His Excellency the Apostolic Delegate

New Zealand Tablet, 8 December 1921, Page 21

His Excellency the Apostolic Delegate

VISIT TO AUCKLAND (From our own correspondent.) On Saturday morning, November 26, his Excellency the Most Rev. Bartholomew Cattaneo, DJ)., LL.D., Titular Archbishop of Palmyra, and Apostolic Delegate to Australasia, arrived by the Rarawa at Onehunga from New Plymouth. The morning was cold and cheerless, intermittent showers of rain during the morning and whole ■ day somewhat damped the proceedings in connection with the welcome. By the expressed wish of the Delegate his reception was of a quiet, homely, and simple nature, in very marked contrast with the magnificent public demonstrations, which marked the first visit of an Apostolic Delegate some six years ago, in February, 1916. That visit was hailed with great acclamation and eclat, and furrnished the opportunity to the .Catholic people of expressing their joy and gratitude for the establishment of the Apostolic Delegation in Australasia, thus marking the great progress of the Church with her wonderful organisation and its undying attachment to the centre of Catholic unity in these lands under the Southern Cross. The Right Rev. Mgr. McKenna, V.G., of the Archdiocese of Wellington, and Rev. Dr. Farrelly, Secretary to the Delegation, accompanied his Excellency. In the absence of our dearly-beloved Bishop, Dr. Cleary, who is at E resent on his visit ad limina , the Coadjutor-Bishop, Dr. iston, with Bishop Brodie of Christchurch, Mgr. Mahoney, V.G., and Mgr. Ormond, D.D., Dean Cahill, Fathers Holbrook, Brennan, Forde, and O’Byrne welcomed his Excellency at Onehunga and motored to the Bishop’s’ House, Ponsonby, where the Delegate is staying during his visit to the city. In the afternoon, in the beautiful grounds attached to St. Mary’s Convent of Mercy, Ponsonby, and which were the theme of much admiration, a garden party was given in honor of the Delegate. The entrances to the ground and convent were adorned with Papal colors, flags, etc., surmounted with the motto “Welcome.” During the afternoon a choice selection of music was rendered by the Military Band. As the clergy and laity arrived they were presented to his Excellency at the entrance to the convent, and a very happy afternoon was spent. The Apostolic Delegate celebrated Holy Mass in the Cathedral on Sunday, assisted by Very Rev. Father Brennan, Adm., and Rev. Dr. Farrelly, the Secretary. The scene was very edifying when almost every member in that •vast congregation received Holy Communion from the hand of the Papal Delegate, who expressed his very great pleasure and edification at that grand demonstration of faith. The ceremonies at 11 a.m. were impressive. There was Solemn High Mass, at which his Excellency presided. The Hibernians from all parts of the diocese assembled in large numbers to form a guard of honor. As the ecclesiastical procession passed along the nave of the Cathedral the choir sang “Ecce Sacerdos Magnus.” His Excellency having taken his seat at the throne, the celebration of the Mass began. Right Rev. Dr. Ormond was the celebrant, Very Rev. Father Brennan, deacon, Rev. Father O’Malley, subdeacon, Right Rev. Monsignori Mahoney and Hackett, deacons at the throne, Rev. Fathers Holbrook and Forde, masters of ceremonies. Bishops Liston and Brodie, and Mgr. McKenna, V.G., occupied special seats in the sanctuary. Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan, Fathers Golden, McEvoy, Buckley, Brady, Cahill, O’Byrne, Furlong, Murphy, O’Connor, and Buxton and Rev. Dr. Farrelly were also present. The music of the Mass was admirably rendered by the Cathedral choir, under the excellent conductorship of Mr. W. J. Pringle and the talented organist, Mr. G. Inglesby Allen. A brief discourse was given ,by Bishop Liston at the conclusion of the Mass, who tendered on his own behalf, and on behalf of the Ordinary of the diocese, the clergy, the religious, and faithful a cordial welcome to the Apostolic Delegate to the Cathedral and diocese. Right Rev. Mgr. Mahoney, V.G., attended by the representatives of the Hibernians, St. Vincent de* Paul Society, Catholic Federation, and the laity, then read and presented the formal address from the clergy and laity. It was exquisitely illuminated and bound in red leather: j and read as follows: To the Most Reverend B. Cattaneo, D.D., LL.D., Archbishop of Palmyra, Apostolic Delegate to Australasia. May it please your Excellency. With profound respect and esteem the clergy and laity - of the diocese of Auckland welcome your Excellency to our city and province on this the occasion of your first visit ito New Zealand. You have gained that respect and esiteem on our part on account of the admirable manner in | which you have discharged the duties of vour high office I during the period since your appointment thereto, for we |have watched with interest and with .pride the prudent iteem skilful part on account of the admirable manner in which you have discharged the duties of your high office during the period since your appointment thereto, for w f e have watched with interest and with pride the prudent and skilful attitude which your Excellency has always adopted when the bitterness and hostility of sectarian opposition to our Holy Father and the Church has been aroused by malevolent parties. That attitude on the part ilof your Excellency has enhanced the position and worth

