The Church in New Zealand

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 31, 23 July 1924, Page 17

The Church in New Zealand

AUCKLAND DIOCESE: SOME OLD-TIME RECORDS. A Pastoral Visit by Bishop Pompallier [A thoughtful and esteemed correspondent who is deeply interested in the early Church history of New Zealand, has kindly sent us a valuable collection of extracts from old-time publications relating to the Missionary days in the Auckand diocese. The following is the first of these, and, in subsequent issues, we intend printing others as they originally appeared—a series of historical notes which will doubtless be welcomed by readers generally. Unfortunately, however, the years when some of the events occurred have not boon noted on the extracts.]

The Right Rev. Dr. Pompallier, the venerated Bishop of Auckland, accompanied by two native pupils, Rini and Hiriweteri (Linus and Sylvester), of the College of St. Francis, left Auckland on Monday the 15th of June, at 11 o’clock a.m., in the steamer Tasmanian Maid for the purpose of making his pastoral visit to Manaia and Coromandel, places about 45 miles to the east of Auckland. By the kindness of Captain Jackson, his Lordship was enabled to enter his own boat near the Manaia river, up which he was rowed by his two native pupils, Rini and Hiriwetiri. He arrived at the pah of Rakuera-Manuwhiri at 7 o’clock p.m., where the Very Rev. Dr. McDonald, V.G., and all the people were awaiting his Lordship. They received their first pastor with salutations of friendship and welcome, which fully expressed their feelings of filial affections towards him. On his approaching the pah, he was greeted by the assembled multitude with these loving expressions, “Haere mai, haere mai ki on tamariki!” “Welcome, welcome, 0 Father, to your Children!” He was then conducted by the Vicar-General and the people to the house of the chief, the floor of which was strewn with new mats for the Bishop’s use. After the people were placed in proper order, one of the catechumens read an address in the Maori language, conveying sentiments of deep gratitude to the Bishop for his pastoral visit. The address being read, the Bishop delivered an impressive and eloquent discourse in the Maori language, expressive of his attachment to them, and of his great desire to see them advance in Christian life and civilisation, and imparted to them his Episcopal Benediction. On Tuesday, the 16th of June, the Bishop was busily engaged instructing and preparing the people for the reception of the Sacraments. In the meantime, the VicarGeneral and some of the catechists assisted by others, were engaged in preparing a suitable place where his Lordship was to offer the august sacrifice of the Mass, and administer the sacraments of Baptism, Matrimony, (and Confirmation to the Catechumens and Neophitos,, who were, previously instructs by ft Cfttechist, RfthiPGV 3 two. weeks pve» r - - i ! ; - '..v k

viously by the Bishop for that purpose, and by the VicarGeneral. On' Wednesday, 17th of June, the Bishop conferred the holy sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony on the great chief, Rakuera Manuwhiri, and afterwards eight others of his people were baptised, and five couples were married by his Lordship. When the ceremonies of baptism and matrimony were ended, his Lordship, assisted by the VicarGeneral and the two native pupils offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, at which about one hundred persons, all New Zealanders, were present. After the Gospel, his Lordship delivered a very instructive sermon in the Maori language. Some of the natives also had the happiness of receiving the Holy Communion. Two native catechists, Pene and Ruka, received

the great Sacrament of Confirmation. The ceremonies of the day being ended, the Bishop, with the chief, Rakuera Mann whirl, selected a new place suitable for the erection of a new church, presbytery, and cemetery. On Thursday, June 18, the Bishop, accompanied by the Vicar-General, the two native pupils, and about a hundred, of the natives of the Tawera and Ngatimaru tribes from Manaia, went to Coromandel by boats and canoes. On his Lordship’s arrival, he was hospitably received by the Catholic Europeans, many of whom came from a distance to meet him. There is much credit due also to the chiefs of Kapanga, for the hospitable reception given' by them to the native people of Manaia, who went with the Bishop. The Vicar-General then prepared a suitable place for the Bishop, where about forty European faithful and some natives assembled for prayer. On this occasion, his Lordship delivered an excellent discourse in English, and at the end gave to them his Episcopal Benediction. Mr. Doyle and Mr. McLaughlin, on the part of the faithful on the diggings came to invite his Lordship to visit them. Notwithstanding his Lordship’s great desire of making his pastoral visit amongst them, which he could have done, had the steamer returned on Thursday to Coromandel, but on being informed that the steamer was not to return, he thought it prudent to take advantage of the first vessel for Auckland. However, . before taking leave of that dear portion of his European and native flock, he exhorted them to persevere in the practices of a Christian life, and to do what they could for the advancement .of religion. He then gave them his Episcopal Benediction, and took his departure on board of a cutter with one catechist (Raniera), and his two pupils (Rini and Hiriweteri), leaving his VicarGeneral at Coromandel to officiate for the faithful on Sunday. H His Lordship’s visit to Manaia and Coromandel has 4 been productive of much good, and will long be remembered with Christian satisfaction by both Europeans and.natives ■; jn thflse fenlities. ;;; - 4 'W-V / ‘ .. ■ * ... . V : 1 ;.V “ - i*-' S