Right Rev. Monsignor E. O'Donnell, P.P., V.F.
Gulgong Church Committee with Bishop Dunne, Monsignor O'Donovan and Father O'Donnell
1919 - GULGONG HIBERNIANSAll Hallows College in Ireland had an association with Gulgong, because it was there that the Rev. Father O'Donnell received his training to equip him for the missionary life. (Loud applause.)
1919 - FATHER O'DONNELL FAREWELLED. Presentation. AN OVERDUE HOLIDAY.
Just prior to the departure of the Rev. Father E. P. O'Donnell, the popular parish priest of Gulgong, for the Irish Race Convention held in Melbourne early this month, he was the guest of a large gathering of his parishioners at the Gulgong Town Hall, where he was presented with a bulky wallet of notes, in order to enable him to take a holiday, after 17 years' service without a break. More than 400 people were present, representing all parts of the extensive parish. The platform, which was nicely decorated, was occupied by Mr.
Eugene O'Connell (chairman), Rev. Father O'Donnell sitting on his right, and Very Rev. Father E. J. Flanagan, P.P., V.F. (Mudgee), Rev. Fathers T. Doran (Coonabarabran), J. Parker (Gilgandra), and D. M. O'Reilly (Gulgong), and Messrs. R. Loneragan and F Nilon (Mudgee), J. J. Ryan (Goolma), W. Brown and P. Haynes (Dunedoo), Alderman
J. F. Williams, Messrs. A. Croft, J. D. Gormly, B. F. Owens, J. S. Hogan, P. J. McGowen, A. Gallagher (Gulgong). Other Dunedoo visitors were Messrs. W. English and Moriarty.
Prior to the presentation, an attractive musical programme was rendered. The chairman, in the course of his opening remarks, said that the parishioners, recognising that Father O'Donnell was more than overdue for a holiday, had put their heads together, and made up a large amount of money that would enable him to take a holiday as well as to represent the Bathurst diocese at the Irish Race Convention. 'We are here to-night,' he add ed, 'to show our appreciation of Father O'Donnell for the many great services he has performed, in our midst, and to show our love for him." (Applause.)
To Represent Bathurst at Irish Convention.
The Very Rev. Father Flanagan (Mudgee) said he was glad, on behalf of the parish of Mudgee, to join in the people's tribute of respect to Father O'Donnell. The priests of the Bathurst diocese a month ago had selected him with two other priests, to represent them at the great National Convention to be held in Melbourne. 'We know,' Father Flanagan added, 'that in selecting him we were selecting one who had an intelligent knowledge of the subject; who was able to, express himself intelligently and eloquently if
called upon to do so on the Irish question. We regret the Irish question is still a question, because it injures the prestige of the British Empire throughout the world, and it is to be hoped this great Convention, which will represent all Australia, will do something even in a small way to restore the good feeling that should exist between every part of the Empire towards Ireland.
For another reason, I am glad to be with you. You Gulgong people have risen to the occasion at last. You have had among you a priest, who has spent the best years of his life amongst us. Father O'Donnell is not yet an old man; but I don't think he can truthfully say he is a young man, and the 17 years spent amongst you have been the best years of his life. He has been generous to a fault with his money in all matters, not only in connection with the Church, but in public matters also. I am glad you have risen to the occasion, and I am proud to be here to-night to show publicly my respect to Father O'Donnell, and to join with you in showing honour and respect to one of the best priests you can have in the Gulgong
parish.'' (Applause.)
The Rev. Fathers T. Doran, D. M. O 'Reilly, and J. Parker, Alderman J. F. Williams, and Messrs. R. Loneragan, J. D. Gormly, A. Croft, J. S. Hogan, W. Brown (Dunedoo), J. English, A. Gallagher, R. E.
McClintock, and Dr. A. L. Mahon, in glowing terms, voiced the love, affection, and confidence which Father O'Donnell had inspired in the people of the Gulgong district.
The chairman then, amidst applause, presented Father O'Donnell with a wallet containing £200.
Father O'Donnell's Reply.
Father O 'Donnell, in reply, expressed his thanks to the large number who came to do him honour, many of whom were non-Catholics. He thanked all his parishioners out in the various parts of the parish, and he was pleased to see a number of delegates from those outlying districts; and he thanked them for their kind appreciation of his services amongst them, and they have shown it in a practical way. 'I can say it here to-night,' said Father O'Donnell, 'that as far as the Gulgong parish is concerned, it is a pleasure for Father O'Reilly and myself to minister to our people throughout the length and breadth of the parish, because when we go to the various districts the people always come to the various stations, and show that they do not only wish to attend to their duties, and do what is right in the interests of their salvation, but to show their appreciation of our work, and the fact of having to go out 40 and 50 miles, their presence clearly shows their appreciation of our work.
