Ballarat's New Bishop Enthroned

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 24, 15 June 1905, Page 19

Ballarat's New Bishop Enthroned

The enthronement of the Right Rev. Dr. Higjgins as Bishop of Ballarat in succession to the late Dr. Moore took place on Wednesday of last wee'v, the ceremony being a very imposing one. Great orepaxations had been made for the reception of the new prelate, whose fine commanding appearance attracted the attention of the thousands of persons, who had assembled at and around St. Patrick's Cathedral in order to witness his entry into the edifice. Bishon Higgins was accompanied from Melbourne by Archbishop Carr, Bishop Corbett of Sale, Bishop Murray of Maitland, Bishop Re\ille of Bendigo, Father Maher, of the Vincentian Monastery ; Prior Kindelan, of the Carmelite Order ; Father Ryan, S.J., and Father Bartley, of the Garmelite Order. A number of representathe metropolitan laymen, including Mr. John Cfavan Duffy, also accompanied the party, who were welcomed at the Western Railway Station by the reception committee. The Alfred bells in the City Hall tower rang! out a merry peal in honor of the new Bishop, and as the carriage passed along the thoroughfares hats were raised) in resipcfct to iDr. Higgins anil his fellow-digni-taries. At the Cathedral a triumphal arch had been erected at the main entrance, the pillars of which were draped in purple, the episcopal color, relieved by Irish harp<s formed of gold on green ground. There was a profuse display of bunting" at and around the entrance, and the main gate was surmounted with the Gaelic greeting, ' Cea'd mile failte.'

Dr. Higgims, on approaching the entrance to .the Cathedral, was received by a guard of honor composed of Tnembers of the Young Men's Society, Hibernian Society, Leagjue of the Cross, and other bodies.. The Cathedral, which had been beautifully decorated with evergreens, flowers, etc., was thronged. Among the congregation were the mayor of the city and town councillors, Sir Alexander Peacock, Sir Hetary Cuthbert, M.L.C., and other representative gentlemen. An illuminated address of welcome from the clergy of the diocese was read by Monsignor O'Dowd.