Bishop Whyte at Port Chalmers

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 50, 17 December 1924, Page 30

Bishop Whyte at Port Chalmers

His Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Whyte, Bishop of Dunedin, visited Port Chalmers on Sunday afternoon and, attended by Rev. Father O'Reilly (pastor of the parish) and Rev. Fathe" Kaveney (Adm. St. Joseph's Cathedral) administered .the Sacrament of Confirmation to 39 candidates, including four adults. A guard of honor to his Lordship was provided by a fine body of Hibernians in regalia, and the church (St. Mary's "Star of the Sea") was completely filled. Addressing those about to be confirmed, the Bishop explained the nature of the sacrament, also the significance attached to the ceremony. After Confirmation his Lordship received from the young candidates their pledge to abstain from intoxicating liquors until they reached the age of twenty-one years, and exhorted them to observe the virtue of temperance even throughout their lives. In Confirmation they had received the seven-fold gifts of the Holy Spirit which made them soldiers of Christ. As time went on (he said) they would be confronted with many difficulties and perhaps even encounter much bitterness .in conforming to the practice of their Holy Faith, but they must always remember that in the Sacrament of Confirmation they were made "strong and perfect," and given the means of becoming good men and women, and above all good Catholics. He exhorted them to become associated in sodalities and societies the rules of which exacted the frequentation of the sacraments. In this connection his Lordship strongly urged the boys to take a practical outlook on life and join that best of all benefit societies, the Hibernian Society, and the girls the Children of Mary Sodality, or some other of the parish confraternities. While congratulating the candidates on their answering of the catechismsome being particularly good in this regard—he, too, congratulated their pastor on the exemplary preparation shown, also their devoted teachers (the Sisters of St. Joseph), an Order with which he had had much experience in the Archdiocese of Sydney. The work of these Sisters was always thorough in every department, and he was delighted to find them established in his own diocese. In conclusion the Bishop said that a study of Catholic doctrine should not end with Confirmation : good reading and a continuous study of our Holy Faith were essential. It enabled us to attain that full knowledge with which to instruct others when called upon ; was a perpetual source of strength to us in our belief, and a neverfailing aid in an atmosphere where religion was disregarded. His Lordship then officiated at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The rendering of the music for Benediction, as well as the "Veni Sancte Spiritus" during Confirmation, the hymns to the Sacred Heart and Blessed Virgin, and finally "Faith of Our Fathers," was most devotional. An adjournment was then made to the schoolroom to enable his Lordship to personally meet those of the parishioners who were present. An address of welcome and loyalty

was road and presented to the Bishop by Mr. O'Halloran, president of St. Mary's branch of the H.A.0.13. Society, who was accompanied by the office-bearers and members. The text oil the address was as follows: His Lordship Dr. Whyte, Bishop of Dnnedin. My Lord, —On behalf of the Catholics of this parish, we wish to tender yon the heartiest of welcomes on this your first official visit to Port Chalmers. Since your coming to the diocese we have watched with ever increasing interest your labors, especially your devoted work in connection with our Catholic schools and Catholic education; and we cannot fail to recognise in yon a worthy successor of the illustrious Bishop Moran and the saintly Bishop Verdon. Numerically our Catholic population is probably the smallest in your Lordship's extensive diocese —but few though we be we yield to none .in the intensity of our devotion, respect, and regard for your Lordship and for what your Lordship symbolises and represents. • Hence to-day we welcome you amongst us with all the welcome of our hearts; we trust and pray that God may spare yon for many years to continue, your splendid work, and may we entertain the hope that now yon have ■met us, your visits may be much more frequent. Signed on behalf of the Catholics of the parish — M. O'HallokAn (Pros. II .A.C.M.S.) William Mead (Sec. H.A.C.8.5.) Captain Duncan. Thomas Mackie. Patrick Toomey (Waikouaiti). John Pitzpatrick (Burkes). John O'Connell (Seacliff). Port Chalmers, 1924. In replying, his Lordship expressed the great pleasure it gave him to visit the pretty sea-side town of Port Chalmers, the perfect weather conditions of the afternoon enhancing that pleasure. Although the last parish of the diocese to be officially visited by him, he nevertheless had often been there unofficially. He was (he said) very glad indeed to have the present opportunity of meeting the parishioners individually and hoped to renew their acquaintance, from time to time. Although the city might endeavor to rival Port Chalmers in harbor facilities, still they possessed one of the most beautiful and up-to-date ports in the Dominion, and one rich in historical associations. His best wishes were for its continued progress and the happiness and prosperity of its people. He thanked the Hibernians for their beautiful address and the parishioners for the sentiments it conveyed.. Be was always pleased to meet members, of the Hibernian Society and well knew of the solid work they did in every parish where they were established. There was always something pleasant and homely about the society—an Irish atmosphere which •made one happy to experience. In conclusion his Lordship made reference to the well-

equipped state of the parish, to the work done by Father O'Reilly, and the excellent education work of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The address was tastefully printed in Old English type on art paper in the form of a neat folder, and inserted in an artistic suede holder; the work being carried out by the y.Z Tablet Company.