the aptitude you brought to the discharge of your duty in the public services of the Church, you have transformed these parishes into one of the most regular and practical bodies of Catholics in the diocese .... binding us dependent upon the poorest of church accommodation, and altogether un¬ provided with the simple essentials for the proper observance of the ceremonies of the ritual, you even, in a comparatively short time, enabled us to make an extensive add¬ ition to the church building, to erect a suitable tower, chancel and vestry, to finish, decorate, and furnish the interior and to supply every requisite for the convenience and comfort of priest and people. The erection of a beautiful presbytery and a system of commodious and well arranged out¬ buildings, the planting and beautifying of the church grounds and cemetery and the general improvem ent of the parish lands are standing monuments to your industry and business capacity. You have been prominent too, in every movement undertaken in the public welfare. i 'o your enterprise and foresight are due many, if not all, our great public conveniences and to your counsel, example and encouragement may be attributed, in large measure, the general progress and prosperity that has blessed this section of our Island home. The schools you have established, improved and fostered speak eloquently of the wise and provident pastor always keeping the advancement of his flock in mind .... A true friend of our race, too, you have ever been ready to extend your own and excite our sympathy for our down-trodden countrymen across the water and keep alive in our breasts that love for Ireland which is everywhere characteristic of the Irish race. In one word, you have been since you assumed control of these parishes all things to us: guide, corrector, friend, soggarth aroon; and therefore is the bitterness of separation doubly bitter ana great the sacrifice v/e make in severing the ties which have bound us in the most intimate relationship for the last quarter of a century. But the choice is not ours. We will long miss your familiar figure, your kindly smile, your genial word, your fatherly counsel. The timely advice given in your farewell sermon, particularly to the rising generation, will be long 72