DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 22 August 1918, Page 23

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) ... - • August 19. The social held in the Hibernian Hall on Wednesday last in aid of the Catholic Girls’ Hostel was very successful, and patrons were treated, to a most enjoyable evening’s entertainment. ' V. v ’_ At the Cathedral on Sunday last an appeal was made in aid of the funds of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The address of his Lordship the Bishop was most fruitful, and the collections taken up by the members of the society exceeded ,£IOO. In the evening at Vespers the Bishop thanked the faithful for the generosity shown, and invoked upon them the blessing promised by our’Divine Lord to those who help the needy. Father Long, who is now convalescent, has gone to Methven as the guest of Father Price for a few days before leaving for the West Coast. Rev. Dr. Kennedy returned from Sydney last week, and is much improved in health. Rev. Father G. Kelly (Gisborne), who left Christchurch mi Tuesday, August 13, on his return to Auckland, was given a farewell in the Hibernian Hall on the previous evening. The members of St. Patrick’s and St. Matthew’s branches of the H.A.C.B. Societyand the Celtic Club arranged the gathering in gratitude for the kindly interest Father Kelly° had shown in the parochial works connected with the Cathedral during his stay in Christchurch. Bro. J. M. Coffey, president St. Patrick’s branch, presided, and there .were present: His Lordship Bishop Brodie, Fathers Fogarty and Carroll, Rev. Brothers Emilian, Phelan, and Luke, of the local teaching staff of the Maiist Brothers, and a good attendance of friends of the societies entertaining. A musical and elocutionary programme was contributed to by Misses E. Jarman and K. O’Brien, Messrs. W. Brittenden, Phil. Jones, C. Fottrell, P. Smyth, and B. Rennell. Miss E. Sykes and Mr. Harry Hiscocks, besides contributing pianoforte selections, played the accompaniments ; and Miss Norah Baxter danced an Irish jig and Highland fling. During an interval the chairman referred to the general regret felt at the departure of Father Kelly, and called upon Miss E. Brophy, president St! Matthew’s (Ladies’) Branch of the H.A.C.B. Society, to make a presentation to their guest. In doin 0 * so Miss Brophy thanked Father Kelly for the kindness he had shown the society by attending the meetings, contributing as he had done to their entertainments, and interesting himself in their intellectual welfare. In saying good-bye, they wished him every success, and the blessing of God. Bro. J. Curry, president of the Celtic Club, and Bro. Coffey endorsed the remarks of Miss Brophy, and assured Father Kelly that he would always receive a cordial welcome from their respective bodies. His Lordship the Bishop said that although there was a feeling of sadness in a farewell function of this kind, there was an element of pleasure in the present occasion, and that was to see the esteem in which Father Kelly was held by those assembled that evening. As Bishop, he wished to express his heartfelt appreciation of the great assistance that Father Kelly had so cheerfully given him at a time when, owing to sickness amongst his priests, such assistance was doubly welcome. He had been a friend in need, and he (the speaker), on behalf of his priests and people, wished him many years of fruitful work. Fathers Carroll and Fogarty also eulogised the goodness of the departing priest, and wished him every success in his mission. On rising to respond, Father Kelly was greeted with cheers. He paid a high tribute to his Lordship’s hospitality and goodness, and the brotherly good fellowship existing between him and his priests— spirit that turned work into pleasure. He had, he said, .been edified by the splendid spirit of Faith and Fatherland shown by the Hibernians of Christchurch, a spirit that reminded him of Home. In thanking all present for the surprise that had been given him that evening, and the performers for their musical treat, he assured his hearers that his visit

to Christchurch would live happily in his memory. After refershments had been served, Path Kelly contributed several vocal solos, after which the proceedings terminated by the singing of" “God Save Ireland.”