His Excellency the Apostolic Delegate at Christchurch

New Zealand Tablet, 24 November 1921, Page 17

His Excellency the Apostolic Delegate at Christchurch

AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME Opening of St. Mary's School :: Numerous Social Functions

St. Mary’s Memorial School, Christchurch

The Catholic community of Christchurch (says the Press ) gave a warm welcome on Saturday night (the 12th inst.) to his Excellency Archbishop Cattaneo, Apostolic Delegate to Australasia. His Excellency came up from Dunedin by the second express, and was met at Oamaru by his Lordship Bishop Brodie. A committee of the laity, co-operating with the clergy and members of the religious Orders, had arranged for an impressive demonstration of welcome. The members of St. Mary’s, St. Patrick’s, -and the Sacred Heart (Addington) branches of the Hibernian Society attended in regalia, and 'formed a guard of honor at the railway station. His Excellency was greeted with rousing cheers, and as soon as he was conducted to the waiting motor car (which was draped in white and yellow), the procession, headed by St. Bede’s College Cadets in uniform, started off along Moorhouse Avenue to the episcopal residence in Barbadoes Street. The pupils of the several Catholic schools in Christchurch also joined in the procession, and striking effect was lent to the scene by the girls of the high school, wearing white dresses and red sashes, while the Nazareth House girls were in blue dresses and had yellow sashes. The frontage of the Cathedral was decorated with electric lights, and the drive in the Presbytery grounds was similarly decorated, a large archway at tho main entrance having a scroll on top with the Gaelic welcome “Cead Mile Failte.” After a few minutes’ rest his Excellency proceeded to the Cathedral, where he officiated at Pontifical Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The large building was packed. As the Pontifical procession went up the nave, the combined choir from the Cathedral, St. Mary’s, and Addington sang “Ecce Sacerdos Magnus” (Stadler). During the short ceremony hymns were* also sung by the convent girl pupils.

His Lordship Bishop Brodie, in a few words, extended a. welcome on behalf of the citizens of Christchurch and the Catholic community of the Christchurch parishes and the diocese to his Excellency, who came as the representative of his Holiness tho Pope. He was gratified at the deep feeling of the people, as shown by the warm demonstration that night'.

The Most Rev. Archbishop Cattaneo said he could not express in a few words how great his joy was to receive such a fine welcome. It showed a deep sentiment, and how great was the faith in the hearts of the Catholics of. Christchurch.

Sunday's Celebrations The 8.15 Mass at the Cathedral on Sunday was celebrated by Archbishop Cattaneo. An exceedingly large number received Holy Communion at the hands of the representative of the Supreme Pontiff. Pontifical High Mass was celebrated at 11 o'clock, when there was a large congregation. The combined choir sang Gounod's No. 3 Mass. His Lordship Bishop Brodie was celebrant; Very Rev Father Graham, S.M., assistant priest; deacon, Rev. Father O'Hare; subdeacqn, Rev. Father Burger; master of ceremonies, Rev. Dr. Kennedy; assisttant master of ceremonies, Rev. Father Gallagher; deacons at the throne, Dean Bowers and Rev. Dr. Farrelly. The sermon was.preached by the Rev. Dr. Kennedy, i In the afternoon'his Excellency blessed and opened St. Mary's Memorial School On arrival at St. Mary's Presbytery, his Excellency, who was accompanied by his Lordship Bishop Brodie and other members of the clergy, was met by; the Rev. Father Kerley, acting parish priest, the members of the H.A.C.B. Society forming a guard of honor. A procession was then formed. His Excellency proceeded through the church grounds to the new school, where he conducted the cere-

mony of blessing it. Subsequently the building was declared open, and a number of speeches made from a platform erected at the rear of the church. Rev. Father Ear-

ley, in extending a welcome to his Excellency on behalf of the clergy and ’laity, stated that the honor of his visit was deeply appreciated. He regretted that the Very Rev. Doan Regnault, parish priest, was unavoidably absent from such an important function. He was at present on the water.. It would give him the greatest pleasure when he learned, that his Excellency had opened the school. Tie memorial had been erected to the soldiers of the parish who had fallen in the war. It would be quite large enough to hold all the children at present in the parish, and if necessary the school could be added to later. His Excellency was the direct ~representative of his Holiness the Pope, who was thus showing his interest in the educational movement. The great attendance was a complimen to his Excellency, because, although the function of ope ling the school was one of importance, the speaker had litlle doubt that had his Excellency not been with them,' , tie attendance would have been much less. In conclusion, he again extended a welcome to his Excellency. (Applause.)

