DEPARTING PRIESTS HONORED

New Zealand Tablet, 26 February 1920, Page 17

DEPARTING PRIESTS HONORED

FAREWELLS AND PRESENTATIONS. - A social was held in the schoolroom, Lower Hutt, on Thursday'evening, February 12, at which there was a large gathering of the parishioners, to bid farewell to the Rev. Father Fitzgibbon, who has been transferred to St. Anne's, Newtown, Wellington (writes a correspondent). After an overture on the piano by Miss Phyllis Connolly, and songs by Mr. Rowe and Mrs. Henderson, Mr. E, P. Bunny addressed the gathering, saying they had met that evening to say good-bye to. Father Fitzgibbon after two years' residence amongst them, during which time he had displayed great zeal and earnestness in the performance of f his duties, bringing the choir up to a high state of efficiency, and infusing new life and vigor into the Altar Society and Children of Mary Sodality. His absence would be keenly felt, especially by the sick of the parish, to whom he had been a devoted attendant. On behalf of the parishioners he (Mr. Bunny) had much pleasure in asking the departing priest to accept a well filled wallet, from the choir a handsome oak writing-desk and table, from the Altar Society a floor rug, and from the Children of Mary a silver inkstand, suitably inscribed. Very Rev. Dean Lane said he was delighted to see the parishioners there to show honor to Father Fitzgibbon, who really deserved every word spoken of him that night. For himself it was with the keenest regret he was parting with one who had become dear to him on account of his charming qualities and his strict attention to his duties. He could only wish him God speed and trust that he would be happy in his new parish. Father Fitzgibbon, who was greeted with applause, said he could not find words to ; express his feelings. It was with deep regret he was leaving this, his first parish, where he had made many friends, and amongst whom he had been so happy. He could only say his thoughts would ever, be with his late parishioners, and from his heart he wished them every spiritual and ! temporal blessing. Songs were then given by Misses Strickland, Hodgins, Patterson, Patton, Berry, Hansby, j and Mr. Walsh, all of which were thoroughly enjoyed. At S the conclusion of the concert the ladies handed-.round re- | freshments, during which Father Fitzgibbon took the opportunity to say good-bye to all personally. The Rev. Father Connolly, parish priest at Kilbirnic, was present at the gathering. The Rev. Father O'Donnell has taken up his duties here.

REV. FATHER DOWLING, S.M. Prior to his departure for Christchurch, having been transferred to the staff of St. Bcde's College, Father Dowling, S.M., was farewelled by the parishioners of Napier, and friends, in the local Princess Hall. Mr. B. J. Dolan presided, and in presenting the guest of the evening with a gold watch, suitably inscribed, and a wallet of notes the chairman proceeded to say that he felt a special regard for Father Dowling as one who had had some legal experience. He had studied law in the office of one of our most distinguished Irish Catholics, Colonel Malone, but Father Dowling found that he could never attain a