of the Apostolic Delegation in our eyes and gives us cause to be proud and to rejoice that the office of representing our Holy Father the Pope in Australasia should be so worthily upheld by you. Wo have also heard of \ your very great interest in tlio cause of Catholic education and of your deep concern for the welfare of our children. From 3'our four years of experience in Australia you have learned how vastly important it is to the progress of the Church under the Southern Cross, that our schools should attain to the high position which they have reached in educating the future citizens to be true to their holy faith and civic ideals. We also take this opportunity of expressing our fidelity and attachment to the Holy See and the Supreme Pontiff Benedict XV., so worthily represented in this part of the world by your Excellency. Asking the blessing of your Excellency, we have the honor to be, your Excellency's dutiful children —s<James M. Liston, CoadjutorBishop of Auckland; Wm. H. Mahoney, V.G.; P. J. Nerheny, M.L.C., J. W. Maskell, M.D. (representing the Catholic Federation) C. Little, president of St. Vincent de Paul Society; P. Duffin, D.P., P. Hughes, B.P. (representing the Hibernian Society) J. J. O'Brien (representing the laity).

The Apostolic Delegate in his reply said that words could not express his appreciation of the enthusiastic welcome everywhere extended to him. The crowds which assembled in the convent grounds on Saturday afternoon, despite the very unfavorable weather, was a great proof of their desire to show the intensity of their love for the Holy Father, whose humble representative'he was. He also made special mention of the great joy he had experienced at the early Mass in the Cathedral, when hundreds crowded to receive the Bread of Life, and thus gave a demonstration of their love for their holy faith. He expressed sorrow at the absence of Dr. Cleary, Bishop of Auckland, and referred to the great work he had performed in this Dominion, and prayed God that he would return with renewed health, and be spared for many years to carry on the work of his Divine Master. The Delegate then imparted the Papal Blessing. Sunday Afternoon In glorious sunshine, and in the presence of a vast concourse of people the Apostolic Delegate laid the foundation stone of the new Convent of St. Joseph, Gt. North Road, Grey Lynn, to replace the old structure, which was maliciously destroyed by fire on Good Friday morning, March 25, 1921. His Excellency was accompanied by all the prelates and clergy who "were present in the Cathedral at the 11 o’clock Mass. When his Excellency had blessed and formally laid the stone, the St. Joseph’s Choir rendered in a very devotional manner the hymn of welcome — “Vivat Pastor Bonus” and “God Bless Our Pope.” Right Rev. Dr. Liston opened the proceedings by welcoming the Apostolic Delegate and then proceeded, to explain the work and worth of the religious in the cause of religion and education, and appealed for the support of those present to erect the convent and present the same free or debt to the Sisters. His Excellency in the course of a happy speech expressed his pleasure at this opportunity to show his appreciation or the Sisters of St. Joseph, who looked after the chapel in the Delegation in Sydney, and as he had learned and had seen for himself the marvellous works of the Sisters in all parts of Australasiahe was pleased to bless and lay the foundation for their new convent here. His Excellency in referring to the disastrous fire which had destroyed the old convent, laid particular emphasis on the fact that notwithstanding the total destruction of the building, how the Blessed Sacrament had been, one might say, almost miraculously saved and found amidst the debris, absolutely untouched. At his special request the Pyx which had contained this Treasure was to-day and for all time preserved in the Mother-House of the Order in Sydney, as a token of Our Lord’s special protection. His Lordship the Bishop of Christchurch was in good form, and delivered a stirring speech. He reminded those present how some twenty-five years ago, as a young priest, he had commenced his ministry in this district, which was then part of St. Benedict’s parish. He spoke of the struggles of those years to raise the finances for the schools and of the successes that had attended .the combine I efforts of priests, and people, and appealed for a continuance of that lively spirit of faith and generosity to help the Sisters out of their present difficulties, and provide them with a suitable convent. Very Rev. Chancellor Holbrook, as parish priest, in his own name, and on behalf of the Sisters and people, tendered , a very hearty tribute of thanks to his Excellency, the Apostolic Delegate, and also conveyed the homage and love of priests and people to the Delegate, for the Delegate’s own personal worth and qualities, but especially because of the exalted dignity oi his Excellency as the personal representative of Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XV. Eight months had elapsed (he safd) since we had assembled here amidst the charred and blackened ruins of the convent, when bishops, priests, and people, determined to build for the Sisters a convent homemore substantial, more artistic, and fire-proof—-replace the one destroyed by the incendiarist. Since then a sum of £6500 has been raised, and to-day the foundation has been truly laid by the Apostolic Delegate, and he

