FATHER HOWARD'S SILVER JUBILEE

New Zealand Tablet, 3 July 1919, Page 39

FATHER HOWARD'S SILVER JUBILEE

CELEBRATION: AT ; , i ... » ■ --_—_# -*\" ./| Father M. Howard, the popular pastor of Milton during the past 11 years, attained last Thursday the silver jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood (says the Bruce Herald offline 23); 3 At" a social-tendered to him iii the evening, St,' jcraelm'sfSchoolroom proved < totally inadequate to - accommodate large crowd, of all shades of religious opinion, who assembled to honor a beloved, priest and ail estimable citizen. Extra«: seating accommodation had been provided, but scores had to be turned away, unable to; gain admittance. The Mayor presided! Proceedings' commenced with a chorus by the church choir."' - r^»,.»M».,,.,^^~ r ~m~*~*« . I The Mayor expressed. his pleasure at jhaying the opportunity of honoring.'■Father. Howard—a man whom they all loved and esteemed and to whom honor was due. This was the first opportunity which "had presented itself, to the parishioners of the Milton Catholic, Church c andother' citizens'* of '-publicly recognising the " 1 beloved pastor and extending their appreciation of his labor;* in their -midst. - The silver jubilee ; marked an epoch in Father Howard's priesthood. He was ordained in the city of -'Paris?, on June 19, 1894 — a city to which public thought wandered daily when reading cable news of .the Peace Conference.., v ,He_was educated /? in Paris, and studied at , the Irish College. Shortly after Fat her Howard ordination to the priesthood he came to this Dominion, at the t request, of the late Dr. Moran, and there was : large scope' 7 : for youhg and energetic priests at that period. ■Father- Howard been . stationed at Oamaru, Gore, South Dunedin, "also* assisting at St. Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin, as Administrator. Eleven years had elapsed since he came to Milton parish, which extended almost from Mosgiel" to the "back o' beyont'.' in Catlins district. This covered a large area, and it was marvellous chow the revered parish priest managed to get over the district on his usual "duties or errands of mercy. Father Howard was noted for quick travelling with his" motor cycle or car/' and the. speaker opined; that he sometimes .exceeded the speed limits. (Laughter.) He.was .a .busy man, ,but found time to devote to hobbies, the principal of which was a love of horticulture;' and the displays from his ' garden had been universally admired at the local Horti-; cultural Society's shows. Father Howard had a soft spot in his heart for human nature, and the children admired him for his kindly, cheerful spirit and friendly manner toward them. During his ministry 5 in Milton great improvements had been effected to the church -, propertyat a cost of about £l4oo it had been a pleasure to note the harmonious relations-which existed between the congregation and "their beloved pastor. Although .hot.'having, taken a prominent part in public affairs, Father., Howard maintained a keen interest in matters.:affecting the welfare of the, borough. The parishioners did well to honor their priest, who rejoiced with them in their gladness and prosperity, or expressed ■* a ready sympathy and lent a helping hand in times of f sorrow or trouble. Words were too inadequate to fully express their -appreciation'of' Father Howard. On s behalf of the parishioners r and - well-wishers,: the Mayor . then presented ~ the guest with a bag containing 140 sovereigns as a /slight token of their c appreciation, and hoped he would be long spared to ; minister "'the comforts of the Church to his parishioners : in this district. G\ Mr. "W. Kirby, speaking on behalf of the parishioners, congratulated Father Howard j on the attainment of his silver jubilee, and extended their kindly feelings and best wishes for his future health, peace, and happiness. They fell they could rf not v allow, the auspicious occasion to pass without outward .manifestation of the love and loyalty they bore - towards their pastor. ; The Mayor had referred to his qualities from the civilian's view, but it remained for his.flock to „ speak of his work amongst ; v them in teaching and expounding the fundamental principles of Holy ? Church. • ■ The r bond of unity between pastor and flock in Milton was as v great as in the days when martyrs in Ireland their

