DEATH OF THE VERY REV. MONSIGNOR M'DONALD.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 1, 4 January 1900, Page 15

DEATH OF THE VERY REV. MONSIGNOR M'DONALD.

A GREAT AND GOOD PRIEST.

(By telegraph, from our Auckland correspondent.) To Bay that poignant grief was felt by the Catholics of the city and suburbs of Auckland on Sunday afternoon, when it became known that the Very Rev. Monsignor M'Donald, popularly known as Father Walter, was dead, but inadequately expresses the great sorrow of, I might say, the whole community, aa the deceased was loved and revered by all denominations. On Saturday evening a telephone message came to St. Patrick's asking that a priest might be sent to Panmure on the following morning to officiate for the Very Rev. Monsignor M'Donald, who was reported ill. This request, owing to scarcity of priests, could not be complied with before nine o'clock. Mass at the Cathedral being concluded, the Very Rev. Dean O'Reilly proceeded to Panmure, where he found that the Monsignor had already said Mass at Howick and Panmure, and knew nothing of the message to town. He was not feeling well, and Dean O'Reilly thinking there was no immediate danger, and after staying a while, returned to Auckland, arriving at three in the afternoon. Soon after a telephone message from Panmure announced Monsignor's death, whereon Dean O'Reilly and Father Purton set off for Panmure where Dsan O'Reilly made all the necessary arrangements, and returned again to the City, leaving Father Purton at Panmure. The first announcement made to the people was by Rev. Father Golden at St. Patrick's, who spoke with great emotion and said, when the heart is sad the tongue lacks its eloquence. He referred briefly to the many excellent traits in the character of the venerable priest just dead. In no place waß he better known, nor was any place so dear to his heart as St. Patrick's parish and people, where he had laboured so long and successfully. To him many were indebted for good advice and close, warm-hearted affection, not only amongst the laity but amongst the priests. His charity knew no bounds ; to all irrespective of creed it was tendered. Father Golden said that neither time nor change could ever efface the memory and good works of Father Walter from the hearts of priests and people. Let his life be ever before them as an example, and let them until their dying day continue to fervently pray for the soul of the deceased, After Benediction the Dead March was played on the organ by Mr, Hartwell, assisted by the choir and orchestra, the whole congregation standing with bowed heads. The scene was very impressive. The Very Rev. Monsignor M'Donald died in his 70th year. He was born in the parish of Moonooin, County Kilkenny, Ireland, and was educated at All Hallows College, Dublin. He came out to Auckland in 1854 or 1853. Father Walter was ordained a priest at St. Patrick's Cathedral in March, 18.">(j. His brother, the Very Rev. James M'Donald, had arrive! tome years previously, and was VioarGeneral of the Diocese then. The Very iiev. James M'Donald died at Hokianga in 181)0 and wad interred at Panmure. Father Walter's first appointment was at Russell, Bay of Islands. Later on he was transferred to St. Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland, being appointed private s-ecretary to Bishop Pouipallier. He remained in Auckland for many years, during which period he twice visited Rome. During his connection with St. Patrick's Cathedral it was considerably enlarged, and the spire was built through his exertions. On Bishop Luck's return from his first visit to Europe he brought Father Walter's appointment as Monsignor by his Holiness the Pope in recognition of his services to the Church. The Bishop then transferred Father Walter to Panmure, greatly to the regret of the parishioners of St. Patrick's, who petitioned against it. During Father Walter's many years' residence at Panmure and ministrations als<> at Howick he made himself as popular with all classes and creeds as he had done in Auckland. Father Walter was a chaplain of the volunteer forces composing the Auckland garrison. tYlont-i nor M'Donald was held in the highest esteem by all classes in the community, but by none was he regarded with such affection as by the Maoris. They were continually about his place, seeking for his counsel and advice in all matters. Father M'Donald was on the most friendly terms with our late Governor, Lord Glasgow, and especially with the children, with whom he was a great favourite. I A nephew of the late Monsignor — Dr. Walter M'Donald — now occupies, and has occupied for many years, the distinguished and responsible position of Prefect of the Dunboyne establishment in the great Catholic College of Maynooth, Ireland. The district from which the late Monsignor M'Donald came from is notable for the large number of priests it has given to the diocese of Ossory and to the foreign missions. At the evening service at the Anglican Church, Epsom, the Rev. W. E. Gillam made feeling reference to the death of Monsignor M'Donald, and spoke of the high esteem in which he was held by the whole community. The following resolution was carried by the congregation, all standing : — ' That this congregation of Anglicans at Ellerslie desire to express their sincere sympathy with their Roman Catholic brethren at Panmure in their bereavement by the sudden death of the Very Rev. Father Walter M'Donald.' Messages of condolence were received from his Excellency Lord I Ranf urly, his Lordßhip Bishop Grimes, Hon. T. Thompson, the Yen. Archdeacon Devoy, the priests of Dunedin, the Very Rev. Father Chastagnon, Colonel Pole- Fenton, and many others. The remains were brought in on Tuesday afternoon and laid in state in St. Patrick's, and on Wednesday morning at 8 o'clock a solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated, the funeral leaving immediately after for Panmure cemetery, where the interment took place, the deceased being laid to rest beside his brother, the Very Rev. Dr. M'Donald. Among those who took part in the funeral procession were the Mayor and members of the Auckland Corporation, who attended in their official capacity, as well as representa* tives of several other public bodies. — R.I. P.