The New Zealand Tablet THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 1913. THE COADJUTOR-ARCHBISHOP

New Zealand Tablet, 21 August 1913, Page 33

The New Zealand Tablet THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 1913. THE COADJUTOR-ARCHBISHOP

RCHBISHOP O’SHEA, whose consecration, with all the solemn and impressive cere■lnyvW Eiony with which the Church has invested so important a function, we record in another column, has already won such a warm place in the hearts of the Catholics °f Wellington, both city and province, that - jpF* he enters on the duties and responsibilities of the episcopate with the assured certainty that in all his labors and projects for the advancement of religion in the archdiocese he will have the whole-hearted support and co-operation of a loyal and loving people. His Grace has well earned the esteem and affection in which he is so universally held. Gentleness, courtesy, humility, largeness of mind and heart, are qualities which no one can resist; and when to these are added deep personal piety, unfailing tact and prudence, an almost insatiable capacity for work, marked ability as an administrator, and whole-souled devotion to his high calling, it is easy to see that the new Archbishop will exert an important and everincreasing influence on the destinies of the Church in this young and growing country. With his Grace’s past career we have already dealt in detail in the pages of the Tablet; and his past record is the best and surest guarantee for his achievements in the future. On four great and important activities of the Church his Grace : can be depended, in particular, to leave his markon education, on the work of Catholic organisation in the recently established Federation, on the advancement of the interests of the H.A.C.B. Society, and on the great and noble work of charity represented by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. In one, respect his

Grace's accession to the episcopate is almost unique. Archbishop O'Shea is still only a little over forty years old; and it is rare indeed that an archbishop assumes the duties ,of his high position in such close and sympathetic touch. with the young people of his flock, with whom the future of the Church is so intimately bound. On behalf of the Catholics of the Dominion we offer his Grace respectful congratulations; and assure him of our warmest wishes and earnest prayers for a long and successful career of service for, the Master and His Church. Ad multos et plenos annos.