Rev. Father H. Seymour said that it was just two years since the first meeting was called to consider tenders for the new school. .The tenders ranged from £36q£ 5s to £8193, and were subject to reservations regarding rises in material and- wages. Acceptance of a tend exmeant the obligation to pay what was asked; hence it was decided to do the work by day lab When the work was commenced, the building was so precarious an undertaking that it was only the urgent need of accommodation that prevented a delay until more favorable times. Frcm the beginning difficulties were met with and contingencies which the tenderers were careful to insure themselves against had to-be faced. The price of wages and mat( rials increased, and in this respect there had been practically nothing in the way of a pleasant surprise at any tine during the progress of the work. During the past fo liand a half years, by means of various entertainments, tie sum of £B6BI Gs 5d had been collected, but with the expenditure that had taken place there was a debit balince to-day of about £3OOO. The honors board to be sef up would contain some 300 names. He hoped that tie parishioners would give the panels for the names, also a piano for the use of the hall. He wished to thank his Excellency Archbishop Cattaneo for his attendance, also his Lordship Bishop Brodie, Catholic and non-Catho’ic visitors, the committee (especially . Mr. Prendergast). He drew attention to the success of scholars attending the school at recent examinations. The loyalty of the Catholics of St. Mary’s parish was proved by the number ot names on the honors board. The men hose names -would adorn the board fought for freedom and that would always be insisted on by the Church, especially, when the powers that be threatened to infringe on the right of the Clpireh to give education to its children. “The building,” concluded Father Seymour, (i is a monument to . our men who fought. It is a monument to our parishioners, and if I am proud off it to-day it is because it is a fitting monument to the faith, the zeal, and the devotion of the loyal parishioners of St. Mary’s.”

At Opening of St. Mary's School His Lordship Bishop Brodie said: my few words to-day I must speak of the absence of one who is very deeply interested in they opening of these schools, the Very Rev. Dean Regnault; his parting message to me was to try and arrange this opening function. He. has not the privilege of being with us, but when-he learns by cable or letter that his Excellency has blessed and

opened these schools his joy will bo very great. The members of the local Education Department, especially Inspector Brock, have been most helpful in their suggestions for the arrangement of the building and have been in a large measure responsible for the thorough up-to-dateness of <the design. I am very interested to learn that only £3OOO is owing, and although, as his Excellency remarked, this is not a large sum when we see the work which has been done, yet we have to take into consideration that we have no financial aid from the Government. I may inform his Excellency that it was customary for the Government to help all schools in some measure, and even a small measure was appreciated, but in 1887 there was passed an Education Act which withdrew all help from denominational schools. Were it not for our Catholic faith we could close our schools, and. parents could send their children to the State schools where they have to pay nothing for them, But remember there is a principle at stake; We believe, and base our belief on centuries of experience, that if you divorce religion from education you are weakening faith and destroying religion. To de-

velop the mind on right lines it is essential that religion bo taught in the schools, therefore it is our aim to have a Catholic school in each parish. What has been done during the past six years in the cause of Catholic education alone speaks for the generosity and strong faith or our people the sum of over £60,000 has been spent in the work. I will just detail items so that your Excellency may see what ‘has been spent. The following list will show what is being done : Woolston new school (building and equipment), £950; Villa Maria, convent and novitiate for Sisters of Mercy (cost of land and building), £7000; St. Bede’s College (purchase of land and erection of building), £22,000; St, Mary’s Convent and High School (cost of building and equipment), £13,000; Cathedral parish schools (land and building), £7500; St. Mary’s parish school, £7100; Addington new- school (building and equipment), £1100; Addington, purchase of lajhd and building for con- , vent,’ £1700; Papanui new school (work in . hand), £BOO. Total, £62,150. This does not include work in adjacent parishes, which during the next > four years will keep up

9 * to an average expenditure of over £IO,OOO per annum. I must confess that it is a big outlay, but the generosity and earnest faith oJUihe Catholic people of "the diocese will continue as in the past. I am deeply grateful to your Excellency for your presence and for ,-your words of encouragement I congratulate the priests and people of this parish in having a school which will be a fitting monument of their interest in the cause of Catholic education and to those sons and brothers who fell during the late war. I have been delighted to be present and to have the honor of assisting in tho opening and blessing of these schools to-day. His Excellency said: —I am very glad and my heart is always full of joy when I am asked to bless and take part in opening buildings for education and religion. I have seen ; large crowds here yesterday and. this morning and especially now. 1 am very honored by your enthusiasm and the large numbers show that it is deepness and earnestness of faith and deep religious sentiments and hot only something of to-day. So it is I am very glad to

