A CHURCH DIGNITARY

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2671, 18 January 1916, Page 6

A CHURCH DIGNITARY

VISIT OF ARCHBISHOP CERRETTI RECEPTION IN WELLINGTON His Excellency Archbishop Cerretti, delegate of tho Holy See for "Australasia, arrived in Wellington by the Ulimaroa yesterday morning. He was welcomed at tile wharf by the leading Roman Catholic clergy of New Zealand, and by several hundreds of the Catholic oommunity in Wellington. Principal among the clergy were: His Grace Archbishop Itedwood, His Grace CoadjutorArchbishop O'tShea, Bishop Verdon (Dunedin), Bishop Cloary (Auckland), Monsignor Brodie (Bishop-elect of Christchurch), the Ven. Archdeacon Devoy, tho Very Rev. Dean Smyth (S.M. Provincial), and the Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M. (Administrator, Thorndon). Still a young man, full of health and vigour and good humour, Archbishop Cerretti in 110 way resembles the popular conception of a high dignitary of tho Church. He does not lack dignity, but he carries it with a very easy grace. Indeed, ease is the chief characteristic of the manner of tho man. He has a facile command of tho language, is ready and original in his talk of things and doings in the world, and he has an engaging, merry smile, and charming manners. And above everything, his appearance betokens strength alike of mind and body, a really striking personality. Although an Italian, Archbishop Cerretti has had long experience of Englishspeaking peoples, having been-for seven years in tho Papal Legation at Washington. ' In the course of a talk with a reporter yesterday he spoke of many points of resemblance between Aust-a-lians and Americans, and some differences mostly to the advantage of Aus'trahans. But he frankly confessed himself appalled a little at' the habit, worse in the Australians than in Die Americans, and still worse, he was informed, in the Now Zealanders, .of making many serious speeches on all festive occasions. No doubt ho has had rather a trying experience '.n this regard since his arrival in Australia, less than a year ago. Howevct, he is frank in his avowal of admiration and liking (or Australia and Australians. Archbishop Cerretti/ gave a clear definition of the attitude of the Holy See. in the war. "It is one of absolute neutrality," said His Excellency. "Anyone who understands the position of the Holy See knows that it must be so. The Holy Father is the Father of all Roman Catholics in all nations, and consequently cannot favour one nation as against another. In all his official publication's tho Holy Father has made it perfectly clear that this attitude will-be maintained. This does not mean that , the Holy Father agproves of all the acts —perhaps acts of cruelty arid wrong—perpetrated by one' nation ,or another in carrying on this war. In fact, he has protested against certain acts of tho warring nations, but what can his protest avail in this awful war? By these protests he does not break his neutrality. The Holy Father has his priests with every He has helped in turn according to his ability all the peoples in France, Bel; gium, Germany, Poland, Austria, all indiscriminately."

Of the services rendered to tho Allies by soldier priests at the front, His Excellency spoke with ready enthusiasm. Italy has alwut 20,000 priests at the ifront. Some arc chaplains, somo are in the hospitals, and some ar© in the firing line; but all of military age have to .serve. Some have been killed, and both in Italy and France many fighting priests have received decorations for valour. In Germany and Austria priests were not compelled to service. In all the forces, added His Excellency, Catholics are playing a prominent part, and it was likely that the results of the war, as far as Catholicity was concerned, would be very •• considerable. Already there had been a marked religious revival in France and Italy, and in Australia the number of Catholics who had enlisted with the Expeditionary. Forces was so large as to require the services of a quito exceptional number of chaplains. There are few subjects of popular discussion nowadays which do not bear in some way on the war, and all such subjects Archbishop Ccrretti has from the nature of his mission and his allegiance to his Church to avoid. But for this he would have a great deal that is interesting to say. He'has travelled widely, has©known many illustrious men in many countries, and has a receptive and keen mind. Perhaps he may yet have something interesting to eay to tho people of New Zealand before he leaves here. In tho evening His Excellenoy was officially welcomed at tho Basilica by the clergy, and a religious service proper to the occasion was celebrated. The combined choirs, under the control of Mr. E. Healy, gave appropriate music, and the (jioral part of the service was exceptionally good. Mr. Bernard Pago played tho organ. To-night His Excellency will be tendered a public reception at the Town Hall, and to-morrow he will be entertained at lunch by the clergy of the Arch Diocese at St. Patrick's Collego. He will tour tlie whole of New Zealand before he returns to Australia, and one of his appointments is the consecration of Monsignor Brcdie as Bishop of Christchurch. _ At to-night's reception Miss Teresa M'lnroe will sing, "I Will Eixtol Thee."