METHVEN—RAKAIA

New Zealand Tablet, 1 June 1916, Page 43

METHVEN—RAKAIA

His Lordship Bishop .Brodie paid his first official visit to Methvexx on May 10, and was warmly welcomed by the Catholics of the district. In the evening his Lordship was received at the church by the Rev. Dr. Kennedy and the Rev. Rather O’Donnell (former pastor of the district), when there was a crowded congregation. After a short religious service (says the Ashburton Guardian ) an adjournment was made to the Oddfellows’ Hall, which had been tastefully decorated for the occasion, being transformed into a draw-ing-room by the lady members of the church. An enjoyable musical programme was provided by local talent, assisted by Miss and Master Cullen, of Ashburton.

At the end of the musical programme, Mr. Jas. Poff, on behalf of the parishioners, read an address of welcome to his Lordship. The speaker assured the Bishop that it was with very great pleasure that the members of the Catholic community in the town and district welcomed him in their midst. He assured him* that the people of the parish would extend to him the same obedience and practical support that they had given to the late Bishop of Christchurch. The speaker referred to the close association in the early days between the pastor of the parish and the Bishop. The parishioners claimed that Methvexx was the youngest parish in the diocese, and therefore, on that account, asked for special care and affection. He assured his Lordship that the parishioners strove to emulate the example of the older parishes by cultivating a true Catholic spirit and by maintaining the traditionary relationship between themselves, their priest, and their bishop, and also by their generosity to the church. They had also introduced a community of Sisters of Mercy into the district to teach their children, and to care for the sick, and to assist in the work of the church.

The Rev. Dr. Kennedy prefaced the parishioners’ welcome to his Lordship. He referred in feeling terms to the obligations which he personally owed to his Lordship in his early life. He assured Bishop Brodie that they were all delighted to have him in their midst, and hoped that he would be able to pay frequent visits to the parish. Rev. Father O’Donnell stated that he was glad €o be once again associated with the parishioners ‘ in extending a welcome to Bishop Brodie. He also congratulated the parish on the progress which it had made. . His Lordship Bishop Brodie, in rising to reply, was warmly applauded. After thanking the parishioners for their warm and hearty welcome, he went on to refer to the progress made by the parish. He stated that he attributed the advancement made, first to the fact that the foundation had been laid so well by Father O’Donnell, who’had labored in the county for many years, and without whose energetic pioneering work, the subsequent progress could not have been attained. He stated that he would visit the parish at frequent intervals, and that he had been charmed with the locality and the cordiality of their welcome. A dainty supper was then provided by the ladies. All the parishioners were then presented to Bishop Brodie. The gathering was attended by the members of the Hibernian Society, in regalia. On Thursday morning a large gathering of Catholics from Methven and surrounding districts assembled at, the Methven Church, when Mass was celebrated at 9 o’clock by Bishop Brodie. A large number of children of the parish received First Communion at the hands of the Bishop. During the morning the children gave an entertainment at the school in honor of his Lordship. On Tuesday afternoon, May 9, his Lordship Bishop Brodie paid his first official visit to Rakaia district,

where he was welcomed by a large number of parishioners. His Lordship inspected the school and church property. In the evening devotions were held, in the church, when Benediction was given ‘ by his Lordship, assisted by Rev. Dr. Kennedy. Later on an entertainment was held 'in the Oddfellows’ Hall in honor of the distinguished visitor. During an interval, Mr. M. Liddy, supported by Mr. P. Tully, read an address of welcome to the Bishop. Reference was made to the establishment of a school in the district, which was in charge of the Sisters of Mercy, and the good results that had already been attained. His Lordship congratulated the parishioners on the progress which they had made iii the past, and stated that he hoped to pay several visits to the district in future. *

The Bishop was the guest of the Hinds family, to whom grateful acknowledgment was made for their generosity, since the establishment of the parish, in providing a home for the priest.