be here and to know that you have provided for the education of the children of this parish by such a magnificent building, and I have a great sentiment of admiration for what you have done. Father Kerley says th£* it is due to the presence • of* the Delegate that you are here in such large numbers but I think it is that you take such an interest in everything, and I think I pay you no compliment more than you deserve when I say that you are anxious to give to liquidate the debt. Father Seymour says this is a big debt, but I am accustomed to £BOOO, £20,000, and even £25,000. I note you are well off in New Zealand: you have no droughts, no floods, and especially in this, province of Canterbury you are very rich. I have seen how prosperous is the country, and so I suppose it will not be difficult to pay the debt. About £l2O was collected on the ground. At the conclusion of the ceremony his Excellency officiated at Pontifical Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Mary's Church and afterwards imparted the Papal Blessing: "•.• • ■>•.""-■■;,-• *:,'\. •"•■ * ;,■:. ■■:-■. V*v.; ' ; ;\ ■'..-: : * ;

Sunday Evening Devotions

' , The Cathedral was packed in the evening, when addresses were presented to his Excellency from the clergy and the laity. This ceremony took place after the recitation of the Holy Rosary.

His Lordship Bishop Brodie said : —This evening we have gathered to offer to his Excellency the Apostolic Delegate an expression of our love and loyalty to the Holy See. The clergy will read an address and extend their deep feelings of loyalty and the laity will also express sentiments of devoted attachment.

Your Excellency, it is my duty as Bishop of the diocese to assure you of the love and loyalty and attachment to the Holy See. I would bo unworthy, of the high office the. Holy See has conferred upon me if I were not animated with these sentiments.

I would like your Excellency to understand that the diocese confided to my care is only a small one comprising a population of approximately 30,000; in the diocese, there are 21 districts, the number of churches being 63 ; number of priests, secular 22, regular 28; religious, Brothers 11, nuns 296; boarding and high schools, 29; Home of Good Shepherd, 1; orphanages, 3. It is comparatively a small diocese, but great works have been done and I can speak of these works without any self-praise. This magnificent Cathedral is the legacy of the enthusiasm of the life of the late revered Bishop, Dr. Grimes, and the very stones of this building speak of his zeal and the generosity of a devoted and loyal people.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking your Excellency for your graciousness in paying us this visit and especially for the honor you are conferring upon the religious of this city and to assure your Excellency of their deep feeling of gratitude. Words cannot express to you our appreciation of the honor we enjoy. The religious give their lives to God and. often under many disappointments and great hardships work for the cause of religion, seeking no reward ; but they have a reward in receiving a personal visit from a representative of the Holy See. Were it not for the work done by our Brothers and nuns our children would not be instructed in their holy religion.

I would ask you to convey to the Holy See my deepest sentiments of loyalty and love and I assure your Excellency that the words used in the addresses of both clergy and laity are not empty sounding words but used to convey sentiments of heartfelt love to the Holy See and also personal gratitude to yourself who represent the Sovereign Pontiff in the Holy City of Rome. Address from Clergy The addresses, which were printed on parchment, were handsomely bound. Very Rev. Dean O'Donnell, Ashburton, and Very Rev. Father Graham, S.M., St. Bede's College, presented the address from the clergy. The address read as follows:

Your Excellency, —This is but the second occasion in the history of New Zealand that an opportunity has arisen of welcoming to it a direct representative of the august Head of the\Church. , Your Excellency’s predecessor, the first Apostolic Delegate to Australasia, did this diocese the honor of conferring Episcopal consecration on the present Bishop. As the clergy then sincerely and heartily bid him welcome, so the Bishop and clergy now greet; your Excellency with the heartiest “Cead Mile Failte.” We have been, and are, deeply grateful to his Holiness lor having established the office of Apostolic Delegate in Australasia, thus in some sense abolishing the distance which physically separated us from the centre of unity. Though so separated we dare hope that our sentiments of reverence, obedience, and love towards the Vicar of Christ were and are no less deep and lasting than those of the inhabitants of the older European Catholic lands. We have sympathised with the griefs of the Father of Christendom sorrowing over the destruction of so many hundreds of thousands of the flock, as well as of so many ancient • monuments of Catholic faith and piety in the late disastrous world Avar; at the same time Ave rejoice in those events which are calculated to bring pleasure and joy to the paternal heart of the Pope, not the least amongst which are, the restoration of normal relations

