FATHER COLEMAN'S MISSION.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume I, Issue 50, 11 April 1874, Page 6

FATHER COLEMAN'S MISSION.

Owing to repeated disappointments as to the arrival of missionaries, our Bishop has at length determined to send one of our own priests to Europe for the purpose of providing priests and school teachers, <fee, for the Diocese of Dunedin. His Lordship has selected Father Coleman, hia Vicar-General, for this mission ; and all who know the character of Father Coleman, his energy, untiring zeal, devotion to the Diocese and its Bishop, will say that a better choice could not b* made. After the Bishop had finally made up hia mind, uot a moment was lost in putting his resolve into execution ; and Father Coleman is now on his way to Europe in the Mongol, via America. We believe that his departure was not finally determined on till one o'clock of the day on which the Mongol^ sailed. The good priest consequently could have had uo more than a few hours for preparation. Had letters arrived from Europe on that day, stating the priest? expected were oa their way or about to start, there would have been no necessity for this journey to Europe. But no letters to thia effect came ; and the Bishop thought it not consistent with his duty and the claims of his Diocese to wait any longer. As no collection had been made for funds to meet the expenses of this mission to Europe, it is, we understand, the intention of the Bishop to appeal to the Diocese of Dunedin for the means necessary to provide passages &c. &c., for such as may volunteer in the old country to labour for the glory of God, and salvation of souls in Otago. But though for the moment destitute of the necessary funds, the Bishop did not hesitate in at once sending his Vicar-General on so important a mission. His Lordship felt assured that he had only to let his people know what was required, to secure their generous co-operation. He bad no more doubt that he should hi able to meet the expenses that will be incurred, than if h* had the means already in his hands. The expenses will h« considerable, for provision has to be made for the present and the future. Father Coleman will endeavour to supply our present most pressing wants, and he has it also in charge to place students for this Diocese in colleges at home, so that a regular and sufficient supply of priests may be counted on in the future. Then Christian Brothers are to be invited to come here, and should we be so fortunate as to secure tb« services of these Christian and able teachers, residences and school halls will have to be provided for their use. The Bishop, however, says he is not frightened, and he feels quite certain that the people who have euabled him to expend £13,000 in three years on Church buildings and Institutions, will not tail him in this* great crisis. And we feel assured that His Lokdship has not mis-calculated, and that the Catholics of Dunedin diocese will, on thi3 occasion, respond with even mort than their usual zeal and generosity. The Bishop confides in the Catholic spirit of his people, and calmly aud hopefully awaits the result, entertaining 1 no doubt that they will respond to the call he makes on them for the promotion of the best interests of themselves and their children. In conclusion, we have, in common with others, to regret the suddenness of Father Coleman's departure, for it has deprived his many friends and admirers of an opportunity of giving substantial expression to their high appreciation of his abilities, genial disposition, and ever active zeal and labours for the spiritual interests of the people committed to his charge. But we feel bound to say, from what we know of Father Colbman, that nothing could gratify him so much, no testimonial would be so pleasing to him, as a generous response to the Bishop* call for means to bring back with him priests, Christian brothers, and nuns. This, we know, i 3 the species of testimonial that would make him rejoice. As to himself, he is singularly indifferent, but be is all anxiety and solicitude for the Catholic body. We wish him a happy voyage, and earnestly pray for his success and speedy return. He is ajimia of rare goodness and rare gifts.