HOLY CROSS COLLEGE, MOSGIEL

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 6, 11 February 1925, Page 29

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE, MOSGIEL

llus year s Retreat tor laymen which con.meiiced on Iriday evening, January 30, was virtually concluded-so far as the spiritual exercises were concerned-on Monday evenmg the 2nd inst., when, at 7.30 o'clock, his Lordship the Right Rev Dr. Whyte, Bishop of Dunedm who prior to and during the Retreat evinced the greatest interest in its success, officiated at Pontifical Benedicturn in the College Chapel. Forty-two men actually made the Retreat, although on the Sunday night the number was increased to over forty-five by some belonging to the local parish attending to profit by whatever was possible ,trom (he rich store of blessings they were, by force of cim.mstances, precluded from enjoying during the hill course. A few business men, too, whose duties detained them until over midday on the Saturday were obliged to return to the city on Monday. All again returned to the college by the earliest train convenient to join the great majority of retreatants who were more favorably situated. Shortly after eiglito clock on Monday evening all assemX m n\«T g h f ° f the i K ollege t 0 fhv adehghtful social arranged by a committee with the approval o genial Reetor (Very Rev. C. Morkane), whose remark-

SECOND ANNUAL RETREAT FOR CATHOLIC LAYMEN

able kindness and thoughtfulness towards his numerous guests won the heart and enduring gratitude of all. Mis Lordship the Bishop presided, and with him were Very Rev. Dr. O’Reilly, CAL ; Aery Rev. Father Morkane (who acted as chairman) j Rev. Fathers Delany, Kaveney, Adm.; Rooney, and ally. A toast list, the subjects o.f which wore most enthusiastically received, was duly honored. ‘‘His Holiness the Rope” was proposed by the rev. chairman in particularly well-chosen terms. In proposing the toast of "Mis Lordship the Bishop” Mr. T. J. Hussey said lie felt highly honored in being selected ter that particular duty. All present (lie said) felt deeply grateful to his Lordship for coming out that evening to honor them with his over-welcome presence. Their gratitude, too, was due to the clergy, all of whom had shown the deepest interest in and helpfulness towards the success of the Retreat. He trusted his Lordshin would he with them again next year, and also on many future similar occasions. His Lordship the Bishop, in responding, said how grateful he was for the kind remarks of the previous speaker. He expressed Ids satisfaction and that of the clergy

at the success o.f the Retreat, ami his thanks to Dr. O’Reilly for all he had clone in the spiritual interests of the retreatants. There had been a large increase in the number attending the present Retreat as compared with that of the Hi'st one, held last year, He (the Bishop) trusted the happy experience of those present would encourage them to return to their homes tilled with enthusiasm in the good cause, and when coming to the Retreat again next year bring one or more friends with them. Thus, as time went on, more and more would attend, and participate in tin numerous blessings a Retreat offered. Father liorkane had left nothing undone in regard to ensuring their comfort, and all were much indebted to him for the kindness and interest he had shown. In proposing the toast, '‘Very Rev. Dr. O’Reilly” (preacher of the Retreat), Mr. A. (j. Neill said they were singularly fortunate in having such a distinguished and earnest director, and one who took such pains to make the conferences attractive. We thank you for what you have done,” he said in conclusion, "and wish you a very pleasant journey home across the Tasman Sea.”

Very Rev. Dr. O’Reilly, in responding, said he liked least the part he was then called upon to fill —he felt more at home in the chapel than there. In paying a warm tribute to his predecessor (the Retreat-giver of last yeai) he felt lie was reaping what he .(the speaker) had not sown. • However, lie was pleased in his experience, and delighted to he in the company of Father Alorkane, a privilege lie hoped to enjoy on many future occasions. Although it was his time of vacation Father Alorkane had set himself out to ensure the success of the Retreat, and deserved to be congratulated on the result of his efforts; so also did his Lordship the Bishop, who was an old and very dear friend. Me (the speaker) was profoundly edified at the religious enthusiasm brought so strikingly under his notice during the few days he was among them, and was a ■firm convert to the principle of private Retreats. Dr. O’Reilly related the interesting i'-et that he visited Alosgiel 25 years ago v lieu the present college property had just been purchased by Bishop Verdon. He was surprised and delighted at the wonderful change effected in the buildings and surroundings. The laymen of the diocese should (lie said), be proud of Holy Cross College and ail it stands for —a work which was the most important in the diocese. Air. O’Beirnc (Invercargill) proposed the toast of “The Visiting Clergy,” and incidentally stressed the importance of laymen’s Retreats, in the interests of which the clergy were so assiduous. Fathers Delany and Kaveney replied, and congratulated the retreatants on all phases

of their few days’ retirement from worldly affairs to advance their spiritual well-being. ■‘The Rector and Staff of Holy Cross College” was proposed by Air. A. F. Queicb, in words of heartfelt 'gratitude for the cordial welcome always extended to the lay folk who were privileged to visit the college and the magnificent work the Fathers, with everready willingness, were doing in the interests of our holy Faith generally. Just as Father Alorkane was delighted at the response of laymen to the Retreat, so also were the latter at the fine spirit prevailing. Air. H. Popped well proposed the toast of “The Domestic Staff,” and thanked them, on behalf of all, for the much-appreciated attention and service so cheerfully and efficiently given. The toast was honored with prolonged applause, ami Father Alorkane replied on behalf of the staff. The toast list was interspersed with items of a varied and entertaining nature, the following contributing:-Messrs. J. Geerin, H. ' Poppelwell, O’Beirnc, -I. P. ails, Al. Curran, T. J. Hussey, and L. Burns, and Rev. T. Hally (songs) ; Messrs. A. F. Qnelch and T. H. Thompson (stories) ; Air. J. H. McKeefry (instrumental solo). Miss Walls proved a most efficient accompanist, and' was accorded a very enthusiastic vote of thanks. As a fitting conclusion “Faith of Our Fathers” was sung by the whole company. At a stage of the proceedings all stood in silence out of respect to the memory of the late Father Francis Marlow, and in sympathy with Air. J. J. Marlow, who rendered valued services during the Retreat.

At seven o’clock on Tuesday morning, Holy Mass was celebrated by his Lordship the Bishop for the intentions of the retreatants, and after breakfast the whole company left on their return, homethe destination of many being- as far afield as Invercargill i it, the south, Oamaru in the north, and Central’ Otago. Special mention is due to Air. W. Stevenson, a student of St. Patrick’s College, Wellington, who served A lass and carried out the duties of sacristan■ most assiduously. Mr. -I. McGettigan, a student of Holy Cross College, assisted at Benediction on Monday evening.