Death of Monsignor Hackett

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 33, 23 August 1923, Page 26

Death of Monsignor Hackett

J, The death occurred at the Ellerslie presbytery on Thursday morning, the 16th inst., of Monsignor J. J. Hackett, at; the age of 64. A few months ago the late Monsignor became indisposed, and. went into hospital. He returned to the presbytery, but his health did not improve, and he passed away (says the Auckland Star). The late Monsignor Hackett was born in 1859 at Moate, Westmeath, Ireland, and commenced his studies at St. Joseph's Seminary, in his native town. He then proceeded to Rome, where he devoted himself for seven years to the study of philosophy and theology at the College of Propaganda. His ordination as a priest took place on

March 4, 1882, and he proceeded to a cure at Port Augusta, South Australia, and the following year he arrived in Auckland. Soon after his arrival he was appointed to the extensive district which ran from Helensville, through Dargaville to the North Cape, his headquarters being at Te Kopuru. He was later appointed Administrator of St. Patrick’s Cathedral by Bishop Luck, and held the position until 1894, in which year he was appointed to the parish of Paeroa, which at that time included the townships of Te Aroha, Waihi, Karangahake, and Waikino. In 1918 he was appointed parish priest at Ellerslie, and that parish was still his home at the time of his death. The deceased cleric was raised to the dignity of Dean by the late Bishop Lenihan, and in 1915, on the recommendation of Bishop Cleary, he was promoted to the further dignity of Domestic Prelate, with the title of signor. For many years, and until his death, Monsignor Hackett was a member of the Bishop’s Council. Since February of the present year lie had been very ill, and spent two months in the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, afterwards returning home to -Ellerslie, where he passed away. A man of, high attainments and great personal charm, the late prelate was a general favorite with all who had the privilege of his intimate acquaintance. He was noted also as a preacher, lecturer, and wit, and to the last he retained his good spirits and keen-witted humor.

Pontifical Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of the deceased Monsignor was celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ellerslie, on Saturday, the 18th inst-. (telegraphs our own correspondent). 'His Lordship Bishop Cleary presided, and was attended by Right

Rev. Mgr. Mahoney and Rev. Father Doyle. His Lordship Dr. Liston was celebrant; Rev. Father Colgan, deacon; Rev. Father Finn, subdeacon; and Very Rev. Chancellor Holbrook, master of ceremonies. A large number of the diocesan clergy were present in the sanctuary, and a choir of priests rendered the Gregorian music of the Mass and Solemn Office. His Lordship Dr. Cleary, in the course of an eloquent and touching address, dwelt on the life and work of the deceased Monsignor during a period of forty years in various parts of the diocese. His missionary labors were incessant, and his zeal and fervor in the work of his Divine Master would long be a cherished memory. At the conclusion of his discourse his Lordship gave the absolution at the catafalque. There was a large congregation, among those present being representatives of the various religious Orders. The funeral, cortege to the Panmure Cemetery was over half a mile in length. His Lordship Dr. Liston officiated at the church and graveside, and the attendant priests sang the "Benedictus."R.l.P.