The New Zealand Tablet THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1924. ARCHBISHOP REDWOOD’S GOLDEN EPISCOPAL JUBILEE

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 9, 28 February 1924, Page 33

The New Zealand Tablet THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1924. ARCHBISHOP REDWOOD’S GOLDEN EPISCOPAL JUBILEE

RANOIS Mary Redwood was born on the Tixall MT estate, Staffordshire, in the year 1839. He came to New Zealand with his parents in j || yjm 1842. He was ordained priest at Maynooth ' in 1860 was consecrated Bishop of Wellington by Cardinal Manning, in 1874; became Archbishop of that See and Metropolitan of New Zealand in 1887; and is still happily ruling his vast diocese in this year of grace, 1924; when we, hi* spiritual children, are joined by his episcopal brethren in this Dominion, in Australia, and in the Pacific Islands, in celebrating his Golden Episcopal Jubilee. To mark this unique occasion in the history of the Catholic Church under the Southern Cross, twenty-three archbishop* and bishops, including the Apostolic Delegate, assembled at Wellington this week, while from every diocese in the Dominion, and from many in Australia, there have also come members of religious orders and representatives of the secular clergy and delegates from various Catholic guilds and societies, who all regard it as a great privilege to be able to participate in the wonderful demonstrations of reverence and esteem organised to honor our venerable Metropolitan. * In another part of this issue we have published for the benefit of our readers at home and abroad the fascinating sketches that tell in his Grace’s own words the story of his early life, of his miraculous vocation, and of his singularly successful career as a student in France and as a professor in a college in the Island of Saints . and Scholars. We have reproduced also the account given in a London paper, fifty years ago, of his consecration, and of th. speeches which on that occasion foretold the future greatness of the young Bishop of Wellington. Other articles in this issue are eloquent of his place in the affections of his own priests and people, and of the special claim* to gratitude and admiration which his splendid services for their fatherland have established in the hearts of th* sons and daughters of St. Patrick. The perfect organisation of the vast archdiocese which extends from Westport to Wairoa and from the Mokau River to Kaikoura; the churches and schools and religious and charitable institutions in the populous parishes of that wide territory; the thriving college in Wellington and the flourishing seminary at Greenmeadows; and numerous ecclesiastical buildings in Christchurch diocese, once part of his See, are all substantial monuments to his apostolic zeal, his wise administration, and his pastoral care for the best interests of-the flock committed to his charge. All these are lasting proofs of the extraordinary development of the Catholic Church under.his rule for. the past fifty years; and they all represent labors given unstintedly for the honor and glory of . God and blessed with wonderful fruitfulness by Divine Providence ; through the- passing years. Of that

development and of those labors historians of the Church in these islands will tell in due time, for the edification of future generations; but -we cannot help recalling them with pride and admiration on such an occasion as this, for they are the sheaves with which he stands richly laden in the presence of all who hasten to honor him this , week. Hardly less striking evidence of his greatness is found in the presence of the prelates who have come from afar to add r greater splendor and dignity to his Jubilee, while the special distinction accorded to him by the Holy Father will be the crown of his glory and of his consolation in this memorable week of his life. From Ireland, where he studied and taught as a young priest—from green Erin whom h© loves so well—greetings come to him straight from the hearts of th© friends who remember him there; from France, where he spent the years of study and prayer that laid the foundations of his success as a bishop, come messages of esteem and affection; from England, his own native land; from America, where he has always had a warm corner in the heart® of many bishops, past and present,. congratulations pour in upon him; and from many an altar all over the world Masses and prayers will ascend to Heaven for the good estate of our beloved Jubilarian, the Grand Old Man of the Church in the Southern Hemisphere. We thank God that in spite of his-age he is still hale and hearty, and we pray that the Lord may preserve him and prolong his life and make him blessed amongst us for many years to come. ♦ . 0»* is tempted to dwell on many phases of his career and avenue* of reminiscence open on all sides as we contemplate his venerable figure. But wo are comnelled to curb our inclination to speak of his achievements; or to recall hi. friendships with such men as Cardinal Gibbons and Archbishop Ireland; or to discuss that beautiful gift or . eloquence which made him the Chrysostom of Austral asia; or to admire that scholarship, that broadness of vision, that vivid memory, which are all manifest even in his ordinary conversation; or to linger on his strong, simple faith and childlike devotion-; or on those qualities of head and heart which have endeared him to all his friends and made him the idol of his flock. Of all these phases, too m the proper time eloquent tongues will speak and gifted pens will write, giving expression to feelings which are universal throughout the archdiocese and far beyond its boundaries. n Speaking for ourselves and for all our readers larltT ; refrain fr ° m taki “S occasion to lay at hi* feet our whole-hearted homage, for no man living has done more for the New Zealand Tablet than Archbishop Redwood and no man knows better than its Editor what c n t“?T friend he Bishop mo*: paper. Thu. w. have a very special reason to rejoice ,t r! )°Z TV° Ur Champi ° n aDd actor, and we rector, and J "j ™ Ce tho cordlal sentiments of rectors and staff and subscribers when we pray that God may bestow on our Metropolitan His choicest graces in full “ r a d 5 ° h V : rfloWing ’ a " d COntil - Mess all his step wish - -