Commonwealth Notes

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 14, 12 April 1923, Page 35

Commonwealth Notes

NEW SOUTH WALES. The light of other days, as well as ; .the effulgence of the present, shone brilliantly over the St. Patrick's Day celebrations on the Agricultural Showgrounds on Saturday, March 17, and the warmth of the day was equalled only by the warmth with which the Catholic community celebrated- the feast day of Ireland's patron saint (says an exchange). If any of those who are fond of boasting about the glories of past enthusiasm for these celebrations had attended this year's demonstration, they would have found in the tremendous gathering that crowded almost to discomfort the lawns and stands of the grounds, and in the air of gaiety that pervaded the whole, that far from suffering any diminution of public favor, the demonstration is finding increased popularity, and those' who honor the saint of the Green Isle have reason to be proud of the spontaneity of feeling that March 17, 1923, revealed. St. Patrick's Night concert, like its predecessors of so many years, was one of those enthusiastic gatherings which attract Ireland's children and their friends in thousands. There was not even standing room in the great Town Hall on the occasion. The religious ceremonies connected with the festival were held in St. Mary's Cathedral on the Saturday morning, when High Mass was celebrated at 10 o'clock in the presence of a large congregation. The altar of the Irish Saints was brilliantly decorated, and around it during the morning were to be found hundreds of devout worshippers bent in prayer, and over whose head hung the Cardinal's hat as a silent memory of that great Prince of the Church, Cardinal Moran, whose remains are entombed under the sanctuary. The Archbishop of Sydney presided at the Mass, and was attended at the throne by the Right Rev. Mgr. Hayden (President of St Patrick's College) and the Rev. Father Leoanrd, a recent arrival. His Excellency the Apostolic Delegate was attended at his throne by the Rev. Dr. Farrelly (private secretary) and the Rev. Father W. O'Flynn, of St. Patrick's College, Manly. At the First Gospel his Grace the Archbishop preached an inspiriting discourse on the life of St. Patrick, from the text, , "For in Jesus Christ by the Gospel, I >have begotten you. Wherefore, I beseech you be ye followers of Me, as I also am of Christ." (Chapter iv., 16 v., St. Paul to the Corinthians.)

In the recent clerical appointments made by his Grace the Archbishop, the Rev. J. D. Simonds, of St. Patrick’s College, Manly, was promoted to the Vice-Rectorship of St. Columba’s, Springwpod. Father Simonds comes of a talented family that has done much service to the cause of education in the State of New South Wales. He was educated for the priesthood at St. Patrick’s College, Manly, and being a student of much promise, he was soon marked out by his superiors for academic work. After a short period of priestly ministry, at Katoomba and Bega, he was appointed to the professorial staff of his alma mater. When the Philosophy Chair was transferred from Manly to Springwood, Father Simonds was commissioned to take charge of- that very important class, and for several years he lectured there with much success. He was also in charge of the parish of and built the pretty schoolchurch, placing it in charge of the good Sisters, who teach

over 100 children there. Once again Father Simonds was transferred to St. Patrick’s College, Manly, to the chair of Sacred Scripture and Biblical Greek. He also took charge of college discipline as Dean. Students who studied under his guidance are well aware of his clear, concise, full and accurate handling of those difficult branches of priestly science. The good wishes of many friends go out

to Father Simonds in his new and honorable post at St. Columba’s.

VICTORIA. Although the grand united procession on St. Patrick's Day, in Melbourne, was timed to leave St. Patrick's Hall, Bourke Street West, at 1.30. p.m., hours before that people began to gather in the vicinity of the historic hall (the seat of the first Victorian Parliament), and along the line of march, Bourke, Spring, Evelyn, and Nicholson Streets, right up to the Exhibition .gates. It was evident that the celebration of "The Day" in the Queen City ot the South

was going to equal, if it did riot surpass, that of previous years. Emblems of the shamrock held pride of place, whilst green favors, Shamrock Day buttons, miniature harps, rosettes, etc,, were to be seen on all sides. Mr. P. Delaney, chief marshal, led the way. Folloiwng him came the Archbishop and Father Barry, other representatives of the clergy, schoolboys, and members, male and female, of the various friendly societies and other organisations. After seeing the different sections of the procession pass Parliament House, his Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne (the Most Rev. Dr. Mannix) motored to the Exhibition Oval, where he was given a magnificent reception by over 30,000 people.

The Very Rev. Father Albert Power, S.J. (Rector of Newman College, Melbourne University), has (says the Freeman's Journal), been appointed permanent Rector of Corpus Christi College, the newly-established Seminary at Werribee, and will commence his new duties immediately after Easter. Father Power, who is 52 years of age, is well known in Australia, having for six years been on the teaching staff at Riverview College, Sydney, in addition to holding other appointments. He has had a brilliant scholastic career. His earlier studies were pursued at Belvidere College, Dublin. Before coming to Australia he won his M.A. degree. He studied philosophy at Valkenberg College, Holland, and Theology at Milltown Park (S.J.) College, Dublin, and at Oxford. Whilst professing at Milltown he had as students some who are now rectors in colleges in Victoria. He held the Chair of Theology for five years at Milltown. It was announced, by the way, that Rev. Father Brennan, S.J., had been appointed Rector of Corpus Christi, but he only took charge until the present arrangement could be made. QUEENSLAND. Speaking at the blessing and opening of the new church at Cooroy, Archbishop Duhig said that since being in Queensland he had always tried not only to be a Bishop to his people, but also a citizen of Queensland. The country was so rich and wonderful that a. man who could not live in it was without a soul. He had travelled in many countries, and of all he had seen jjie must give preference to Queensland. In regard to the future of the children in the country districts, he did not approve of the custom of sending them to secure positions in the city, but rather they should be encouraged to go on the land, and it should be the aim of farming people to make country life sufficiently attractive to have their sons follow in their footsteps. He submitted a suggestion that the Government should provide attractive illustrated pamphlets of the capabilities of the various districts. These should be made available to all persons travelling on trains to give them an insight into the capabilities of the various portions of the district.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA. A public meeting was held in St. Francis Xavier's Hall, Adelaide, recently, to wind up the South Australian section of the Self-Determination for Ireland League, and to decide on the disposal of the balance on hand. The president (Senator Hon. J. V. O'Loghlin) occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance, including a large number of ladies. There was much discussion, and difference of opinion in regard to the disposal of the balance. Eventually a suggestion of Mr. P. E. Rice, that the balance should form the nucleus of a scholarship fund to commemorate Ireland's dead, was moved by Mr. J. J. Daly, and carried after several alternative proposals had been rejected. A sub-committee, comprising Senators O'Loghlin and McHugh, Messrs. J. J. Daly and P. F. Kiley, was appointed to see to the carrying out of the resolution.

TASMANIA. .St. Patrick's Day was honored, as usual, in Hobart and throughout the State. Irish emblems were to be seen everywhere. A monster horse-racing meeting was held at Northall Park, and it is anticipated that a substantial sum will be disbursed amongst Catholic schools and charities in Hobart therefrom. The Irish national concert given in the ,City Hall by. leading professionals and the children from the Catholic colleges and schools was a great success,, not only financially but artistically. . : ,.. ~:• ,"-1.