RECEPTION OF BISHOP MORAN.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1049, 25 February 1873, Page 2

RECEPTION OF BISHOP MORAN.

At half-past seven on Saturday evening, several gentlemen, members of the Boman Catholic persuasion, met at the Boman Catholic Chapel to receive and welcome his Lordship the Bishop. The following address Was presented by Mr O'Conor : To th£ Eight Beverknd Dr. Moras-, Bishop of JDuxedin, -*.ND:AI)».XjfISTIIATOII of WELLINGTON, M* Lord,—On Lobalf of the Catholics of Westport, we bee to tender our most respectful and to express the gladness with wWh we welcome your Lordship upon the occasion of your first visit to this part of your diocese. We also desire to offer our grateful acknowledgements for the anxiety for our welfare which your Lordship has manifested by honoring us with so early a visit. Now that we are placed directly under your Lordship's special care, we look forward with renewed hope and confidence to a happy future, trusting that the Almighty will reward your great zeal for His glory, and that He will bless and fructify your arduous and devoted labor in His vineyard. In common with all Catholics throughout New Zealand we are deeply indebted for your Lordship's brilliant and indefatigable efforts in the cause of Popular Education, and although they have not as yet been crowned with success, we confidently hope, that by adopting the firm but moderate and conciliatory attitude so often recommended by your Lordship, together with the advocacy of so able a champion; we shall, under G-od's helping, obtain a liberal measure wisely calculated to make good christians as well as useful colonists of our children. Availing ourselves of the present opportunity we trust your Lordship will permit us to call your attention to a matter gravely affecting the four congregations comprised in this district which for so long a time have been dependent on the ministrations of one priest. The consequent uncertainty and irregularity of our Sunday mass, is painfully felt, and we regret to say that this most unhappy state of things has caused a growing and perceptible falling away from religion. We therefore most earnestly pray your Lordship to remedy this great evil by affording us the blessings of having the most holy sacrifice of the mass and religious instructions upon all Sundays and festivals, throughout the year. The four churches and presbyteries that have been built, and generously maintained by the Catholics of the district will best convince your Lordship of their love for our holy religion. Eecommending ourselves to your Lordships charitable prayers and sacrifices, we have the honor to be your Lordship's most humble and obedient servants. (Signed)—E. J. O'Conor, Edmond Eoche, J.B. M'Connell.P. J.M'Kenna, Henri Pain, for selves and other members of the congregation. His Lordship then entered the chapel and gave a feeling and eloquent reply, thanking the congregation for their kindly expression of welcome,

and for their appreciation of the early visit which he gave simply in the discharge of his duty. His Lordship afterwards referred to the Education question at considerable length. Wo regret very much that want of space compels us from giving his Lordship's remarks in full. Before concluding, bis Lordship expressed his regret at not being able to comply with the quest contained intheaddress regarding the need for additional clergy. He paid a high compliment to his Clergy, whom he said he found everywhere on the West Coast good and pious entirely devoted to their sacred caliingj but very much overworked. The Want of clergy was everywhere felt* but so great Waa the demand itt Australia, India, and America that it was almost hopeless to expect any con--siderable addition to the clergy until they had a seminary in New Zealand for their education, a work which it was his intention to undertake without delay.