hoped that a commencement would be made with the building early in the next year. His Excellency might honor on. another visit to bless and open the new convent. The collection taken up during the proceedings amounted to £1691, which brings the total up to over £BI9O. The proceedings were brought to a close by the singing- of “Faith'of Our Fathers.” ’ Sunday Evening at the Cathedral The Hibernians again mustered in full force and formed the guard of honor as his Excellency entered the Cathedral at 7 p.m. When the Delegate had taken his place at the Throne, the Very Rev. Father Brennan recited the Holy Rosary, which was devoutly joined in by the vast congregation. The “Alma. Redemptoris” was then sung by the choir after which the sermon was preached by the Right Rev. Mgr. Hackett, taking for his text, “This is a work of God, and it is marvellous in our eyes.” 1 The Right Rev. preacher referred to the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, and said that the Catholic Church had fixed the seat and centre of its world-wide spiritual Dominion on the crumbling ruins of the monuments of the buried Caesars. The Popes had reigned over the Church since then in one unbroken succession. Turning to the Apostolic Delegate he hailed him as the chosen representative of the present. Pope, Our Holy Father, Benedict XV.,-who had done, and is doing such noble almost divinework for the Church and the amelioration of the world. His Excelency gave Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, being assisted. by Very Rev. Dean Cahill, as deacon, and Father Murphy, as subdeacon. The conductor of the choir (Mr. W. J. Priilgle) gave at the Offertory, a delightful and artistic rendering of the “Cujus Animam” from the “Stabat Mater.” After the “0 Salutaris,” the choir rendered the “Te Deum.” Programme His Excellency on Monday morning at 7 a.m. celebrated Holy Mass in St. Mary’s convent chapel, being assisted by Dr. Farrelly (Secretary to the Delegation). He remained for some time after to meet the whole community, and to pay a visit to St. Mary’s High School. At 10 o’clock the Apostolic Delegate accompanied by Dr. Liston, Bishop Brodie, Mgrs. McKenna, V.G., and Ormond, and Dr. Farrelly, began his visitation of Vermont Street (2), St. Benedict’s, St. Patrick’s, and Parnell Catholic schools. His Excellency received enthusiastic welcomes in all, and addresses and short musical programmes were given. In each school he addressed the children, and was loudly cheered, when school was declared closed for the rest of the day. In the afternoon the Delegate visited St. Joseph’s School, Remuera, and afterwards was driven to the Mater Hosnital, with which he was delighted. There he met /find chatted with Mgr. Gillan, now in the Mater. To the “Pah” Orphanage he then journeyed, where he spoke very appropriate words to the children, and congratulated them and the Sisters on their fine Home and delightful surroundings. Holy Cross Convent, Epsom " the new convent of the Sisters of Mercy—was also honored by a visit from his Excellency. Visit to the St. Joseph’s Home of the Poor , His Excellency, Archbishop Cattaueo, celebrated Mass in the beautiful chapel of the Little Sisters of the Poor at 7 a.m, on Tuesday, November 29. Rev. Dr. Farrelly assisting. . After breakfast his Excellency met the Sisters/ and the inmates of the Home in the spacious men’s hall. The choir opened proceedings by singing a hymn of welcome composed by one of the Sisters, and set to music by Professor Swallow of the Home. Afterwards Mr. Denton read a beautiful address written bv himself, though he concealed the writer’s name. The chaplain (Father Golden) revealed the name, and the Delegate, in very happy expressions, applauded the virtue of humility, which is the j foundation of all other Christian virtues. Father Golden gave a brief record of the Home since June, 1888, 'when the Sisters arrived in Auckland, hie then read an xi welcome, which was artistically illuminated by one of the Sisters of St. Joseph and was greatly admired ■ by all. The Delegate’s homely and effective speech was loudly applauded. He had taken care to visit the “Homes an ll6 ,, 0r everywhere, and this was new the last. The Poor were really the “Rich” in virtues and in the solid hope of eternal life. Gifts were then distributed by the Delegate, even all over the buildings, the bed-ridden having their share and words of comfort and consolation. Bishop Liston Father Walshe, C.SS.R., and Dr. Farrelly were present and helped to serve the old folks. It was a joyous morning in the 1 “Home” and formed a distinct landmark af+or k °i th ? ( V arc so fortunate as to be looked after by the devoted Sisters of the Poor,” in an institution unsurpassed in tins Dominion. T . , H is Excellency, in company .with Right Rev. Dr Liston, Coadjutor-Bishop of Auckland, Very Rev. Dean Van Dyk (Superintendent of Maori missions), Very Rev Father Brennan, Adm. (St. Patrick’s), and Dr. Farrelly (private Secretary), left on Tuesday, November 29 for Rotorua and Taupo. A Maori welcome will be given to on Frfin at Z okaami - A return will be made to Auckland on Friday afternoon, and the Arebbisbnn win lp 3V <> for Sydney by the “Niagara” on Saturday 1 ~'* r ~