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Presentation to Mgr. O'Reilly, Thames

It needed not the crowded attendance and enthusiastic reception at the Oddfellows' Hall on Thursday evening, July 23 (says the ' Thames Advertiser ') to sighiiy to the Right Rev. Nzr. O'Reilly the high esteem and unm ailed popularity in which he is held by all classes of the community, irrespective ot denomination. For the past 25 \ears that he has been in our midst, he has indeed labored earnestly and truly for the elevation of his people and the public generally , he has ever been leady to hold out a helping hand to those in trouble , to the poor and needy he has pioved an invaluable friend, ynd by his life-long devotion to the sick and afflicted l.c has every cause to be universally revered. Sincerely do we add 'By his works ye shall know him.' But actions sometimes speak louder than words, and the Monsignor's congregation recognised the present occasion as beiitting a practical demonstration of their appreciation.

The energetic committee, consisting of Mrs. J. Ryan, Misses Lynch, Foy, and N. Twohill (secretary) and Messrs. J. M Foy, Connelly, Duggan, and McEntcer aie to Le congratulated on the social success of their undertaking, and for the very excellent programme they provided. Musical items were contributed by Misses Boyle, Poland, Landy, Law, McDonald, Robinson, V. Twohill, and X Murphy, Piv Father Darby, Messrs. Ingram, Ebbott. B. Menzio, J. McLean, and Booth s orchestra Duiipg: the evening a p.urse of sovereigns was piesented to Monsignor O'Reilly, the Mayor (Mr. Tie'i - r.-ith) piesiding Among the others present on the pi; tiorm during the presentation were Rev. Fathers Dari) , Biodie, Buckley, Dr. Aubin, Messrs. Theo Wood, S.

Hetherington, J. McEnteer, M. Paul,- $. Kenny, J. E. Banks, and J. Connelly. The chairman said he was very pleased to be called upon to preside on such an occasion, and expressed his regret, at the death of the Pope* whose influence had been recognised throughout the world. He then referred to the many admirable qualities of Monsignor O'Reilly, who had gained the esteem and love of all. " r '

An apology for unavoidable absence through iilnegS was received from Bishop Lenihan, several of the priests also expressing their regret at not being able to be present Rev. Father Darby then read the following address to Monsignor O'Reilly from his parishioners :— * Dear Monsignor,— Do we not meet with delight this evening to congratulate you on this your 25th anniversary as our kind pastor, and to express to you personally our admiration of your great qualities of- heart and mind. We 1 thank you most sincerely for the very great interest you have always taken in our spiritual and temporal welfare. In thus thanking and congratulating you we do so to no stranger, for your name and fame are for a long time established not only at the Thames, but thioughout the whole Colony. It is now a quarter of a century since you came to labor as our director and guardian, and we can all join with one voice in saying that you have done your part nobly and generously and only hope that we may benefit by your good example and teaching. We hail with pleasure the opportunity of tendering a cead mile failthe to Fathers Brodie, DatbV, and Buckley and kind friends who have come to jom with us in showing our esteem and respect for our 1 worthy pastor. In conclusion we pray that the Thames may long be spared such a laborer for Church and Christian education and a true leader in the person of our present pastor.'

Rev Father Darby said that the feelings uppermost in his heart were expressive of love and gratitude towards the Very Rev. Monsignor, which was reciprocated on all sides. His attitude with regard to his flock had been that of father and child, which is the highest test of affection ; he had been a model in every way ; it was a privilege to know him, and during the 37 years of his priesthood his life had been one, of self-scarifice. An act was the expression of the heart as wejl as words, and he would ask the Monsignor's kindly acceptance of the accompanying momento.

The Right Rev. Mgr. O'Reilly, who on rising was received with great enthusiasm, said : I feel by your attendance here to to-night that there Is a bond of unity between us, and I heartily thank you all for the sentiments that you have given utterance to. You have always approved of my efforts on your behalf, and I have thoroughly appreciated the respect which has been gp'en me. To my co-trustees in the hospital, Dr. Aubin, and the nurses I tender my thanks, for we have harmoniously worked together. The manifestation of regret towards the late Pontiff from the public, the civic officials, and local bodies have touched me greatly, and the sympathy expressed in the Press of the world tend to show that sorrow is universal. In spite of my shortcomings you have taken the will for the deed, and while again thanking you, I trust by the blessing of (iod the same spirit will animate all my actions in the future as in the past.

Mr. Theo. Wood, on behalf of the Hospital and Chariiable Aid Board, eulogised Monsignor O'Reilly's many virtues, and voiced the opinion of all in being proud to have him as their chairman.

Father Brodie (Waihi), in a few felicitous' terms, testified to the Monsignor's good qualities, whose influence was largely felt in his own parish, Waihi. He hoped that the Monsienor would live to celebrate his golden jubilee at the Thames, which remark was the signal for much enthusiasm.

This article text was automatically generated and may include errors. View the full page to see article in its original form.I whakaputaina aunoatia ēnei kuputuhi tuhinga, e kitea ai pea ētahi hapa i roto. Tirohia te whārangi katoa kia kitea te āhuatanga taketake o te tuhinga.
Permanent link to this item
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZT19030813.2.42

Bibliographic details
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New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 33, 13 August 1903, Page 19

Word count
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947

Presentation to Mgr. O'Reilly, Thames New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 33, 13 August 1903, Page 19

Presentation to Mgr. O'Reilly, Thames New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 33, 13 August 1903, Page 19

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