ST. MARY’S STAR OF THE SEA CHURCH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1713, 2 April 1906, Page 2

ST. MARY’S STAR OF THE SEA CHURCH.

SERMONS BY MONSIGNOR O’REILLY,

Notwithstanding the heavy rain yesterday morning there was a M r S° attendance at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church, whore sorvico was conducted by the Bight Kov. Monsignor O’Reilly, assisted by

Father Duffy. ... ■ Before commencing his sermon Mon- t signor O’Reilly road two letters which l ho had received from His Lordship the Bishop, ono shortly prior to .the death of Father Mulvihill, instructing the Monsignor to come to Gisborne as soon as possible to represent the , Bishop, who was unable to get away, , but had received the doctor s advice that it was only a matter of a few days with the Father; and the other letter was written after news of death had been received, each containing a highly appreciative reference to Father Mulvihill, and the later one giving instructions for the Rev. Father Lane, of Ormond, to take charge of the Gisborne parish. Proceeding t e Monsignor gave an eloquent sermon, in the course of which he highly extolled the work of the late Father Mulvihill, and stated that he would have liked to have been present sooner, but had caught the first stoamer available, resolved according , to the Bishop’s instructions and his own wish to remain until that day, so

that he could be there to express the Bishop’s and his own sympathy at the great loss they had sustained by the death of their priest, who was respected and beloved by all who knew him. The Monsignor related how on the death of Bishop Luckie he had

wanted rest for a week or two, ami the young priest (Father Mulvihill) offering to take up the work the Bishop’s permission was obtained, and good Father Mulvihill took charge of the parish during his (the Monsignor s) absence. He had become closely acquainted with him on his arrival in New Zealand and had formed a most favorable opinion of him, and his residence in the diocese had intensified that feeling of affection, respect and esteem. Just twelve months ago that Sunday he had to taken part in a similar ceremony. Then he had grieved the loss of one of his oldest friends, and that sorrow was now added to by tne death of one for whom he had great esteem and affection, a most zealous and pious priest, and the work he had done here and the life he had led in their midst, confirmed the opinion formed. With his Lordship the Bishop he felt very sorely the parting, but it was the holy will of God, and knowing how he had suffered, he did not think they could wish him to remain longer on this earth and suffer, and they | could feel assured in their hearts that

Qod had taken him from us in order that He might give him the great reward He had promised to His faithful servants. He was reminded of the words of the 14th chapter 13th verse of the Book of Revelations, showing that when they rested from their labors their works would follow them. They knew his work would endure. They knew his sufferings, and how patiently he bore them ; they knew his zeal, and his amiability; they knew the great and magnificent work (as the Bishop had expressed it in his affectionate and expressive _ words), and they would constrain their hearts in the midst of their sorrow, for blessed was he who died in the Lord, for he rested from his labors and his work followed him. “His zeal, his saintly life, his truly priestly life in this world have gono before him, said the Monsignor in deeply impressive tones ; “ who would then wish it otherwise, much as we mourn, much as we regret parting with your beloved pastor, whom you all admired and loved; not only you, but everyone who came into contact with him. He seems to have won his way into the hearts of all whom he met. They could recognise him from the first as one devoted to the service of God.’ The Monsignor went on to trace the career of Rev. Father Mulvihill; how he had come from a pious family in Ireland, and surrounded by holiness and saintliness of life he had received a call from heaven to become a priest and devote himself to the service of God. Few outside of the church knew ol the sacrifice that must be made by one who devoted himself to the service of God in the Catholic Church. He must in a way sever himself from friends, and even were it not necessary to leave his country to do the work of God, he had necessarily to make considerable sacrifices. He showed how the rev. Father had made his mark at the famous Maynooth College, near his native village ; how he had been ordained there and then left his native country—consider what a wrench that must have been to one of so kindly and affectionate a disposition. He had taken up the work in a church which reminded him of his native country, at St. Patrick’s, and later this parish becoming vacant, and the doctor considering the climate of Gisborne more suited to his health than Auckland, he had been appointed here. They knew how he had carried out ihe work here, and it was not for him (the speaker) to tell them; but he must say how greatly they admired his good work, and what must it have cost him ? Did he come that he might have selfish ease ? .No! Suffering as he had done, from the disease he labored under for so many years, how hard it must have been for him to have worked as he did to bring their souls nearer to God. And now he might rest from his labors, for his works do follow him. The Monsignor went on to speak in very appreciative terms of (he kindly references made to the late Father Mulvihill in th'e local press, and they had all doubtless read the tribute which the minister of

another church had paid to their beloved pastor, of which he felt sure they might all in their hearts feel proud. As Catholic priests they always endeavored to foster that kindly spirit. They could not have intercourse in things divine with those not of the church—the church was very exclusive in that respect—but there was no reason why they should not have social intercourse with others. That was the spirit of the church, and one by which priest and people alike should be guided, lie asked them

all to pray for the pastor who had done so much for them, that if he had Dot yot eternal rest ho might soon have it. In conclusion the Monsignor intimated, as had already boen published, that Father Lane had been jhosen to take up the work, a wise selection of wjiich he believed all j

would approve. He knew that Father Lane would walk in the footsteps of the beloved pastor they mourned, and he asked them all to heartily assist the rev. Father. Theirs was a large congregation in tho eveni' g, when the Rpv, Moneignor O'R-. illy occupied iho pulpit, preaching a most instructive and interesting discourse from the text, “The bread which I will give you is My flesh.” In tbe couise of a few remarks btforo the commencement of the sermon, tho rev. gentleman referred to the great reepcot shown to tho late Rev. Father Mulvihill by the publio of Gisborne, which tributes were much ep-« preoiated by tbe Oatbolic comtaunity (

Spooking of position' of the Obureb, Monsignor O'Reilly Baid be was reminded of the first visit he made to Gisborne nearly 29 years ago, at which period it was a very small plaoe, and very hard to get at. There were very few Cathohos residing in Gisborne 29 years ago, and there was no priest stationed in the district when ha visited it. Ho remembered well his voyage from Auckland in the steamer Pretty Jane. Ono advantage was they wore able to come right up to the wharf, instead of having to submit to considerable delay in transhipment to the launoh os at piosent. Ho thought efforts should be mado to land tho passengers from the larger steamers more expeditiously, and hoped to seo this difficulty soon overcome. After at some length tracing the history of tbo church in Gisborne, the rev. gentleman expressed pleasure at the fact that tho t church, presbytery, and parochial sohool woro free of debt. The debt upon the buildings established in Gisborne was upon the OoDvent which had been recently orcc’od, and bo had no doubt that this would soon be a thing of the past. Speoial mention was made of the excellent work which was being accomplished by the Sisters of Mercy in the parochial school and Convent. The musical portion of tbo service, under the able conductorship of Mr Palairet, was of a most impressive nature. As a tributa to the memory of the Rev. Father Mulvihill “Pie Jesu ” and “In Paradisum,” from Wiegand’s Itrquiem, were rendered, Mrs P. Barry taking the solo, ‘Nearer My Gol to Thee” was euDg al he close of tho service.