THE BISHOP-ELECT OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 16 December 1915, Page 36

THE BISHOP-ELECT OF CHRISTCHURCH

MESSAGES OF CONGRATULATION. " (From our Auckland correspondent.) The Right Rev. Dr. Brodie, Bishop-elect of Christchurch, attended the banquet given by the students of the Sacred Heart College to the Brothers on Monday evening, December 6, and received a very enthusiastic reception; Rev. Brother George, on behalf of the boys and Brothers, presented Dr. Brodie with a rochet, and expressed the wish that he, who was one of the first Marist Brothers' Old Boys in New Zealand to be raised to the dignity of Bishop, would be long spared to the Church in this fair land of ours.

The Right Rev. Dr. Brodie in replying said that, although he thought himself' unworthy to fill such a responsible position, it gave him a certain amount of consolation to think that his elevation should give joy and pride to the good Brothers. - He assured them that if he could assist them in their noble work he would do so.

Among the many messages of congratulation received by the Right Rev. Dr. Brodie on his appointment as Bishop of Christchurch were the following from the Prime Minister, the Postmaster-General, and the Mayor of Auckland respectively: ' Monsignor Brodie, , ' Parnell, Auckland. ' T have just been informed that you have been appointed to the very high position of Bishop of Christchurch. Please accept my sincere congratulations on the well-deserved honor which has been conferred upon you. ' W. J. Massey.'

' Sincere congratulations upon the high distinction that has been conferred upon you. Though the position is one of great responsibilities, I feel sure your eminent qualifications for the capable discharge of the duties are such that you will confer great advantages upon the people over whom you are to preside. Cordially wish you success, health, strength, long life, and happiness, and trust that with God's blessing"you may live long to fulfil your high office. Kindest regards. 'J. G. Ward.'

‘ My dear Monsignor,May I be permitted to tender you my hearty congratulations upon your attainment to the high and honorable position of Bishop

of Christchurch. lam sure that the citizens : of Auckland will appreciate this well-deserved honor. i "* ' J. H. Gunson, > • ..••■.'.-.> .... Mayor of Auckland.'

CATHOLICS AND EDUCATION. • ' . At the annual distribution of prizes to the pupils of the Sacred - Heart College, Auckland, the Right Rev. Dr. Brodie, commenting upon Brother George's remarks re Catholic education, said: 'lt might be asked what sacrifices do we Catholics make to keep up our system of education Let me explain. See the sacrifices we, as a Dominion have made this year for our Patriotic Fund. One million people have raised about £1,000,000 in New Zealand. We rejoice at the generosity-displayed, but of course there is complaint that because of this sacrifice trade is suffering, and there is some distress in the country. We Catholics are between a seventh and an. eighth of the population of New Zealand. Let .me impress this upon your minds, that year after year, we have been giving a seventh or an eighth of a million pounds for the great work of Catholic education. We have done it, and we will do it. But remember, at the same time, that although we will do this, it is an injustice against which we rebel, and against which we are determined to use every means in our power to have the injustice remedied. I hope in good time Bishop Cleary will recover his health and continue to champion the cause of Catholic education, until this injustice will, I trust, be brought to an end. In conclusion Dr. Brodie congratulated the college- upon the success of the past year, eulogised the good, self-sacrificing work of Brother George and his staff, and added, ' Wherever I go I will think of the boys of the Sacred Heart College.'

(From our Christchurch correspondent.) The Very Rev. Father Price, Adm., announced in the Cathedral on Sunday that the consecration of the Right Rev. Dr. Brodie as second Bishop of Christchurch is to take place in the Christchurch Cathedral on a date yet to be fixed.