ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2649, 3 November 1909, Page 7

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH.

WELCOME TO BISHOP LENIHAN

The Catholic School building in Childers Road was crowded .to the doors last night on the occasion of the formal welcome to the district of His Lordship Bishop Lenihan. The audience included many, of other denominations. The hall presented an exceedingly pretty appearance. The platform was tastefully draped in yellow and "white, and covered with a profusion of cut flowers and pot plants, while overhead was an arch of evergreens, hearing a banner with the words “Welcome to our Bishop” printed upon it. The walls were covered with a display of hunting, and' were also decorated with evergreens. In introducing the Chairman (His Worship the Mayor), Rev. Father Lane explained that the object of the gathering was* to extend a hearty welcome to the Bishop, who had been absent from them for three years, during which time he had travelled extensively in the Old Country and in Australia. He was pleased, on behalf of the Catholic community, to welcome the Bishop to Gisborne, and to say that the Catholics appreciated His Lordship’s visit. He could assure the Bishop of always receiving a most cordial reception here. The Mayor said it gave him extreme pleasure to join with all those present m welcoming Bishop Lenihan, who had travelled' much for the benefit of the church as a whole; It was only’right and proper for them to do honor to such an illustrious light, of the Catholic Church, and, on behalf of the Borough of Gisborne, lie extended to His Lordship a most cordial welcome. When the Catholics had such a. man at the . head of affairs-, and such iv kindly priest--as Rev. Father Lane in charge of the parish, the church must go ahead and achieve prosperity in the community. The Mayor then presented the with a purse of sovereigns on behalf of the parishioners, and read the following address: “To the Right Rev. Dr. Lenihan, Bishop of Auckland. My Lord Bishop, —On behalf of the parishioners of Gisborne we beg to offer you our wannest welcome home after your second decennial visit ad Liniina Apostolorum, and to the Emerald Isle of the west. Wo do so with a deep sense of gratitude to the Almighty for having sent you back to us with renewed health and vigor, to resume the duties of your high and sacred office. Within the bounds of a formal address it would he impossible, my Lord, to give a complete summary of a life which lias been, so full of the- highest services to religion, and tho best interests < f your ; c< pted country. The numerous '-lunches, convents, schools, and benefit mt institutions that have arisen . Wsg the period of your episcopate, are so many striking memorials to your indefatigable zeal and great energy. Evidences of progress attributable to your generous patronage and fostering care, abound throughout the length breadth of your extensive diocese. We desire to place on record our appreciation of all these noble works, and whilst recognising your many claims to our admiration. as = a zealous Bishop, we trust that in this expression of our good wishes you will perceive and feel the note of personal affection by which it iias been inspired. The, 'place you have won in the hearts of your people was evidenced at the monster reception tendered to you on your return from Europe, whilst tlic esteem in which you are held by .non-Cafholg-s was abundantly manifested by the large number who associated themselves with their Catholic fellow citizens on the same occasion. - We ask your Lordship’s acceptance of this purse of sovereigns as a sincere lmt inadequate expression of our loyalty and esteem. It is the measure of our present ability, but in no sense that which our affection and gratitude would desire it to be. We hope your stay amongst us has proved as enjoyable to you as it lias been of interest to us, and we hope that you may be spared ad inultos annos to continue vour noble and self-sacrificing labors in the cause of God and humanity.—Signed, Thomas Lane C. J. Parker, J. H. Martin, Ed. Williams.” Prior to resuming his seat, the Mayor apologised for the absence of Mrs. Lysnar owing to indisposition. His Lordship the Bishop, who was received with enthusiasm, expressed his gratitude to the Mayor for coming to assist at the function, and remarked that His Worship was followng kindly in the footsteps of his (tho Bishop’s) esteemed friend, Mr. John Townlcy, who had invariably been present in the past at similar functions. Continuing, His Lordhip returned thanks in a humorous speech for the gift and the address that had been presented to him. He also spoke at length regarding the laborious and strenuous work of a bishop in such a large diocese, and related his unwillingness to accept the position* when first called to the bishopric by Rome. Ho had always endeavored to do Ills best for the diocese, and he was proud to say that the progress made had been, of a most marked order. This he felt was in a large measure due to the immense prosperity over all the Auckland province, and also to the able and willing co-operation of his clergy all over the diocese. He had always been able to send good priests to Gisborne, men who not alone strove to do all they could in assisting their church, but also, be was'glad to learn,' in assisting in any good work. He was also extremely glad to notice the good feeling existing between Catholics and non-Catholics in the district, and assured them that there was no need for anything else. His Lordship concluded by recording his special thanks to Messrs Vita Bros, and the other performers at that evening’s entertainment, and to Rev. Father Lane for his kindness to him during his stay in Gisborne. Messrs H. J. Alley (H.A.C.8.5.) and R. F. Houlihan (Catholic Young Men’s Society) also spoke in words of welcome to the Bishop. His Lordship replied, expressing his high appreciation of the work done by both organisations. During the evening 1 an attractive programme of vocal and instrumental items and recitations was gone through, and Mr! Borneo Gardiner contributed a whistling solo. The following ladies and gentlemen assisted in the programme: Mesdames F. Parker, Hennessv, Barlow, Miss Cussen, Mr. J. Shericlan, Mr.’ M. Vita, Messrs Vita Bros. Tlie accompaniments were played by Misses M. Neill and Ormond. The. - meeting terminated after a (coffee supper had been partaken of.

THE CHILDREN’S WELCOME. •• In the, morning the, children of the convent schools assembled to welcome the Bishop.' The following address was. presented to His Lordship on behalf of the children by Miss K. O’Connell: — “To the Right Rev. Dr. Lenihan, Bishop of Auckland. May it please Your Lordship,—Wo, the pupils of the Convent Schools, desire to tender you a most filial greeting on this occasion of your visit to us. We are deeply grateful to / your Lordship for the paternal cate always minfested by you

for our spiritual welfare. Though situated in this, distant corner of. your vast diocese, we are keenly .interested in your many projects ibr the-progress of religion and education, and we offer you our hearty congratulations on the completion of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, an accomplishment of which you are so justly proud. As an initial offering on behalf, of the extinction of,,the debt, we beg your Lordship to accept the {accompanying purse, assuring you,that it is very tiny in comparison with tho love, good wishes, and respect of the pupils of the Gisborne Convent Schools.” His Lordship was then presented with the purse of sovereigns by Alms Eileen Barry, and addressing the children. expressed his thanks to them. The following musical programme was given before the function terminated: Overture, “II Trovatore,” Misses Duff and N. Neenan; chorus, “Voices of-tho. Night”; solo, “Happy Day,” Miss Barry ;song, “Steady and True, Boys”; pianoforte solo, Miss K. Alartin ; chorus, “Erin. The tear and the smile in thine eye.” Bishop Lenihan is to leave this morning on his return to Auckland.