place with the only lawyer on -the calendar of saints, the patron saint of Brittany, of whom the hymn was sung :• Advocatus et non latro lies Miranda popido. ' .'■•■ ; ■• '■■< Father Dowling, after obtaining his first section of the LL.B., felt "the call of the blind and crippled in body and mind and soul." He chose the higher , part, left the law, and followed the beckoning hand to the sanctuary, the pulpit, and the Cross. After the arduous seven years of his novitiate and his five years of priestly labor, Father Dowling was joining a distinguished galaxy of university men at St. Bede's College, Christchurch of the wisest adventures ever undertaken in the cause of . Catholic education, setting in the foreground the furtherance of knowledge in agricultural and pastoral science. That was what we wanted in New Zealand, and wise heads saw it. St. Bede's was costing £40,000, ■'. and every farthing of the investment would be returned a thousandfold, not only to Catholics, but to the Dominion, and that was the patriotism that worked to make New Zealand reliant on her own resources. Mr Dolan said that he felt very much honored in having been requested by the committee in charge of the arrangements to preside at the evening's function. Proceeding, the speaker referred to the gathering he was addressing, and characterised St. Patrick's parish as being a fair example of the traditional mixture wherein the influence of good men like their guest counted for much. He never "looked too good or talked too wise," but he got there just the same. The poor fellow behind the prison bars knew that, because' no one attended at the gaol more consistently than Father Howling, and the chap in gaol could send the message out that, after all, the moral of the French writer was not that being a debtor or a sinner was the way to happiness; it was most frequently the broad road to the padlocked cell within the frowning walls. There was another branch of Father Dowling's ministrations with which everyone was acquainted—his work at the hospital. He (the chairman) had been told by officials of that institution that there was no one whose visits were more appreciated, and who did not find a tonic in the breezy manner and the manly voice of the old Taranaki representative footballer. The chairman said he was glad to see so many non-Catholics present to bid God-speed to their departing friend. Enlightened communities like Napier had got rid of silly, ignorant prejudices long ago, and the attitude of their Protestant friends that evening showed that differences of belief blinded the eyes of no true man to such virtues as were manifest in their guestthe Christian virtues of tolerance, charity, absence of cant, and love of duty—of which traits Father Dowling was such a fine exemplar. Mr. Dolan, on behalf of all present, wished Father Dowling success in his new sphere of work. The Rev. Father Tymons also eulogised the good work of Father Dowling. In reply. Father Dowling thanked all for their good wishes and kindnesses which had been shown him. During the evening a concert programme was given, the following contributing items: Mrs. Allen, Messrs. A. Hynes, T. G. Taylor, and Rev. Father Fitzgibbon (songs), Mr. B. Barker (violin solo), and Rev. Father Hickson (humorous stories). REV. FATHER CLANCY, S.M., HOKITIKA. . A large crowd of' parishioners and well-wishers assembled in St. Mary's Club Rooms, Hokitika, the other evening to say farewell and God-speed to Rev. Father Clancy, S.M., who for the past 10 years has been parish priest of Hokitika, and who was about to leave on transfer to Napier. Mr. W. J. Jeffries (chairman of the presentation committee) presided, while among those present were Rev. Fathers Aubry (Greymouth) and O'Hare (Kumara) and Messrs. H. M. Coulson (Deputy-Mayor) and J. Mandl. The chairman, speaking on behalf of the parishioners, expressed regret at the pending departure of Father Clancy, who had been pastor of the parochial district during the past 10 years. He referred to their guest's devoted service in the interests not alone .of his parishioners, but of the people generally of the district. Mr. Jeffries went on to refer to Father Clancy's labors in connection with the new church, the result being that parishioners now had a building which to-day could not be built for twice the money. He considered that the Marist Fathers had done a great deal of noble work in this young country. Of course, as priests, they had to go where they were sent, and Father Clancy was now about to leave them for Napier. He felt sure the community would join with him in wishing the departing priest a pleasant trip to Australia, and on his return a long life of health and happiness. He then called on Mr. J. Cahill, one of the oldest parishioners, to make the presentation. Mr. Cahill, in presenting Father Clancy with a purse of 100 sovereigns, referred to their close friendship for many years . past. He would keenly