between the Holy See and ■ the eldest daughter of the Church Catholic France, and especially the movement in favor of an equitable adjustment of the matters so long at issue between the Holy Father and the Government of his own beloved Italy. May we ask your Excellency to convey these our sentiments of veneration and love to our Most Holy Father. Wo trust that your stay in our midst will be a ‘happy one, and that your taking counsel with the Hierarchy of New Zealand will be productive of an increased vitality in our holy religion in this new * land. Conversant as your Excellency is with the great educational and charitable institutions which the piety of Catholics has during the ages reared in the old Catholic lands, we hope that the institutions of a similar nature which we are laboriously striving to bring into being here, may merit some notice and commendation from your Excellency. Whatever success may have been achieved in this direction is due under God to the. self-sacrificing devotion of our zealous nuns and Brothers whose work we hope your Excellency may have opportunity for observing during your visit. , Being. almost entirely Irish ’either by birth or descent, wo would dearly love to bespeak your Excellency’s prayers for our dear native land in the crisis through which she is' now passing. Once again, we bid your Excellency a heartfelt welcome to this diocese of Christchurch, and hoping that your Excellency’s visit will be productive of pleasure to yourself and of benefit to the cause of Holy Church here, we beg your blessing upon ourselves and upon/ the flocks committed to our charge.

Address from Laity Mr. H. H. Loughnan and Sir George Clifford presentedV the address from - the laity. Representatives of different Catholic societies also occupied a place in the ■sanctuary during the reading and presentation. The address read as follows

Your Excellency,—We are deputed by the laity of the Diocese of Christchurch to offer you, on their behalf, a most cordial welcome on the occasion of your first visit to this diocese. We account it a privilege to be numbered amongst those whose spiritual welfare has been entrusted to your special charge. In your capacity of Apostolic Delegate we recognise in your person an embodiment of the paternal solicitude of the Vicar of Christ on earth, the universal shepherd, for every part, however small, however remote, of the flock - committed to St. Peter and his successors by Our Divine Lord and Master. To that paternal solicitude we look, and never look in vain, for guidance and encouragement in the UAver-ending struggle against the paganising tendencies ojf tTie age in which we live. In our own days, even in tl\is young country, we witness a recrudescence of these" tendencies, taking ihe form, on the one hand, oKa Godless and secular system of education, calculated to withdraw the rising generation from this saving influence of religion, and, on the ether hand, of renewed andlundisguised attacks on the saKctity 'of marriage and the/Christian family ideal. For nore than a generation the Catholics of New Zealand under the valiant leadership of the Catholic hierarchy, have pro\ided and maintained, not without sacrifice schools where our Catholic children are educated, not m secular knowledge only, but above and beyond all else, in the knowledge and love of God and His Church, and the exercise of Christian virtue. Nor has the. Catholic Church failed V at any time to make vigorous protest against a lamentable form of legislation which has given, and * more recently, enlarged the fatal facilities of divorce. In these fundamental matters we find subject for congratulation that the Catholic Church is not left altogether alone in the struggle, and that our separated brethern have, in many places, shouldered their responsibilities and ranged themselves on the side of Christianity. Whilst evil influences are -.. still at work, and the struggle goes on, the visit of your Excellency affords another proof that the vigilance of the universal Shepherd is not relaxed, and the flock is secure within the .fold. We are buoyed up with the sure and certain hope, whatever storms now or hereafter'may assail the Church, that, as with St. Peter's barque on the sea of Galilee, so with us, there will be "a. great calm"at the bidding of Him:.who said to us as well as His apostle, "My grace is sufficient for thee." '.

Tlia A A I Jr* Oo««ltr » »*v nL[/vowiiv jl/ iv o His Excellency said: —I wish Lo say that I am deeply touched with your expressions of love and loyalty. This beautiful Cathedral is a witness of your faith and loyalty and I would have to be the most eloquent speaker to express in words my sentiments of joy in being with you this evening. You will understand that 1 am unable to adequately express my feelings and the joy of my heart. I knew and was quite convinced of your sincerity by your enthusiastic welcome which you extended to me last evening, and again this morning when at the altar rails such a great number of you crowded to receive the Bread of Life.

The priests in their address say that they realise that the greatest portion of the merit of the work in the diocese and in the Cathedral here is due to the Brothers and nuns who are laboring in the schools* and I would not certainly be a man to diminish-their merit. I have seen the great work that the Brothers and nuns are doing in the cause of Catholic education, but I think that they would agree with me that a great portion of the merit for this work is due to the clergy for their example, patience, zeal, and encouragement.

As to the sentiments which have been expressed by the representatives of the laity, well I was quite sure of the fidelity and love of the laity, but I now have proof from their presence in such large numbers and I will present to the Supreme Pontiff their expressions of loyalty. Before coming to New Zealand I knew of the difficulties which you encountered in your enterprises for your religion. I was present this afternoon and witnessed a demonstration of your active faith; it always gives me great pleasure to bless and open schools for the school is even more important than a Cathedral, for if we have no schools a Cathedral like this one of yours would be empty; your schools are the evidence of your faith and of your love of your religion. I would like to remain here longer so as to make a personal acquaintance with you and take part in your good works.

