Valedictory

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 8, 22 February 1923, Page 25

Valedictory

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION TO FATHER FORRESTAL. It docs not seem long ago since the late revered Father Dore introduced' his friend, the Rev. Father Forrestal at a local public gathering as his successor (says a contemporary). Yet five years have slipped away and Father Dore has "gone to that bourne whence no traveller returns." In taking over the Foxton parish, which embraces Shannon and Tokomaru, Father Forrestal came as a stranger, but he entered whole-heartedly into his work and soon made himself known and respected by parishioners and non-Catholics alike. In cases of distress, religious differences was no barrier to the dictates of his sympathetic nature. As a citizen he took an unostentatious interest in the welfare of the town. He was outspoken in manner and could not tolerate sham or humbug. When his transfer was notified general regret was expressed at his departure. The parishioners of St. Mary's were determined that he should not depart without some tangible expression of their good-will and he was tendered a social and made the recipient of a purse of sovereigns on a recent evening in St. Mary's schoolroom. The interior of the room was tastefully decorated and included among those present were non-Catholic representative townspeople. Mr. Bergin presided and Mr. Carmine made an efficient master of ceremonies and was responsible for the excellent vocal and instrumental programme. At a suitable juncture Mr. Bergin referred to the object of the gathering. He said while they regretted the guest's departure they were pleased to know that he waa going to a wider parish. "When Father Forrestal took charge of the Foxton parish he was faced with a debt but he was leaving them free of liability. He spoke of the departing priests' devotion to his sacred duties and his sterling qualities as a man. As a tangible mark of esteem from parishioners and non-Catholics he asked the guest to accept a purse of sovereigns. In conclusion he wished Father Forrestal happiness in his new parish and assured him of the prayers of his Foxton parishioners.

Father Forrestal, who was received with a hearty outburst of applause, sincerely thanked Mr. Bergin for the kindly references. He said such a gathering that night made him feel it was worth while going away for. Speaking seriously he said that he would have been content to remain in Poxton and have his bones laid to rest side by side with his old friend the late Father Dore. He was particularly gratified to see non-Catholics among those present. He regretted that there were not more opportunities for social intercourse where all could meet and where little misunderstandings would fade away. Ho thanked all parishioners and non-Catholics for their assistance in enabling him to clear the parish of debt. Since his residence among them he was sensible of many acts of kindness and hospitality which would remain as a pleasant memory. Ho had endeavored to do his duty faithfully. Perhaps he had been guilty of calling "a spade a spade' but this would continue until a spade dug his grave (laughter and applause). Prayer was one of the principal teachings of their church and he was pleased to know that he would have their prayers in his work. He thanked them all sincerely for the tangible appreciation of his modest efforts. Upon resuming his seat, those present broke into the chorus of "For he's a Jolly Good Fellow" followed by cheers. During the evening items were rendered by Mrs. Delany, Misses Delany, Dunn (2), Follas, Messrs. Hornblow, Follas, Carmont, T. and K. Carter, Jacobson, and Golder. At the conclusion the ladies of the congregation served a tasty supper. The Rev. Father Forrestal left Foxton for Inglewood next morning. Shannon's Farewell. On the Sunday prior to his departure, the congregation of St. Joseph's Church, Shannon, met to bid farewell to Father Forrestal. Mr. M. Fitzgerald, speaking on behalf of the Tokomaru and Shannon congregations, expressed the parishioners' regret at the transfer of their much-

respected pastor. "Your work among the children alone (said Mr. Fitzgerald) will not only be a blessing to them, but to the. Church in years to come. Thanks to you that this parish financially has made great strides during the last few years, and as chairman of the committee, I must acknowledge your keen business ability and tact. I hope that you will prosper in your new parish, and that in the near future you will be able to take a well-earned holiday and visit your native land, and find there some of the progress we should expect in the coming years. Finally, I must say we have been proud of our priest, and I can assure you that we will not forget you. I therefore'ask you to accept a cheque as some small token of the love and esteem coming from a grateful people for whom you have labored so faithfully." Father Forrestal, who was much moved, in thanking Mr. Fitzgerald, said it was with genuine regret he was leaving the Foxton-Shannon parish. Ho would never forget the people, who had so loyally helped him in any request he made of them. He thanked one and all from his heart and assured them they would never be forgotten by him in his prayers. He also asked that the same loyal support be accorded his successor. Rev. Father Doolaghty.