miss Rev. Father ; Clancy, and keenly regretted = his; .departure, but wished him a safe trip to Australia and back . and good health to ' carry on his work in Napier. "> Miss. Dorothy Stephens, on behalf of the Children of Mary, \ also presented Father Clancy with a gold-mounted fountainpen, suitably engraved." Mr. H. M." Coulson (DeputyMayor) said it gave him great pleasure to present and to note the tangible evidences of the respect -in which Father Clancy was held. He wished to speak both as Deputy-Mayor and as one outside the Rev. Father's flock. In small communities 'ike theirs people naturally became more intimately acquainted with each other, and he had not known Father Clancy long before he realised that the right man had come to fill the right place, and their guest had justly earned the esteem which the night's gathering marked. Personally, he would miss Father Clancy—would miss his smile — smile which was like a ray of sunshine on a dark day. The recent epidemic had proved his devoted zeal and true Christian charity. During that dreadful time he had done all that a man could do to help the suffering of- every class and denomination, even (as Mr. Jeffries had said) to the extent of vacating his own residence to afford the necessary accommodation for the sick and needy inubhat trying time. Now he was going he would be missed, not only by his own flock, but also by those outside. He assured their guest that he would find no warmer hearts there than in Hokitika, and concluded by wishing him, on behalf of the people, God-speed, and—that he might always find pleasure in carrying on his work in that sphere to which it had pleased God to call him. Messrs J. Mandl, N. Warren, and G. Wormington also spoke in appreciation of Father Clancy's priestly qualities and of his flashing interest in St. Mary's Catholic Club and other local institutions. Fathers Aubry and O'Hare said they shared the sense of loss now being experienced by the people of Hokitika by the departure of their zealous pastor, who to the speakers had always been a close friend and willing helper. They joined in extending every good wish to Father Clancy in the future, and hoped that Dean Tubman would be as happy there as his predecessor, and that the progress of the future would he equal to, if not more than, that of the past. Father Clancy, who was greeted with prolonged applause, returned his heartfelt thanks to one and all in doing him this great honor. He felt that such was not due to him, but it was an occasion where he had to submit to the feelings of others. He believed in the idea of "Keep on Smiling," and thanked the Deputy-Mayor for his kind remarks in that direction. He referred to the many works he had undertaken in the parish, the new school (costing £294), the Kanieri church (a cost of £366), and the new church at Hokitika (which cost over £4IOO. and on which only about £IOOO was now owing). He honed to hoar that, after the next bazaar, the church would be clear. The tower on the church (100 x 18 x 18 feet) had been built for £327, while he understood the town clock cost £I2OO. The club rooms had been removed to their present site, and set on a concrete bed. But he could not take the credit of these good works. They were a mark of the people's generosity and willingness to help. Referring to the recent epidemic, he had (he said) only done his duty, but he would never forget that dreadful experience, and related several touching incidents that came within his notice at that time. Father Clancv paid a warm tribute to the many good qualities of Mr. Cahill, who had proved himself a true friendno man could wish for a better one. Speaking of Westland, he said it 'possessed grandeur in its beautiful scenery of bush, mountains, lakes, and glaciers that no other locality could compare with. He would (he said in conclusion) ever keep memories of the dear old Coast and its warmhearted people. "While thanking the people for their generous gift and great kindness, he said he would pray that God would bless them abundantly. During the evening a musical programme was contributed to by Misses E. Reid, E. Hatch, and Jones, Messrs. S. Brand, P. Fitzgerald, and T. Stopforth (songs), Misses Daly, Giese, and Devaney (instrumental trio), Misses Daly and Stopforth (piano duet). Misses A. Daly and M. Giese were accompanists. Supper was served, after which the social was extended for several hours. ■ . REVS. D. HURLEY, S.M., AND J. F. O'CONNOR, S.M. Recently, in the presence of a large gathering of the parishioners of St. Joseph's, Buckle Street, Wellington, Revs. D. Hurley, S.M., and J. F. O'Connor, S.M., were farewelled prior to their departure, the former to Timaru, and the latter to Wanganui. Among those present were his Grace Archbishop O'Shea, S.M., Rev. Fathers Smyth, S.M., M. Murphy, S.M., Mangan, C.SS.R., Bowe, and O'Connor. v Speaking of the services rendered to, the parish by the departing priests, Mr. M. J. Reardon emphasised the good