Your Bishop expressed plainly, in a few words, all about his diocese._ This diocese is only thirty years old, but during that time you have dope great work, and I think that if we compare the work that has been done in ten centuries in Europe with the work that you have done in thirty years in this diocese the proportion would bo extraordinarily in your favor. You have done marvels, and I have travelled throughout all the dioceses of Australia.

You ask me to convey to his Holiness your sentiments. You perhaps know that I am visiting the Holy See at the beginning of next year. I hope to be there by Easter and certainly you may be sure that I will not forget to speak about you and your- work; the great vision of this magnificent Cathedral full of a loyal and faithful people will never be effaced from my mind, and when kneeling at the feet of the Supreme Pontiff I will speak of the joy which has been mine to-day.

His Excellency afterwards officiated at Pontifical Benediction of ■ the Blessed Sacrament. The combined choirs and the pupils of the several schools provided the music for Sunday’s ceremonies. Only three rehearsals had been held, but an excellent effect was achieved, especially in the “Te Deum,” which was sung alternately by the adult choirs and the boys and girls. Miss M. O’Connor conducted, the choir, and Miss K. O’Connor was organists At the entry to the Cathedral “Ecce Sacerdos Magnus” (Stadler) as sung, and after Archbishop Cattaneo had replied on receiving the address of welcome, all voices joined in singing the “Hymn toHhe Pope” and the “Ave Verum” (Gounod).

Visit to Mount Magdala and St. Bede's College His Excellency, Archbishop Cattaneo, the Apostolic Delegate, on Monday, the 14th inst., paid visits to Mount Magdala in the morning. and in the afternoon-to St. Bede's College, Papanui. ~".'•

At seven o'clock he celebrated Holy Mass in the beautiful chapel oi the Good Shepherd, and during the morning was welcomed at a very pleasant entertainment. An address of welcome was presented to him, and in reply his Excellency expressed his surprise at the completeness of the equipment of the convent of the Good Shepherd for the happiness of those entrusted to the care of the Sisters. He spoke words of encouragement and consolation that should prove a very great help to those who were privileged to be present. Later in the morning he visited the orphanage at Mount Magdala, where another pleasing programme was presented. The healthy appearance and the happiness of the little ones gave ample evidence ,of the kind care of the Sisters. The buildings and grounds at Mount Magdala were decorated for the occasion. The visit was a most pleasurable and interesting one. The afternoon was devoted to St. Bede's College. His Excellency was welcomed with great enthusiasm by the Rector, Very Rev. Father Graham and the staff of the college, also by the students who showed their pleasure by hearty and enthusiastic cheers of greeting. The following address was presented to his Excellency: Address to his Excellency the Most Reverend Bartholomew Cattaneo, D.D., LL.D., Archbishop of Palmyra, Delegate Apostolic to Australasia, from the students of St. Bede's College, Christchurch. / May it please your Excellency,—Welcome! welcome, a thousand times! Vice-Gerent of the Vice-Gerent of Jesus Christ! We thank you for the honor you have paid to St. Bede's College, and pray you to accept this expression of our gratitude. We also ask, your Excellency, that you will accept the humble tribute of our loyalty to our Most Holy Lord Benedict XV. Quern Deus incolumem preserve!. We hail you to-day as the Viceroy of our spiritual overlord, and to you we pay the homage and fealty, for you speak in the name of the Holy Father, and the Holy Father speaks in the name of Christ.

St. Bede's is a young school in a young land —set in one of the furthest islets, "by the long' wash of Australasian seas," it is perhaps, geographically speaking, furthar from the Eternal City, the centre of Christendom, than any other college in the world—but small, young, and lifting its voice from afar, our school vies with the greatest, oldest and nearest of the Catholic seats of learning in loyalty and attachment to the Holy See. Not only as Catholic subjects do we render homage to the Vicar of Christas Catholic students we acclaim the representative of power that has ever been the world's greatest patron of learning. It was the encouragement and benison of the Holy See that studded Europe with Christian schools all through the centuries. Two hundred universities were endowed by the Popes from the 11th to the 14th century. Let the scoffing sciolist call those ages dark. In those ages there flourished a civilisation more scholarly, more refined than any the world has jnovn. From the poorest hamlet of Europe, the poorest scholar could come, confident that in the reigning Pontiff, he could find a sure, generous patron. With the aristocracy of wealth there grew an aristocracy of intellect. In iho Middle Ages,' more than in any other age, was each succeeding generation led, not by the oligarchs of finance, •but by the brilliant thinkers who came often from polity and feudal serfdom through the Church-endowed schools. Let the ignorant then sneer at the Middle Ages—but he who reads history aright knows that the 13th ranks as the greatest of the centuries, and the measure of its greatness was the measure of the patronage of the Popes to learning.. ' These thoughts fill our hearts to-day. Our pulses quicken with pride as we welcome the representative of the Holy Father to our school. We lay at your feet the homage which we owe to Our\Most Holy Lord the Pope—that homage we owe as Catholic subjects—but our welcome has the thrill that comes with gratitude, the gratitude we feel as Catholic students. , ! - •• • ' / "I

