Cleary had eight violent attacks, last Wednesday's being the worst. It lasted over two hours and a. quarter. It caught the neart, ami the patient was prepared for death. His .Lordship is much better now. but weak and helpless/ A cable received on Monday stated that ' his Lordship had a ninth atluck on Sunday, and is verv weak.' CIRCULAR LETTER BY THE DIOCESAN ADMINISTRATOR. The following circular loiter lias been addressed to the clergy and religion., Communities of the diocese of Auckland by the Right Rev. Mgr. Brodie," Diocesan Administrator : - Parnell, August 4, 1915. I have received another letter in reference to the health of his Lordship Bishop Clearv to the following effect: I am sorry 1 have not good news for you about the Bishop this week. Up till last week he was progressing splendidly, and was allowed to leave his lied and sit up for an hour, but each time he got up he seemed quite exhausted. Last Monday he had a most severe nervous shock which completely sapped all his strength : during this attack he was unconscious. In consequence of this attack he is very weak and has a difficulty even in speaking.' On receipt of this letter I have asked Father Kehoe, a, life-long friend of the Bishop, to go to Sydney, so as to be at hand and act with Dr. Ormond in keeping us coversant with any developments in bis Lordship's condition. On receipt of any important, information I will communicate with the clergy and the religious of the diocese. I might state that in spite of his great weakness and intense suffering, his Lordship directed Dr. Ormond to ask me to convey to all the clergy and religious communities of the diocese, and to the devoted laity, his affectionate wishes. This most recent message concerning his Lordship will, I am sure, appeal to our hearts and urge us not to relax the earnestness of our prayers for our beloved Bishop, whose health has been endangered by his unsparing efforts for his people and in defence of Catholic claims. With every best wish, , Yours most sincerely, Matthew J. Brodie, Diocesan Administrator.