ASHBURTON CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1810, 9 April 1888, Page 2

ASHBURTON CATHOLIC CHURCH.

There were large congregations at the Aahburton Catholic Charon yesterday, that being the laat day of the Rev. Father Ohaßtagnon'a ministrations prior to bis departure for Europe, where he intends raising the money requisite to pay off the debt on the church. During the rev. Father* absence, which will probably be for nine or ten months, hia place, we understand, will be filled by the Rev. Father Benefield. At the 11 o'clock service an address and a purse of aovere'gns was presented to Father Chaetagnon, aa an expression cf the congregation's feelings of deep obligation to, and esteem for him The address expressed the sorrow of the oongregation at his leaving them, though bat for a lime, and their pleasure at the happiness he bad m prospeot m meeting his kindred from whom he had beon so long separated, Reference was ma lo to the rev. Father's devotion to the congregation's spiritual wants, and to his kiadn633 to thorn individually. The address expressed the best wishes of all for a pleasant trip for Father Ohaßtagnon, and promised all the aosiatanoe and Bupport they could give the prieit who would be his successor. Abova all they intended watching over the interests of the sohool, and they trusted that when he returned he would have further reason to be pleased with tho state of the pariah.

The Rev Father m returning thanks for the address said that it was a burst of affection from generous hearts which he Imd little expected. His absence would be only for a time, and his departure waa undertaken m order to releive them of some of their difficulties During hia residence here he had tried to do the beat

ho could, and he would spare no efforts m the future m his work for their welfare. He was very thankful to them for their kind reference to his friends, but to go home now was not a very pleasant journey for him because ho would find his mother

—the one being he had loved best m

the world, lying under the clay. Still, (a a measure it would be oome consolation

to aeo tho friends who ?rere atlll remaining. When he beoamo a priest he gave himself entirely to his flock and parted with his relation?, and this sacrifice had therefore

boon made a long tlms ego. The Rev -Either having expreasad hla intention of coming back aa soon as possible, referred to the devotion and ability of the pastor who would effioiato during his abßenoe, and felfc sure tho congregation would recognise hie watchfulness over theie la* tereats.