The Holy Father has given you a signal proof of his confidence in accrediting you to speak and act in his name. He who speaks to us in the name of Peter speaks to us in the name of Jesus Christ. This great honor has the Holy See paid to you, and the desire of all our school today is to answer aright, the question, “How shall he he honored whom the King hath a mind to honor?”

With loyal and grateful affection we subscribe ourselves your obedient servants in Christ, —Patrick Cronin (head prefect), Daniel Milligan, Fergus O’Meeghan, John Murphy, Joseph O’Shaughnessy, Gordon Daly, Edward Considine (prefects).

His Excellency acknowledged the address in a very hSppy reply; he complimented the Rector and staff on the signal progress which the college had already made . since the erection of the new building. He was deeply pleased to hear that in the second year of its career, tne only fault with the college was that more accommodation would have to be immediately provided for the many applications that were being made for admission to the college; he looked forward to the day when tho students would go forth into tho world actuated by the high, ideals of their college days and would exercise a beneficent influence in their various spheres of life. His Excellency was accompanied by Bishop Brodie and also by a number of the priests of the Christchurch diocese. Visit to St, Mary's Convent Schools His Excellency, Archbishop Cattaneo, the Apostolic Delegate, spent a busy day on Tuesday. In the morning his Excellency said Mass for the community in St. Mary's Convent chapel. Later, accompanied by his Lordship Bishop Brodie, with city and visiting clergy, his Excellency Visited St. Mary's High and secondary schools, the grounds of which were gaily beflagged in his honor. His Excellency received an enthusiastic welcome from the pupils on whose behalf an address of welcome was presented to him by Miss M. McManaway. A short concert was given, and his Excellency addressed the pupils, who were, in response to his Excellency's request, granted a holiday. His Excellency then visited the primary school opened on the previous Sunday. He lunched with the community of St. Mary's. The afternoon was spent privately, and in the evening, his Excellency attended the conversazione in his honor in the Art Gallery.

Conversazione in Art Gallery Outstanding features of the conversazione at the Art Gallery on Tuesday night in honor of his Excellency Archbishop Cattaneo, the, Apostolic Delegate, were .the enthusiasm and loyalty manifested by clergy and laity, and the warmth and cordiality with which these feelings were reciprocated by his Excellency. The inadequacy of the whole of the accommodation available at the Art Gallery to provide for all who would have liked to have attended was also noticeable, and was tho subject .of. passing comment by his Lordship Bishop Brodie. The permanent gallery had been artistically decorated with hanging baskets of flowers, white and yellow ribbons stretched across the room added to the general pleasing effect. A temporary stage was- provided, and during the earlier part of the evening a programme of vocal and instrumental items was most pleasingly rendered.

On his Excellency’s arrival he was received at the Durham street entrance by members of the committee, and with enthusiastic cheering by the assembled gathering. His Excellency, accompanied by Bishop Brodie and members of the clergy, reached the permanent gallery through a lane lined by members of the H.A.C.B. Society. At the conclusion of the concert programme speeches of welcome were given.

Bishop Brodie's Address Bishop Brodie, who was received with hearty applause, said that the.fine gathering that evening tempted him to plunge a} little into civic politics. s "I think if some of our City Fathers were here to-night," 5 his Lordship continued, "some of them would avail themselves of the opportunity of speaking on behalf of a Town Hall. I would like you to understand that I don't enter into these matters, but I think we would be more pomfortable and his Excellency would have ;a; better [opportunity of meeting the people

