PRESENTATION TO FATHER FANNING, DARFIELD

New Zealand Tablet, 30 March 1911, Page 561

PRESENTATION TO FATHER FANNING, DARFIELD

(From an occasional correspondent.) March 23. ,On Tuesday evening a very 'arge and enthusiastic social gathering was held in the Darfield Catholic School tor the purpose of saying farewell to the Rev. Father Fanning, M.S.H., who is about to take a holiday trip to his native land, Australia. Mr. F. Narbey reviewed the work of Father Fanning since lie came to Darfield, about three years ago. Rev. Fathers Fanning and Tyler, immediately after their ordination, took charge of the parish of Darfield, which under their able administration has made great progress. The school in which they were holding that meeting had a long-standing debt of £IOO. This, he was pleased to say, had been paid off; the presbytery had been remodelled, the church thoroughly renovated, and the church grounds and fences put in thorough order. Their work did not end in Darfield, but extended to Glentunnel, where a beautiful church had been erected which was a credit to the district and to Fathers Fanning and Tyler, and which now had only a small debt on it. From personal knowledge he knew that over £IOOO had passed through their hands since they came to the parish, all of which had been spent m improvements. They had also organised two bazaars which had both been a great success. Mr. Narbey then referred to the pastoral work of Father Fanning, whose spiritual ministrations and words of sympathy and condolence brought comfort to the sick and suffering Ihese were works they could not pass over, and those acts of kindness would not be forgotten, and they were there that night to thank him and to show their appreciation and gratitude. Mr. Narbey then read and presented the following address: ' Dear Rev. Father,—Deep feelings of love and gratitude have brought us here to-night to wish you "God speed on your intended trip to sunny Australia, the land or your birth, .Since your advent amongst us, dear Rev. father you have ever shown the zeal and love of a true pastor for your flock—untiring in your ministrations, surmounting every difficulty incidental to the life of a priest portraying in your sacerdotal character all the virtues of" the bacred Heart of your Divine Master and Model. Although we rejoice that you are about to enjoy a well-earned holiday and meet once again your beloved parents, still we shall miss you very much, and will daily pray for your speedy return with renewed health and strength, to labor amongst us in, God's holy service for many years to come. In loving gratitude we beg you to accept the accompanying little gift as a small token of our deep affection and esteem, 'From your devoted parishioners— William Clinton, John Dunne James Gill, F. Narbey, ' ' On behalf of the parishioners of Darfield. The address was in book form, bound in morocco and artistically illuminated, and was the work of the Sisters of the Darfield Convent.

; Mr. J. Dunne in a few well-chosen words then presented Father Fanning with a purse of sovereigns. Mr. T. Ford, on behalf of the Catholics of Glentunnel also presented Father Fanning with a purse of sovereigns. Rev. Father Fanning, who on rising to reply was enthusiastically applauded, said he was taken by surprise, as he did not expect a meeting of this kind. Words, he said, could hardly express his deep feelings of gratitude for the nice things said of him and the valuable presents given him. He thanked the good people of Darfield for the very complimentary address, which he would always treasure. He also thanked Mr. Ford for his gift, and asked him to convey his sincere thanks and gratitude to the good people of Glentunnel. Mr. J. Dunne then called for three cheers for Father Fanning, which was responded to in a very hearty manner.. Mr. F. Narbey then on behalf of the people of Darfield extended a hearty welcome to Rev. Father Drohan, Father Fanning’s successor, who he sincerely hoped would remain with them for many years. Rev. Father Drohan, M.S.H., in acknowledging the welcome, thanked the people sincerely for their cordiality, and said it gave him much pleasure to be present that evening with the good people of Darfield. He had no doubt about their loyalty to the Church and their generosity to their pastors. He had come to Darfield to stay there and like the place and the people, and he assured them there would be nothing wanting on his part to merit their respect. During the evening songs and instrumental selections were given by Mrs. Manson, Misses Gill (2), Misses Narbey (2), Misses Morrison (3), Messrs. C. Narbey, and F. Nabey, and Rev. Father Moloney. Refreshments were handed round by a committee of ladies, and the singing of ‘ Auld lang syne ’ brought a most enjoyable evening to a close/