The M.B.O.B. Association Christchurch

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 22, 7 June 1923, Page 45

The M. 8.0.8. Association Christchurch

At the 8.15 o’clock, Mass on Sunday at the Cathedral (writes our own correspondent under date May 28), the members of the Marist Brothers’ Old Boys’ Association, and the school cadets in their natty green uniforms, pictured a group of young men and boys that any church or educa- ( 9 tional establishment might feel justly proud of. Upwards of two hundred approached the Holy Table and afterwards assembled in the Hibernian Hall for the annual Communion breakfast. Sir George Clifford, Bart., (the association’s popular president) presided, and among those present were Rev. Fathers Hanrahan and Joyce. Sir George Clifford read a telegram from his Lordship Bishop Brodie expressive of his regret at being unable to attend the function, conveying his heartiest good-wishes, and anouncing the appointment of Father Hanrahan as chaplain to the organisation. The chairman then proposed the loyal toast. Mr. J. Ardagh, speaking to the toast of “The Bishop and Clergy,” said it was needless for him to eulogise the merits of his Lordship the Bishop and his devoted priests at a gathering of the Marist old boys. With pride and gratitude they appreciate the unswerving support given them. Rev, Father Hanrahan acknowledged with pleasure the enthusiastic way in which Mr. Ardagh’s words had been received, and his own appointment as chaplain of the Marist forces. In this latter capacity he hoped tp be of much greater service to the organisation than he had previously been. Ho fully realised (he said) what a great power for good the club was, and the sight of so fine a body of youngmen gave him confidence for the future of the church. Mr. P. J. Amodeo, in proposing the toast “the Marist Brothers,” gave an interesting sketch of the foundation of the» Order, its steady growth and remarkable work. He showed what an asset » to the Church the Marist Brothers and similar Orders were. Speaking in reply, Rev. Brother Phelan, who was received with applause, congratulated the association on the splendid display of Faith witnessed that morning. It cheered him up (he said) to see so many of those who had but recently left school and started out in the grim battle of life keeping to the ideals and teachings of their school. They were making a good start and he urged them on to persevere in the straight way. To Sir George Clifford Brother Phelan extended his own and the M.8.0.8.A.’s deepest gratitude for the generosity he had shown in respect to the proposed club rooms. The speaker very happily referred to the successes of the association on the football field, and urged members to lay themselves out to capture the Evans Shield, awarded for the first time this year for the club winning the most points in football. Brother Phelan reminded his hearers that the principal object of the M.8.0.8.A. was the keeping of the boys to their duties as Catholics, and that if they wished to gladden the hearts of those who spent their lives in the cause of Catholic -education all they had to do was to go regularly to their duties. He also complimented Father Hanrahan on his chaplaincy, and assured hhn of the support of the members. The toast of “Friends and Supporters” was proposed by Mr. A. McDonald, who pointed out the happy position in this respect the club was in. Sir George Clifford, with whose name the toast nas coupled, said that on looking round that morning he could not help thinking what an amount of good the association was capable of doing. In it he could see young men of every trade and calling banded together in one grand body which if it lived up to the standard of life set in the school by the Brothers must have* a wide, even though unconscious, influence for the making of good citizens. People are influenced more by example than by precept, and he encouraged members to nornotuate the work of the Brothers by giving proof of practical Catholicity, and thus stem the onrush of the flood waters of infidelity and sacrilege. Mr. B. J. McKenna said it was always a matter of deep regret for even one boy or girl to forsake the Faith, and he was full of hope that the members of this organisation would lie of good behaviour and aim at the ideals implanted by the Brothers." The M.8.0.8.A.” was proposed by Mr. H. Johnston, and responded to by Messrs. D. McCormick and J. M. Coffey. Mr. Frank Smyth proposed the toast of “The Ladies,” and Miss M. Smyth responded. ( Brother Phelan moved a hearty vote of thanks to Sir George Clifford which was carried by acclamation. . ■