■ lives for the faith. 1 It was -difficult to v express theirlfuF appreciation of /his kindly sympathy Ito^r^Mthe®Father Howard had performed many kindly actfbns" in secret, and his parishioners did not forget these unostentatious deeds. f No personal sacrifice had: been too great in ministering to their needs in this large parish —even to those in the most remote corners thereof. Mr. P. Curran said he had been a member of .-thy* " parish for 45 years, and during that period had . monopolised 45 minutes of their time in speechmakingl,, ' Duty called him to express" his sentiments, but it was difficult to find words sufficiently^expressiveTof> his kindly feelings towards their loved priest, whom they were all proud to honor. There was no self-sacrifice which Father Howard would not- undertake onn their behalf. ; I ■..,' : ...-. •.■ ;; .■■-.>.•. i; ,.'/. ■sjiifilSComplimentary speeches were also made by Mr. ; M. Cowan (representing the Kaitang'ata parishioners), Mr. J. J. Marlow (who paid high tribute to the guest's services whilst at South. Dunedin), Mr. Alex. Rennie, Mr. John Paul, Mr. W. B. Graham/ and * Very Rev. | Father Coffey (Diocesan Administrator), who spoke of" the close bond of brotherhood existing between Father? ..Howard, and his brother-priests in the Dunedin diocese? Father Howard, on rising to respond, was greeted with loud cheering. He expressed his gratitude for the. presence, of' such a large audience/thus proving their * encouragement and goodwill towards him. He : was. grateful for >. the /privilege which had been accorded ; ; him l of ; teaching and administering to , them ' the truths d of the Church, and for the people's support and prayers, . in his ministry amongst them. They ] had '■ treated his shortcomings with the greatest indulgence, ■ and always accorded him respect for his office. They' had also t given him the most comfortable means of travelling ; round the large parish, thus dispensing with. the long .- . and wearisome journeys of the past.. From their earthly "'-■ treasures they had 'now contributed to the handsome gift of that f veiling, for which he expressed deepest J gratitude. No man with any . human feelings could.:; receive such gifts and devoted service without willingly ; performing any task which might be requested of . him. ■ He was grateful to God for having placed him amongst, a people with such generous hearts and such devoted gs service. - (Loud applause.) ,c i .: ; -; ; A lengthy -musical- and elocutionary programme was rendered at intervals.-: Songs were contributed by | Misses Hand, llealy, and Curran, Messrs. Dawson and J --Holmes :- violin- solo by Miss Venning: part song by % Messrs. Hubble, Littlejohn. Grealish, and Kirby; duet |- by Miss Martin and Mr. F. Hubble ; and recitations | by Mr. M., Cowan. The accompaniments were played @ '/ by Mrs. McMurtrie. Misses Curran and Coleman. Miss | . Wall .also contributed a dance. Supper was provided § arid served by ladies of the congregation. The duties | of secretary and musical director were capably dis- I] -charged by Messrs. 11. '"■ G real islv- and Wm. Kirby |! - : respectively. : - . . . ■>■- Father. Howard was - also entertained in the : 'afternoon by the pupils of St. Joseph's School, and pre- % sented with a framed handsomely-designed illuminated I] address and a brief bag. The text of the address, which | was;; printed at the Tabid office, was as follows: Very Rev. and Dear Father, —It is with •feelings of 1 pleasure and pride that we greet you on this memorable | day—the silver jubilee of your ordination to the priest- : .l hood, the _ twenty-fifth anniversary of that great' day | when it was your/ privilege to be made Sacerdos mi $ A'ctefwivi. During/many of those years the sphere | of your" labors has been this parish, where young and I old, sick and well, bear high testimony to your ] zeal, 1 f; , earnestness-; and loving care. We hope you will accept jy bur little gift as a small token of our grateful love to- | I wards you. our father and friend. May God grant"you 1 length of days, and may you still be laboring in our | midst when the glad bells ring j out your golden jubilee. | With respectful love, we are. Rev. and dear Father, I your grateful children of St. Joseph's School. / I