; ;,„'. '....,.7' ■'.■"'?.- '■ ■•'-■': ■'-. ■' •':" :"••-?'■ ". ' , :"r : ' <►;-*■■ -<-:-•■' ■■- - ■-.:"- •: r-.--•;:.-Work that .Father Hurley : had done in connection \ with education. - He felt sure (he said) that every father and mother in the parish appreciated that phase of his work. In ; regard to Father O'Connor, he said they very ■ much regretted his departure. He had endeared' himself to all sections of the community, and his work among the poor during the influenza epidemic would ever be held.in grateful remembrance. "We are," he said, "losing two priests who have rendered immense service to the parish, and every man and woman in the parish sincerely regrets that 'we have to say good-bye to them." Mr. J. J. L. Burke then read a lengthy address expressive of the parishioners' deep appreciation of Father Hurley's splendid services during his ten years' pastorate of St. Joseph's. The address concluded by asking Father Hurley's acceptance of gilts, which consisted of a travelling bag and rug, a cheque, and a roll-top desk. Mr. Burke also presented Father O'Connor with a motorist's leather-lined overcoat, brief bag, and other articles. Mr. J. J. O'Gorman, on behalf of the Children of Mary, presented Father O'Connor (their spiritual director) with a travelling bag; while Mr. W. Gamble, jun., on behalf of the altar boys, presented suitable gifts to both.priests. Mr. J, A. Scott, M.A., LL.M., •also referred to the good work that had been done by Father Hurley on behalf, of the Catholic Federation, Wellington Diocesan Council, of which he had been' president for five and a half years. He was the rudder that guided the Federation, and was an adviser and counsellor of the highest quality. It was these qualities, combined, with tactfulness and courtesy on Father Hurley's part, that made the Federation in the archdiocese a most successful organisation. Father Hurley's much appreciated services to the Catholic Federation were further acknowledged in an address, which was beautifully illustrated and decorated with the emblems of the Federation and of the Society of Mary, read by Mr. W. F. Johnson, and embodying the iollowing resolutions: —"The Diocesan Council learns with Jeep regret that you are to be transferred to another diocese, and that in consequence it will not be possible for you to continue in office as president of the council, a position you have filled with dignity and with honor to yourself and to the council for the past five and a half years." At the meeting of the executive committee held on February 3 it was unanimously resolved:"That this council desires to place on record its sincere appreciation of the great services rendered to the New Zealand Catholic Federation by the Rev. Father Hurley. S.M., as president of the Wellington Diocesan Council for the past five and a half years its profound regret that by his departure from the archdiocese the council will be deprived of bis sound judgment and guidance; and its earnest prayer is that God's best blessing will be with him in his new sphere of labor." The council review with pride the work accomplished during your term of office as president, and it has 1 happy recollections of the invariable courtesy find consideration extended to members from the chair daring that lengthy period." Archbishop O'Shea also expressed regret at the departure of Fathers Hurley and O'Connor. Nobody present that evening felt more sorry than he. Father Hurley had been 11 years in the parish, and Father O'Connor nearly five years. Two more amiable companions or better priests it would be hard to find anywhere. For the last seven years Father Hurley had acted as Administrator of one of the largest parishes in the Dominion, and in the opinion of his ecclesiastical and religious superiors lie had been a complete success. He (the Archbishop) was greatly blessed in the first years of his episcopacy in having associated with him two such devoted priests. Father Hurley had greatly helped him in .Federation matters, and through his association with the Federation had made the Wellington centre an example for the rest of the Dominion. "Both Father Hurley and Father O'Connor," he added, "go from us with my blessing and good wishes, and yours also." (Cheers.) In the course of his reply, Father Hurley referred to the loyalty and spirit of self-sacrifice that had been evinced by the people, of ,the parish—a spirit that had resulted in the fact that the clergy never felt any fear .in regard to any movement that they undertook. He made special reference to the boys' choir and the altar boys, and also referred to the valuable help that had been accorded to the priest's by the Marist Brothers and Sisters. He thanked the people for their sincere expressions of regard. With reference to material works he was merely a director and it was due to the people's loyalty and sacrifice that the works during his period of office had been accomplished, and for which they would receive the blessing of Almighty God. It was not the few donations from the wealthy that accomplished these works but donations from the hard earnings of the poor.. This all tended to show the great

union between priest and people. His association, with his Grace - the Archbishop--had been; most pleasant, and he thanked his Grace for his valuable assistance, his words of counsel, and his sympathy in all -of .the works undertaken by him. In Rev. Fathers Barra and O’Connor, who had been associated with him, he had two splendid confreres, and their relations as brother priests had always been most cordial and friendly. He was.'►grateful - to the members of the Diocesan Council for their kindness, and had never worked with a finer body of Christian men. The Federation had a great future in front of it, and it . would prove a great bulwark for education and the principles of charity and justice in everyday life. Rev. Father O’Connor, in briefly returning thanks, paid warm tributes to the kindness of the people of St. Joseph’s, and - expressed his gratitude to them. He also desired to thank his Grace and the Rev. Father Hurley for their many acts of kindness to him, His Grace then introduced the Rev. Fathers Bowe, and O’Connor who recently arrived from the Old Country, as successors to the departing priests, and exhorted the people to show them every consideration - and to heartily co-operate with them in- the works of the parish. Fathers Bowe and O’Connor briefly replied .