FATHER RIORDAN'S JUBILEE

Chronicle (Levin), 15 December 1947, Page 2

FATHER RIORDAN'S JUBILEE

TRIBUTES TO HIS POPULARITY There was recently celebrated at the Cathoiic Mission Station, Pukekarara, Otaki, ihe silver' jubi:lee oi Father Riordan's ordination to the priesthood. Besides the Maori missionaries of the Archdiocese, many ciergy came from far and .near to pay their tribute of ret>pect to this well-known and popuiar missionary priest. The prmcxpal function, of course, was the Soiemn High Mass, which was celebrated by the Jubilarian at St. Mary's Church in the presence of a goodly number of his oid fnends and former parishioners. The Deacon at the Mass was Rev. Father Venning, who had a share in the education of Father Rioraan at St. Patrick's College, Wellington, and later welcomea him to the Maori Mission staif on the Wanganui River. The SubDeacon was Rev. Father Dynan, of Hignden, Palmerston Noroh, who was associated with the Jubilarian in the eany days of his missionary career. The preacher for the occasion, Father Durning, of Taranaki, dwelt upon the dignity of the priesthoo'd of Christ. He stressed now important, even essential, is the oftering of sacrifices, that the Mass is the centre and powerhouse of the Catholic religion and ■fherefore the priest, ordained of God to offer this sacrifice, is the bridge between earth and heaven, between the creature and his Creator. During the day and evening, numerous oid * frien'ds and acquaintances, both Maori and pakeha, availed themselves of the opportunity of calling upon Father "•Riordan to offer their felicitations. Amongst these were three of the local chiefs, representing NgatiRaukawa and Ngati-Kapu. They ]^ecailed with gratitude the valuable services consistently rendered to the Maori race by their genuine Father, especially in matters pertaining to their educational and social welfare. They rejoiced to know that his life-long efforts for the establishment of a college for Catholic Maori boys had at last been crowned with success. Father Riordan spent six-year terms in the Wanganui River; district, Otaki and Hawke's Bay. He was then given a special appointment, with residence in Wellingi tcn, to visit all the Maori Mission districts for the purpose of giving missions and retreats. This is still his occupation.