THE RECEPTION OF BISHOP REDWOOD.

Kumara Times, Issue 782, 2 April 1879, Page 2

THE RECEPTION OF BISHOP REDWOOD.

Shortly after three o’clock yesterday afternoon the children of St. Patrick’s School, the Hibernian Society (in full regalia) with their handsome banner, the members of Father Hennebery’a Temperance Society, and other Catholics, in all between four and five hundred persons, assembled at St. Patrick’s Church for the purpose of receiving the Bishop, who was expected to arrive during the afternoon. After the whole had been marshalled and fuiined into procession, headed by the school children they march'd via Third, Seddon, and Main streets to the flat at the top of Stewart’s Hill. Here the ranks were opened out ami faced inward, the bright clean appearance of the children with their glowing and expectant faces forming a picture'of health and beauty. Within a very few minutes his loidship arrived' in a carriage and pair, driven by the Rev. Father M’Canghy, and accompanied by the Rev, Father Claffey. The carriage passed between the lines, and when in its midst three ringing cheers of welcome were given for his lordship, to which he bowed hisauknowledgments. The procession, having reformed, marched back in the same order, although in the meantime it had greatly augmented its numbers by horsemen and every description of vehicle, heavily laden, falling in the real*. On arrival at St. Patrick’s Chinch, a large number of people of all denominations at once crowded the sacred building, and the Bishop,advancing to the alter,addressed those present. We briefly summarise the remarks made by his lordship as follows ;

My Friends—l return my most sincere thinks for your very kind reception to-diiy. I am deeply moved to witness so grand a demonstration on my account; personally, I -am unworthy of it, but the sacred office which I hold can only lay claim to it all in the fullest seme. It gave me the nt most gratification to see together so line a body of the. sons of toil in that procession, of which 1 cannot speak too highly, or of the mcniluMs ~f the Hibernian Society, with their splendid green banner, cmbh matic.d of so much that belongs to their faith and country. Another distinctive feature I would speak of, and which was so plainly manifest in the procession—the noble badge ot Temperance, that so many

worthy men had displayed on that day. It made me proud of you to see your medals on your breasts ; that proves to the world that you are true to your promises ; and may every blessing attend you for it! And what can I say, I cannot be expressive enough in speaking of another most attractive and pleasing part of your glorious procession, and that was the beautiful appearance of the children. I was delighted beyond measure to look upon them—so pure, so innocent, and so beautiful ; and how ought we not all to love and carefully protect them, for has not the Saviour of the World, with divine command and most exquisite feeling, said—“ Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such are the children of God.” And now I would once more, in the fulness of my heart, thank you for the high compliment shown me this day. I was wholly unprepared to meet so imposing a sight. I have visited Kumara before, and have not forgotten your warm and generous welcomes ; and I am pleased to observe at a glance the great improvements made about this church and grounds. To the organizers of that soul-stirring demonstration of this day I tender my special gratitude ; the order was admirable, and arrangements perfect.

His Lordship then proceeded to speak of the Sacrament of Confirmation, and having dwelt for some time in a most impressive manner on that and other religions subjects and duties, he then bestowed the episcopal blessing upon the large congregation present; who, shortly after, quietly dispersed to their various homes.