THE BISHOP-ELECT OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 9 December 1915, Page 36

THE BISHOP-ELECT OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our Christchurch correspondent.)

The 3 ,Z. Tablet editorial last week accurately gauged the feelings of the people of the diocese, in regard to the appointment of a successor to the late illustrious Bishop of this see. The comparatively long time, during which the decision has been awaited, occasioned intensified interest. The consequent tension was markedly relieved when, on last Monday evening, the news was rapidly spread abroad that the new Bishop of Christchurch had been appointed. Exceedingly great was the satisfaction manifested in this fact, but even greater still was that experienced at the knowledge that the selected prelate was one of our own Dominion’s most devoted and able ecclesiastics, in the person of the Right Rev. Dr. Brodie. Immediately, messages of congratulation were despatched in Scores from priests and people, Catholic organisations, colleges, schools, and institutions. That the new Bishop will receive the most cordial and sincere welcome to his episcopal city, not alone from his own people, but from the whole community, is an assured fact. The loyalty and devotion to their pastors of the Catholics of Canterbury and Westland are beyond question, so that our new Chief Pastor will be among staunch and steadfast friends from the very first.

Reference was mad© in the Cathedral on Sunday to the raising to the episcopate of the Right Rev. Dr. Brodie, and the congregations were recommended to offer prayers of thanksgiving that the vacancy .in the Bishopric has been/ filled, and on behalf of the new prelate. a

ST - fßy telegraph, from our Auckland correspondent.) December 6.

The Right Rev. Dr. Brodie continues to receive messages from far and wide conveying congratulations on his elevation to episcopal rank. With none is he more gratified than those he received from the ; priests and others of the diocese over which he will soon preside, The Prime Minister, Sir J. G. Ward, the Hon,

■^^rr.fliemeß;\^e''M!bn>/.MK';3^ybrs > the Mayor, of Auck;;iand, and.many public men all over the Dominion ; have ' 5. sent' warm, congratulations. . At the recent meeting, held im connection with the Apostolic Delegate’s reception, Monsignor Gijlan warmly congratulated - Dr. Brodie on the honor conferred on him. Other speakers joined .-in the 'felicitations. At yesterday’s gathering in connection with the Catholic Hostel, further refer- - ences were made to Dr. ; Brodie’s appointment. All the speakers, while rejoicing at the appointment, expressed regret at the loss the - Auckland diocese will suffer by his removal. The Bishop-elect of Christchurch feelingly replied. He said he must bow to the - decision ■of our Holy Father, and go wherever he was f ordered; but to him it was a great wrench to leave : those with .whom he-had spent his whole life. While ; he would work and spend himself amongst the good

priests and people over whom he was soon to preside, he would always look back and think of the dear Bishop, priests, and people whom he was about to leave in a few weeks. At -the Holy Family Confraternity Very Rev. Father Cahill said Monsignor Brodie had done great work for their confraternity, and consequently they rejoiced at his elevation to the episcopacy. In this appointment the hand of God was assuredly manifested. . -