YUGOSLAV CATHOLICS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 232, 1 October 1928, Page 10

YUGOSLAV CATHOLICS.

NEW PRESBYTERY BLESSED.

DR. CLEARY ATTENDS.

"Even if I had to be carried on a stretcher, I would have been here today in order to mark my appreciation of 'the efforts you have made to obtain a priest of your own nationality," said Bishop Cleary, who yesterday blessed the new presbytery, in Wellington Street, shortly to be occupied by the Rev. Father M. Pavlinovich, who arrived in Auckland last April to work among the Yugoslavs of New Zealand. The bishop's action in attending in spite of personal inconvenience was greatly appreciated by the large gathering of Yugoslavs who accorded him a warm welcome. It was Bishop Geary's first appearance since his serious motor accident over two months ago, and the veteran and respected Church leader walked on ciutches.

Added interest was given to the ceremony, in that it coincided with the silver anniversary of Father Pavlinovicli's priesthood. Yesterday morning a special Mass was held at St. Patrick's to celebrate the event. The Rev. Fnther Buxton, Administrator of the T -cse, speaking at the Cathedral at the morning service, said that the blessing of the presbytery was an epoch-making day for the Yugoslav community of Auckland 3nd province. Dr. Buxton, in congratulating Father Pavlinovich on the attainment of his silver jubilee, said that could look back with pride on the 25 years' service he had given to his people, both in his homeland and in New Zealand. The attendance of Dr. Clearv pioved his love and devotion for the Yugoslav communitv.

Bishop Clearv said that seven years ago he sought to obtain four Yugoslavian priests to work among their flock in New Zealand, but only one could be secured. However there were compensations, for Father Pavlinovich was as good as two, or even four priests. The more they knew this priest the more A Vv liked him. In expressing his arr»* : - tude for the interest shown by the Yugoslavs in providing such a fine presbytery, the bishop said he hoped tlmt in the near future it would be possible to appoint one or two assistants in assisting Father Pavlinovich among his scattered flock. "I wish him a golden jubilee and afterwards a diamond jubilee. May he be long spared to work among you for the glory of God and the good of souls," added Bishop Cleary.

Father Pavlinovich. who replied in his native tongue, returned thanks for the generous treatment accorded him by the bishop, clergy and Yugoslav community. It was essential for him to have some central headquarters on account of the special nature of his work, and new that he had a presbytery, he trusted that all would some to him when in any need. He was much impressed with the scope of his new field, and he hoped to render even greater service in the days ahead.

Appreciative reference to the new priest was afterwards made by Mr. M. E. Simich and Mr. J. Bakalich.

Afterwards the bishop opened the new Yugoslav library and clubroom in the Manchester Unity Building. This comprises three rooms for reading, writing wcr«atiocal prnrpotes,