THE DEPARTURE OF THE REVFATHER VAGGIOLI.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1150, 18 September 1882, Page 2

THE DEPARTURE OF THE REVFATHER VAGGIOLI.

This popular minister who for some time past has had the spiritual care of the Roman Catholics resident in Gisborne, and the oat districts, left this morning by the Roto *ua for Auckland. The Rev. gentleman came here with many difficulties to overcome. He had not the slightest knowledge of English, although speaking several othei* languages, and there was a heavy debt upon the Church Father Vaggioli by study, under we believe the guidance of Mr Direy Sen ~ in a very short space of time was enabled to converse with, and preach to his flock most intelligibly. His gentle and courteous demeanour soon gained him friends—not alone amongst his own congregation but also with members of other denominations and by selfsacrifice and the esteem be was held in he completely relieved the debt. When it is considered that this has been done in so short a space of time, it is no wonder that he is respected, and loved, by the flock over which he has so carefully and watchfully presided. At the Vespers last evening the Rev. gentleman in a brief address alluded to his departure, and said he parted with his congregation with the deepest feelings of regret. He had during his stay always received the greatest kindness, and he would every day of his life remember them in his prayers. After the service had concluded Mr M. Jennings said it was their intention to present Father Vaggioli with a slight testimonial of their esteem, and of the manner in which he had surmounted several difficulties. He was sorry however that some who should have helped in this matter had not done so. He then called Mr W. O’Ryan to read the address.

Before doing so Mr O’Ryan said that there had always existed the best of good feeling between Father Vaggioli and his flock, and he felt assured there .was no one present who did not regret his departure. He had worked for the Church faithfully and well, although laboring under disadvantages. Although Father Vaggioli had said in his address that they would probably get a better priest, he did not think it possible. The address he was about to read but feebly conveyed the feelings of the congregation, or even their appreciation of tne Christian character, zeal, and energy of the rev. gentleman. Mr O’Ryan then read the following address which had been handsomely illuminatedby Mr It. W. S. Ballantyne : — Presented to the Rev. D. F. Vaggioli 0.5.8. Rev. and Dear Sir, —We regret exceedingly that the obligations of your sacred calling renders your departure from amongst us necessary, and we assure you that in leaving you have our most sincere wishes for your future welfare. Since your arrival here, about two years ago, you have with the most generous selfdenial devoted yourself entirely to our welfare, and in your parting from us we feel that we loose not only a pious and zealous pastor, but a true and devoted f *iend. On your coming amongst us you had to confront twi serious cflcuHies, your entire unacquaintance with o r language, and the heavy debt with which our Church was burdened, at a period of unusual depression. The first of these your ability and industry soon overcame, and the other has been removed, mainly by your untiring exertions and perseverance, while your strict integrity and genial manner have gained for you not only the affection of your own flock, but the respect and esteem of all. While we are somewhat resigned by the thought that yonr removal from us will give you greater opportunities for doing good, by affording you a wider field for the exercise of your zeal and abilities, we cannot but hope that you may be again restored to us at no distant day. With fervent wishes for your future happiness, we remain, yours very faithfully, William G’Ryan, Michael Jennings, Thomas Haughey, Joseph Hatwell, (For the Parishioners.)

The address was accompanied by a purse of sovereigns. The rev. gentleman said he was extremely thankful for the evident affection in which those present bore him. He was sorry that he had not been able to do more than he had done. Although they gave him great praise for having released the Church from debt, he did not feel he was entitled to it, as the money obtained by bazaars, concerts, and gift auctions came not alone from his flock but also from others who were not members of his Church. He certainly thought that the ladies were to be more complimented than himself, as it was mainly due to their exertions that the money had been raised. He was, however, proud of his congregation as with only some 300 Roman Catholics they had built a Church which was a credit to them and equal in point of size to the Cathedral in Auckland. He felt too deepyl to say much, bnt he would never forget the kindness of the Gisborne people of all denominations. He had arrived here penniless, and thought to have left as poor as he came, but the money which had now been presented to him he would devote to the work of God.

The rev. gentleman appeared to be much affected during his reply. Several of those present subsequently visited the Presbytery, and bade adieu to Father Vaggioli who had endeared himself to one and all.