Bishop Liston at Mosgiel

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 16, 6 May 1925, Page 27

Bishop Liston at Mosgiel

THE,PARISHIONERS' WELCOME. L The. parishioners of Muriel, and many friends from Dunedin and the surrounding district assembled at Holy Cross College on Saturday afternoon to owe again meet the former beloved pastor of Mosgiel, the Right Key. Dr. Liston, Coadjutor-Bishop of Aucklarjl, and loud to him a very warm welcome to the scone of his distinguished labors. The gathering was an exceedingly numerous one, and- while all enjoyed the afternoon's outing enhanced by the pleasure afforded of viewing the beautiful grounds of the college which still retains much of. its summer glory, the utmost cordiality prevailed; the popular prelate being besieged by those anxious to renew happy acquaintance while on his own part there was unmistakable evi-. donee of how much he felt at home and how gladly he greeted the continuous throng. The Indies of Mosgiel, with that hospitality for which they are proverbial, thoughtfully provided afternoon tea in the college refectory— a task of very considerable dimensions hut one thoroughly successful. Advantage was taken of the occasion to here formally, welcome Dr. Liston to the town and college. This was charmingly done by Rev. FatherCollins (who presided). The chairman's remarks were supplemented by Mr. J. P. Walls (Mayor of Mosgiel), who made particular mention of the local branch of the Hibernian Society with its juvenile contingent (one of the .few such organisations in the Dominion), and of the choir, both bodies in which Dr. Liston was always interested and did much to foster. In concluding a neat speech Mr. Walls asked their distinguished guest to accept the gift of a gold-mounted fountain pen as a souvenir of his much appreciated visit and as a reminder of the place he held in the affections of the people of Mosgiel. . ; Mr. A. P. Qtielcl) spoke on behalf of the parishioners of the town, and Mr. Moynihan of those residing at Allanton and the outlying portion of the parish. Dr. Liston, in responding; returned thanks for the gift made him and for the sentiments expressed towards him. It was a great 'joy (he said) to he among the people of Mosgiel and to again meet so many old friends. The great celebrations in connection with the college —an institution so near to his heart—was an added joy, .was the sight of a Mosgiel boy who is now a priest of God, a fact; in itself worthy of sincere congratulations. . More than that', another Mosgiel boy was now well on his course towards the sacred ministry while still others wore also pursuing their studies at Holy Cross College. ..He paid tribute to Father Collins for the fine work lie was doing in the - parishcombining the duties of pastor with those : of professor at the college.\ A pleasing evidence of ; Father CollinsV activity was the erection of a church at Outram. He remarked on the splendid improvements effected in the college grounds, and concluded by extending a cordial'invitation to those -who may bo, visiting the northern city to make a call at St. Benedict's.