A GENIAL BISHOP.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2410, 16 March 1915, Page 6

A GENIAL BISHOP.

HIS UNIQUE DISTINCTION. It was a distinction of which the late Bishop Grimes often spoke that he was the only Bishop who had ever seen his Cathedral rise from its foundations to full completion in his own lifetime. There is no doubt that it was to the whole-hearted devotion of the late Bishop to the project, and the activity with which he canvassed 'his own diocese for funds, and secured contributions from Roman Catholic friends in Europe and elsewhere, that the achievement of this, great object was due. The noble Cathedral, 'in Christchurch, will bo in a very special sense the late Bishop's memorial. His monument will also be in the hearts of his people, to whom ho c-ndearcd himself during,many years of spiritual superintendence over them. To very many who are not Roman Uatholics, moreovor, the death of Bishop Grimes will bring much grief, for his kindness and constant courtesy made him popular far beyond the boundaries of his 'diocese or Church. The late Right Rev. John Grimes, D.D., was born in the Archdiocese of Westminster, ,in 1842. He was educated in the Colleges of the Marist Fathers in.England and France, and continued his theological studies in Ireland. Hq entered the congregation of theJSociecy of Mary, known as the Marist Fathers, a well-known missionary body of priests, and in 1868 ho was ordained at Dublin by the Most Rev. Father Whelan, Archbishop of Bombay. After spending some years as a professor at St. Mary's College, Dundalk, he went to New Orleans in 1874 to take up a professorship at Jefferson College, where ho remained seven years, becoming rector 'of the college. Whilst helping the clergy in the neighbouring district, he was stricken down with yellow fever, from which he marvellously recovered. He was next called by his superior to take charge of the newly-formed mission of Paignton, South Devon, England, where ho became very popular. The Church of the Marist Fathers, built on St. Mary's Hill, near Paignton, was the first Roman Catholic place of worship opened in the locality 6ince the Reformation. On May 7, 1887, Dr. Grimes was appointed first Roman Catholic Bishop of •Christchurch, being consecrated, on July 26, by the late Cardinal Vaughan. Ho was nover of a .strong constitution, and when he had been three years in Christchurch a severe illness made a sea voyage necessary, and he went-to-Rome to report on the state of religion in his diocese. The late Pope Leo accorded hint several interviews, and accepted various addresses sent by his hands from the Roman Catholics of Canterbury. His Holiness also presented the late Bishop with a magnificent gold chalice for use in the pro-Cathe-dral. The Bishop then visited the scenes in England and Ireland whore his early work had lain, conducting numerous ordinations and confirmations, and beino; very warmly welcomed at all places. On his return journey he visited the sacred places in Italy and France, end saw the celebrated passion play at Oberammergau, in Bavaria. The return trip was made by way of the United States, where the late Bishop was the guest of Archbishop Ireland, and received a cordial welcome from _ His Eminence Cardinal Gibbons, Archibishop of Baltimore. On his return to Christchurch .in renewed health he received an affectionate welcome from his people. The project of building the Cathedral, which was carried through in the Tecord time of four years—l9ol till 1905—was only one feature of his strenuous work for the improvement, of his diocese. In 1906 the late Bishop paid another visit to the United Kingdom and to Rome, and was received in audience by Pope Pius X. The late Bishop Grimes was a most eloquent preacher, and an air of culture marked alike his courteous conversation and his sermons. He had a distinct talent for reorganisation. He served for years as a member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College, and was at one time chairman of the committee of the St. John Ambukmv Association. 'A MESSAGE FROM SYDNEY. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Rec. March 15, 9.55 p.m.) Sydney, March 15. Dr. Grimes, Roman Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, arrived in Sydney on March 2, and on the' following day entered the Lewisham Private Hospital. On. Saturday lie was operated upon for appendicitis! but 1 did. not recover. •