THE PAPAL DELEGATE.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 November 1921, Page 5

THE PAPAL DELEGATE.

VISIT TO NEW PLYMOUTH. Monsignor Cattaneo, Papal delegate for Australasia, who was in New Plymouth yesterday, has during the past fortnight been visiting the principal centres throughout the Dominion, and everywhere his reception has been of the warmest and most enthusiastic character. His arrival in New Plymouth on Thursday evening, accompanied by Archbishop O’Shea, Monsignor McKenna and Father O’Farrell (secretary), was hailed with delight by the children of the Convent School. His Excellency showed his paternal affection for the little ones by chatting faaiiliarly with them along the path leading to the presbytery. At eight o’clock the members of the congregation assembled in the Rolland Hall to tender the distinguished visitor a public reception befitting his exalted position as representative of the Supreme Pontiff Benedict the 16th. After an overture by the pupils of the Convent Schools, Dean McKenna, on behalf of priests and people, said that his presence in their midst forcibly reminded them of the unity and universality of the church, and helped to strengthen the bonds which unite the head and members without destruction of nationality, race or color. A short entertainment by Convent boarders followed, which the large audience evidently enjoyed and appreciated. Each item on the programme was frequently punctuated by hearty and wellmerited applause. The delegate, who is brimful of humor, in felicitous terms spoke of the satisfaction he felt at the display of loyalty, affection and love manifested to himself because he was the personal representative of one whom they all held in the deepest veneration. He thanked the dean for the kind words spoken, the children for the feast of music provided, and the large audience for their deep attachment to the church. He finally imparted the Papal blessing to all present, and invited them to come along individually for a warm handshake before departing for their homes. His Excellency and party were driven to the Mountain House yesterday by Mr. Dodunski, and left later by the Rarawa for Auckland. Archbishop O’Shea remains in New Plymouth till Monday, and will administer the sacrament of confirmation to a large number of candidates at New Plymouth and Waitarm