if the hall were larger.” The size of the audience, his Lordship went on to say, was proof of the enthusiasm witn which they desired to greet his Excellency. (Applause.) They had seen various sorts of arms during the past few days; amongst them those of his Excellency, bearing the Latin motto, whoch, interpreted, was, “Neither captured nor vanquished.” He was inclined to think that the people of Christchurch had been both captured and vanquished by the kindness, graciousness, and condescension of their illustrious visitor. (Applause.) His Excellency had spent most of his time in Christchurch visiting religious communities and the .various institutions of the Church, and his Lordship had been touched by his Excellency’s great kindness, and by the encouragement he had given them in their work; this would continue till eighteen minutes past five on Friday evening, and it was a full programme, and one readily entered into by his Excellency. Another coat of arms bore upon it two keys—keys that were the symbol of,„power, the power of the Holy See, the powers given to the Vicar of Christ by our Divine Saviour. These wer«s not only spiritual powers, powers before which they bent in loyal adoration, but they were powers which moved their hearts, and touched them deeply, and made them generously respond to any appeal on behalf of the Holy See. His Excellency could go away from Christchurch deeply convinced that these keys had unlocked the depth of love, of sympathy, and affection in their hearts, that bound them to the Church of Peter and to Benedict XV., who was so well represented by his Excellency the Apostolic Delegate. His Excellency’s presence that evening was another proof of his condescension; on behalf of the priests, .of the’religious communities, and the people of the diocese of Christchurch, he assured his Excellency of their deepest gratitude for his visit, and that he would leave behind memories of kindness, of condescension, and of favors bestowed. Their prayers would go with his Excellency and for the success of the important work of his delegation. (Applause.)

Sir George Clifford's Speech Sir George Clifford, who was received with applause, said that it fell to his lot, on behalf of the laity of the diocese, to welcome his Excellency. So many addresses had been received by his Excellency that it was difficult for the speaker to introduce any variety or raise any new points, and the reason was that in all their minds and hearts there was but one thought, and that was of loyalty to the Holy See, and of joy that its representative was in their midst. What more could they say than the simple expression of that idea? There was joy when they knew of his Excel-

Money’s proposed visit; to that was now superadded his Excellency’s presence, his kindness, and all the sympathy he had shown in all their works—not only in their religious works but also in their occupations and, as he himself could testify, in their pastimes, and in all the pursuits in which they were engage*!. His Excellency’s arrival in their midst was an epoch in the history of the Dominion. France had been called “the elder daughter of the Church”; he thought that the Catholic community in these islands was, perhaps, the youngest daughter of the Church. A hundred years ago, in those troublous times that followed the French Revolution, when the Napoleonic wars were disturbing Europe, when the Pontiff of those days was troubled by many things not unsimilar to those at present troubling the world, it was probable that the name of New Zealand was very Mttle known in Rome. (Laughter.) Sir George then sketched the arrival in the Dominion of the French missionaries, whose heroic efforts were still remembered by many of the older settlers, and referred to the hardships they endured in carrying the consolations of religion to those dwelling in a land of unbridged rivers, a land without railways, and m some places without coaches, and spoke of the diffimilties of communication with the outside world: with that state of things he contrasted those now existing. Continuing, Sir George said that his Excellency, on his return to Rome would be able to lay before-the Holy Father the expressions of heartfelt loyalty, and of the absolute devotion which those in New Zealand had towards the faith,of which his Holiness is the guardian: whether Saxon,, or Norman, or Dane; whether English, Irish, or Scotch, all possessed heartfelt loyalty to the Church, and were prepared to .suffer for that Church

-.■■-■ v V should Providence call upon them to do so. (Applause.) He did not say that in this happy land they had no difficulties. They had educational difficulties, which had been, no doubt, explained to his Excellency. They had recently passed laws in respect of divorce that cut at the root of family —but they did not affect Catholics because they were above such follies and injustice- of law. A Marriage Act had been recently passed which was so unjust and teemed with such absurdities that it was bound to be inoperative from the very force of its own folly.* He would not enlarge on these matters, because they had free exercise of their religion in New Zealand, and had every reason otherwise to be grateful to the laws of the country they inhabited. Sir George concluded by expressing the hope that his Excellency would convey to his Holiness the expressions of loyalty he had used on behalf of the laity. (Applause.) Greetings from the H.A.C.B. Society Mr. T. P. O'Rourke welcomed his Excellency on behalf of the H.A.C.B. Society. He said that he had been called upon, at a few minutes' notice, to take the place of another to extend to his Excellency a very hearty welcomea right royal welcome. No matter how long they lived, not one of them would forget his Excellency's visit: they would never forget him in their prayers, and they hoped his Excellency would do ,the same for them. His Excellency's Response Archbishop Cattaneo received an ovation on reaching the platform. He made an exceedingly happily expressed speech, which was marked by much humor and many warm and kindly expressions. His Excellency said that the Bishop told him that it was his turn to speak, and with the obedience he had shown during the time he had been with them, he came on the platform to say a word or two. "Of course, you know me already," said his Excellency, "and the difficulty T have, in expressing myself; but still, I suppose you know the warmth of my feelingsfeelings that I would like to be able to express if I had the power to express what is in my heart." (Applause.) His Excellency then expressed his appreciation of the compliment paid by Bishop Brodie to him as the representative of the Supreme Pontiff. As to the motto: "Neither captured nor vanquished," he would put it "Captured and vanqlished"—(laughter)—by the great demonstrations they had given to the representative of his Holiness. The past three days had passed like lightning, and he was so pleased with the reception given him and with the beauty of their city that not only would he like to revisit Christchurch, but he would like to have his residence as Apostolic Delegate in Christchurch. (Continued applause.) His Excellency understood that Christchurch was called "the City of the Plains"; he might, however, call it "the bicycle city." (Laughter.) It was especially the city of exquisite kindness shown to everyone. Sir George Clifford's sentiments were responded to by everyone in the gathering, and reflected those held by the Catholics in Christchurch. They were sentiments that made a great impression upon him, and certainly he would repeat them with due impressiveness to the Supreme Pontiff when lie had the honor of kneeling at his throne. His Excellency then referred to Mr. O'Rourke's Speech, and said that he had heard many speeches and addresses and compliments, but Mr. O'Rourke's speech was a record! (Laughter.) Two minutes was all in which ho had to prepare, yet he had spoken with great dignity and force, and had said more in a few words than some said in two or three hours. Concluding, his Excellency said that he would be glad to shake, hands with all in the room. The /Bishop said that it was his duty to do so, but he would do it because it would be a very great pleasure to him. (Applause.) After the gathering had partaken of light refreshments, his Excellency carried into^effect the concluding statement in his speech. Visits to Various Institutions His Excellency Archbishop Cattaneo, Apostolic Dele- , gate, continued on Wednesday his visits to the Catholic institutions. He celebrated Mass at the Convent of the

