Cardinal Moran and the Hibernian SOCIETY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 12, 20 March 1902, Page 6

Cardinal Moran and the Hibernian SOCIETY.

His EMiMiNCL Cahdixal Moban, his Grace Archbishop Kelly and his Lordthip the Bii-hop of Wilcannia, accompanied by a number of the clergy, were present at the annual meeting of the JJ.A.C.B. Society, (New Scuth Wales district). Among the laity present were Hon. E. W. O'Sullivan, Mnnsier for Works ; Mr. D. O'Connor, M.LA. ; Mr. James Gormly, M.L.A ; Mr. A. J. Kelly, The District Piesident, Bro. A. Meaney. acting on behalf of the Australasian branches ot the Society, prtsented an address to the Caidinal on the e\e of his departure lor Rome. His Eminence, in replying, Baid be had always taken the deepest interest in the wellare of their society, and wished it a continuance of success. On its banner was the motto ' Australia, Religion, and Ireland.' He considered that a grand motto, and he wouli like to see every earnest Catholic- in Australia enrolled under that banner. The moit) • Australia, Religion, and Ireland' would yield to none, no matter how grand their traditions might be. They had there under that banner the name of Australia, which had a glorious destiny before it, and that destiny would largely rest in the hands of 6uch men as members of this society. This country had resources which could not be surpassed, and their States were so rich in everything that it pointed to the promise of future greatness. The earnestness and devotedness of the sons of Australia, he felt ture, would achieve a grand and a glorious destiny. There was no other country which had so many triumphs in national life as that of the democracy of Australia. It was not only the citizens of Australia, but the Catholic Church throughout the world who looked upon democracy to achieve thtse earnest triumphs Genuine democracy was inspired by religion. Here, in the vast Australian States, democracy had grown to a wonderful extent, and he felt sure that in the future the citizens of Australia would rejoice in the abundance and richness of the fruit that genuine democracy would bear. Howe\er ( it would depend precisely on the earnestness and devotion of Australia's eons to achieve further tiiumphs in the lines of democracy. He was always pleased to come among members of the Hibernian Society, because of their earnestness and devotion in connection with anything they might undertake. Theirs \ias a benefit society in the true sense of the term. It was a society in which not only Austialians but the ions of Ireland were united under the same banner of religion. Their aim at all times should be to promote a spirit of true Christian democracy in order

that it might achieve permanent triumphs. There were persona who sneered at religion and everything pertaining to religion, but they should remember that the men of tbe platform, the men of the press, and other leaders owed their success and power to the principles of religion. Et-ligion had achieved victories in the past, and every day it perpetuated those glorious triumphs. This was a reason that they should be proud of the names which were emblazoned on their banner under which he trusted they would achieve mauy victories. Religion, like the glorious sunshine, waß ever imparting new vigor and life, and instead of religion diminishing in any way it was always enhanced and strengthened. They had also in large letters the name of Ireland on their banner, and of this name they had every reason to be proud. No other country had won the admiration of the civilised world to the same extent as Ireland had. She had b( en illustrious among the civilised nations of the world for centuries. Borne people were beard to remark that Irishmen were too fond of speaking of the glories of Ireland, but when they remembered those glories they had no reason to feel other than justly proud of them. He would remind them of the prophecy of St. Malachi on his deathbed in the year 1200, when he said that after seven centuries Ireland would rise once more and shine with her prirtine glcry. That prophecy had been verified, for Dot only was the land of Ireland to-day emiling with the dawn of prosperity, but the influence of the Irish race was being extended throughout the world. Iv conclusion he would again thank them for their welcome, and for the beautiful address with which they had preseuted him. He hoped that his remarks would tend to encourage them to go forward with increased earnestness. Let their motto remain ' Australia, Religion, and Ireland,' a triple bond which no power on earth could break. Addresses were ali-o delivered by the Most Rev. Dr. Kelly, the Right Rev. Dr. Dunne, and the Hon. E. W. O'Sullivan, Minister for Public Works.