SILVER JUBILEE.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1926, Page 1

SILVER JUBILEE.

THE REV FATHER O’CONNOR. HONOURED.

CHRISTCHURCH, June 12. The final celebration of the silver jubilee of the Rev Father J. P. O’Connor as a Catholic priest was held in the Selwyn Street Hall. The Bishop of Christchurch (Dr Brodie), visiting priests and the parishioners of Adding, ton honoured him at a social even-

Twenty-five years of work marked an epoch in the life of a priest, said the Bishop. Father O’Connor’s labours at Addington in the last six years had brought about a great advance in the district, and he was sure that Father O’Connor was deeply gratified that his work had been blessed so abundantly. There was a great bond between the priests and people, and the large crowd that evening proved it beyond doubt. Tie joined with them all in their expression of goodwill and appreciation of their priest, who, lie hoped, would continue still to rise in the estimation of the parishioners. Tlie Church in Canterbury, continued Bishop Brodie. had every reason to he proud of its priests. They compared with any the world over, and those who had laid the foundations of the church in this province had been men true to the highest traditions of the church. The high standard they set was the goal of the clergy of the diocese.

In presenting Father O’Connor with a. substantial cheque, Mr H. Sloan said it was the wish of every parishioner that their priest would be with them long enough to celebrate his golden jubilee. Speeches of thanks and congratulation were made by Father O’Connell (St. Mary's Church), Father Creed (of Lccston, who was ordained with the guest of honour) and Father Quinn (on behalf of the young priests). There was hearty applause when Father O’Connor rose to speak. He was greeted with the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Follow.” He could not thank tho people adequately for their kindness, lie said, which moved him to wish that, should he be spared to celebrate his golden jubilee, it be held at Spencer Street, Addington. The people’s loyalty was wonderful, as was also that of his two assistants. Father O’Connor said lie did not intend to accept the gift for himself, but to place the money to the credit of the parish account, which, lie hoped, would soon ho large enough to clear tlie parish of debt. Father O’Connor spent ten years of his ministry at- Ross, the parish being the largest in the Dominion. Tlie work, which took him right into South Westland, he said, was often dangerous, because of Hooded rivers. Tie had been happy there, and also at Addington.

The first of the jubilee celebrations was bold on .Tune 1, when Solemn High Mass was celebrated. This was followed by a dinner, at which priests from far and near attended.