Sisters of the Missions, Barbadoes Street. This convent is the Provincial house of the Institute of Notre Dame ties Missions, and has a large community numbering about /0 and, in addition, there are about 70 boarders from different parts of the South Island. At half-past ten his Excellency visited the Sacred Heart Girls’ College and was greeted with a very pleasing programme of choice elocutionary, vocal, and instrumental items. . The next visit was to the Marist Brothers’ .School adjoining the Cathedral. Some 250 boys are on the roll or this school, and their programme was a very attractive one, the most pleasing item being a welcome song which had been used in the college to which Archbishop Cattaneo had been formerly attached as Rector; to hear this again some 12,000 miles from his former home was a special" joy and, pleasure. ' “ Leaving the Brothers’ School his Excellency visited the Cathedral Girls’ Parochial School. This school is now conducted in those up-to-date buildings recently erected ; the school rooms are large, well ventilated and thoroughly modern in every detail. There ..is a large assembly hail suitable for school entertainments and the children were arrayed to advantage in. this room; The entertainment here provided was of a very high standard and thoroughly enjoyed, '

In the afternoon a visit was paid to Nazareth House and here a pleasant surprise awaited his Excellency, showing to him the fine institution devoted to the work of caring for orphan girls and also the home attached for aged and infirm men and women. The children presented a very healthy appearance as they lined the avenue when his Excellency arrived; their appropriate words of welcome seemed to be quite in keeping with their healthy surroundings- and the evidence of great care bestowed upon them. His Excellency was not satisfied with merely listening to the concert programme; he spoke very appropriate words to the children and then made a thorough inspection of the Home, addressing words of kindness to the inmates. He complimented -the Sisters on the evident success which is crowning their work and thanked them for their lives of zeal and devotion to the noble cause of charity. His Excellency proceeded later to St. Joseph's Home, Middleton, and was very pleased with the fine expanse of land which the Sisters have secured to enable them to have full facilities for having the boys trained in the various branches of farming and agriculture. The orphan boys here were not to be outdone by the girls of Nazareth House, for they likewise had a very pleasing little entertainment which brought to a close the day's round of visits which his Excellency had paid. Visit to Lewisham Hospital and Villa Maria Convent On Thursday (writes our own correspondent) his Excellency visited Lewisham Hospital. He made a thorough inspection of the .institution, expressed his surprise at the magnitude of the work accomplished, and upon which he congratulated the Nursing Sisters and staff. His Excellency celebrated the seven o'clock Mass in the Cathedral on Friday, and later visited the Convent of Mercy, "Villa Maria," Riccarton. Archbishop Cattaneo was entertained by the pupils and received an address of welcome.

Departure for Wellington At the railway, station in the evening quite a large number of people '"assembled to bid farewell to the Apostolic Delegate. The school children formed a guard of honor for his Excellency, who was accompanied by his Lordship the Bishop and representatives of the diocesan clergy. On the platform might be seen parents, in a spirit of faith, bringing forward their children to be bless<£d by the representative of the Sovereign Pontiff. "Faith of Our Fathers" was enthusiastically sung by priests and people. His Excellency was a passenger for the north by the Mararoa. >