SILVER JUBILEE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1932, Page 3

SILVER JUBILEE

PRIEST’S NOTABLE CAREER

DUNEDIN, May 25

One of tile most notable Roman Catholic priests in the Dominion, the Rev. Dr C. J. Morkane, rector or Moly Cross College, Mosgiel, celebrated his silver jubilee to-day. It is an event of outstanding interest to Catholic communities throughout the whole country, but particularly, of course, to the seminary to winch Dr Morkane has devoted no fewer than 23 of the 25 years of his priesthood.

Dr Uorkane’s association with the Holy 'Cross College embraces almost the entire history of the college, from its opening on May 3rd, 1900, until the present day, when owing it its re markable progress, substantial exten si olls are being made to the institution. 111 addition to being the only priest to celebrate a jubilee while attached t. the college, Dr Morkane is also the first “old boy” to attain “silver 11011 ours,” for ho was actually the fil’d* student to go into residence at, and to be ordained from, the Mosgiel seminary.

DISTJNGUISHED SERVICE

Subsequent to his entering Hol.\ Cross College, Dr Morkane (who Loo,, his M.A. degree, with honours, at the Universty of Otago) studied at St. Patrick’s College, Manly, Sydney, and in 1903 he proceeded to the Urban Col lego of Propaganda Fide, in Rome, where he was ordained on May 25th. 1907, and where he received his Doctorate of Divinity. In 1910 he returned to New Zealand to join the/staff of Holy Cross College as professor, and in 1920 he succeeded as rector Dr James M. Liston, now Catholic Bishop of Auckland, who was in charge from 1910.

One of Dr Morkane’s most . Hiking achievements was the founding of the Catholic Students’ Guild movement, which spread 5 rapidly and is now flour isliing magnificently' throughout th< Dominion. During his labours at the college many of the priests now stationed in various parts of New Zealand and some in place.; far afield, passed through Dr Morkane’s hands. COMPLIMENTARY LUNCHEON A luncheon was tendered to Dr Mor kane to-day, Bishop Whyte presiding. A presentation of a cheque was made to Dr Morkane by the Rev. v Dr. Klimeck, on behalf of the priests who were ordained 'from Holy Cross College. The Bishop endorsed Dr Klimeck’ s remarks, and also presented Dr Morkane with a cheque. The guest of honour also received several gifts in addition to the two cheques.

Tliis evening the students of the co] lege tendered the rector a concert, af which Bishop Whyte presided. The students made Dr Morkane a presentation. ' *•

The Catholic University Students’ Guild, which was founded by Dr Morkane. was represented at the concert and a gift from its members was handed to the rector, who during the day had received a shower of congratulatory messages from ex-students and from prelates, clergy, and a host of lav friends in New Zealand and abroad.