Hawera

New Zealand Tablet, 22 October 1908, Page 14

Hawera

The following address, signed by Mesdames Roche, Gallagher, Barry, Cullinan, and O'Shea, was presented the other day to the Rev. Father O'Dwyer, Hawera:—

' Rev. and DeaV Father,— On behalf of the lady members of the congregation we wish to convey to you, before you relinquish charge of the parish on the return of the Very Rev! Father Power, an~expression of our gratitude and of our appreciation of your devotion to our spiritual' interests during your residence amongst us. Your zeal in the confessional and your attentive and fatherly care of the sick, your kindness in visiting and consoling them, are characteristics that have endeared you to all. Ever at the service of those who need your .advice and help, you have given us the example of every "priestly virtue, and we feel that in you we have a true friend and farther. We ask you to accept the accompanying chalice as a slight token of ' esteem, love, and gratitude, and beg. that you will remember us and our friends at the altar when you are offering up the Holy Sacrifice. We pray that God- may long spare" you to labor for our spiritual welfare, and asking your blessing. We beg to subscribe ourselves your devoted children in Jesus Christ.'" The Rev. Father O'Dwyer, in replying, said r-On occasions «n G ,, • vT nt a PCrSOn Placed iirm y P° sition ' as a rule, is filed with feelings of joy and sadneSs." . He is, like that dear little Isle from which most of us came, .which the pc-et addresses as Erin, the tear and the smile in thine eye.' The cause of his joy is that he has made some dear friends, and that they are. true .friends is seen from the address and presentation which he receives; the cause of his sadness is that he has to part" with these dear friends. On the present occasion, however, my feelings are eehngs of joy-the parting hour, has not yet come. The beautiful chalice which you have presented to me shows me that I have made some dear friends during my stay in Hawera and also that my humble efforts to do my duty to God an to my people have merited your approval. .1 do not think could have chosen a more useful present, or one which could be more pleasing to me for it will always be;the means of remiMin J me of the good ladies, of Hawera,- and.no. matter where 1 am workmg in the vineyard of the Lord, whenever I offer v Z '

Holy Sacrifice then, at least I shall remember them. I thank you, my dear friends, for your gift, and earnestly pray that Almighty God will bless you and your families.