HIS LORDSHIP BISHOP CLEARY

New Zealand Tablet, 23 March 1916, Page 35

HIS LORDSHIP BISHOP CLEARY

(By telegraph, from our Auckland correspondent.) v . V ’ " ' March 20. . The clergy of the city and suburbs, and several from the country, including- three monsignors and three deans, assembled 1 in the Cathedral presbytery this evening to bid cm revoir to his Lordship Bishop Cleary, who- leaves by the Makura to-morrow, via Vancouver,' for Rome. • . • . ’ Right Rev. Mgr. Mahoney, Diocesan Administra-tor,-wished his Lordship a safe voyage, a speedy restoration to health, and an immediate return to his priests and people, whose hearts would yearn for him. Monsignor Mahoney referred to the departure of Very Rev. Dean Lightheart, who was visiting Virginia and several American States, where many friends would meet and greet him. He hoped, too, that Dean Light-., heart would return in good health. Monsignor Mahoney finally referred to Rev. Father Kehoe, whose residence here for two years had been so prolific of good work in assisting the priests throughout the city and suburbs. He hoped Father Kehoe would also return to Auckland, where priests and people had grown to love and .esteem him. His Lordship Bishop Cleary feelingly replied. He said he would think of his dear priests and people constantly in his travels." When in Rome at the Tombs .of the Apostles,he would pray fervently for them.' Though far away* his face would always turn to New Zealand, to his own priests and people. If it were in his power, he would endeavor to bring Father Kehoe back with him. /. ... Dean Lightheart said he was going to his old missionary field in America, where he had many associations and but he would look forward to his return to Auckland six months hence. Rev. Father Kehoe said he was returning to his own dear native land, - to his people and parish, but he would never forget Auckland and the many kindnesses extended to him, particularly by his Lordship Bishop Cleary, whose life-long friendship he enjoyed, whose kindness was so lavishly bestowed on him, together with the friendships cemented amongst priests and people which time would never efface. ' His home and interests were in the Old Land, blit were it possible he would return with his dear friend, the Bishop. To-day the Bishop was the recipient of messages from all parts of the Dominion, wishing him hon voyage. These were from ecclesiastics, public men, friends, and well-wishers. The Mayor of Auckland (Mr. J. H. Gunson) called at Bishop’s House this afternoon, and in the name of the citizens, bade Bishop Cleary good-bye, and expressed the hope he would return in strong and vigorous health, and again enrich our roll of. citizenship, which he had so worthily assisted and elevated. The Mayor added, ‘ln this I voice the unanimous wish of the citizens of Auckland.’ His Lordship heartily thanked the Mayor for whom he had the warmest admiration. He would always remember the Mayor’s unbounded hospitality and welcome accorded to the Apostolic Delegate. • On •his return he hoped he would be privileged to assist the Mayor in his good work, not only in a municipal, but in a wider sphere, to which he believed the Mayor would ultimately aspire. • His Lordship expressed his keen regret at not seeing, Bishop Brodie before he left, as he.had looked forward with the greatest delight and. pleasure to meeting him. - - --