When he was ordained he volunteered for Australia, in spite of the advice of his relatives. His parents had already given one son to the New Zealand mission. If you ask me, he said, the reason why I came to Australia I could not give it to you; but my impulse was to be amongst the Australian people. (Applause.) It has been said I am an Irish man. I am proud of Australia and Australians; but I am an Irishman, and he is a very poor Irishman, indeed, who does not love his country. I love Ireland, and anything I can do to bring about a better feeling between Ireland and England, I am out to do it — (Applause) — because of the love I bear her; because, in, justice, she should enjoy that measure of liberty and justice which you enjoy in this sunny Australia. (Applause.) I say, then, applying the words of John Bright to another case, that if self-determination for Ireland, for which the people have fought for for hundreds of years, and which all the friends and lovers of Ireland all over the world are striving to bring about, is adopted, it will be a measure of justice to Ireland, and a measure of mercy to England. Ireland is a nation, and if she is a nation, has she not got rights, especially since you Australian soldiers went forth to fight for the rights of small nations? They went 12,000 miles away to fight for those principles, and they did it for the Cinderella of the Empire, the small nation which deserves justice at the hands of England. It would be a policy of mercy for England, because if Ireland received self-determination, that feud which has existed for centuries would be simply wiped out, and Ireland, instead of being an enemy at the gate, as she is today, would be a friend.
'I feel greatly honoured that I have been selected as one of the priests to represent the diocese of Bathurst. I thank you again for the honour you have conferred on me to-night, and the very practical way you have seen fit to honour me by presenting me with £200 to enable me to take a holiday. I appreciate it, and I hope I will be able to continue the good work I have been trying to do in this great parish. I did it in all sincerity, because it is my mission to do it.'
After votes of thanks had been passed to the ladies and the chairman, refreshments were handed round, and the young people held a dance.
Father O'Donnell intends spending a holiday in Tasmania, and afterwards proposes taking a trip to New Zealand.
Source: The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942) Thu 20 Nov 1919 Page 61940 - [RETROSPECTIVE]A name revered in the Diocese of Bathurst, that of the Right Rev. Monsignor E. O'Donnell, P.P., and V.F., of Dubbo, appeared in the files of the old paper in June, when the pleasing announcement was made that Father O'Donnell had been appointed to the charge of the historic parish of Gulgong. This was occasioned by the visit to Ireland of the Right Rev. Monsignor Long, P.P., V.G.
The 'Freeman' mentions that Father O'Donnell had only been in the country three years — one year at Gulgong and two years at Coonamble. Prior to that Father O'Donnell was connected with Mission work in Dunedin, New Zealand. Father O'Donnell had a brother, Rev. Father P. O'Donnell, who had charge of the Gore parish in the South Island. A great worker in the cause of education, of charity, and of religion, Father O'Donnell, or rather Right Rev. Monsignor, has left a splendid record in the various parishes for his zeal and enthusiasm. He received his early training at the Cistercian Monastery at Mount. Melleray, Waterford, Ireland. After this, Father O'Donnell went to Carlow and then to All Hallows', the famous missionary college founded by Rev. Father Hand. Since those far-off days Father O'Donnell has performed splendid work in and around Gulgong, Cobborah, Leadville, and other chief towns of the diocese, and is as vigorous a speaker as in the days of old. At Cargo recently, when he blessed the splendid new buildings built by Very Rev. Father Loneragan, his address was eloquent, and instructive.
1922 - Rev. Father O'Donnell farewelled Parishioners Pay Deserving Tribute to Beloved Priest.
Wallet with £400 Expresses Sentiments of Love and Admiration.'He was everybody's friend.' That, in simple language, expresses the feeling of the public towards the Rev. Father E. P. O'Donnell, of the Gulgong parish, who is about to remove to Orange, where he has been appointed Administrator. Moreover, it expressed the feeling of the great gathering of parishioners which thronged the Prince of Wales Theatre at Gulgong on Thursday night to bid him an affectionate good-bye. The warmth of feeling, the enthusiasm, and the heart-felt expressions of admiration and gratitude displayed, must have made the humble heart of this lovable priest throb with a pride of joy. The whole of the vast parish whose destinies Father O'Donnell has presided over with such distinguished success for the past 20 years, was represented either in person or in sentiment, and the sentiment was expressed in the very definite form of a gift of notes amounting to £400.
The early part of the evening was devoted to a musical programme, which was of a very pleasing nature. At the conclusion of this the guest of the evening appeared on the stage preceded by the chairman, Mr. J. J. Dowd, and accompanied by visiting priest, and representatives of the outposts of the parish and neighboring places. Apologies were read during the evening from Monsignor Long (Wellington), Father Loneragan (Coonabarabran), Father Eviston (Wellington), Father Cooney (Bathurst), Father Howard (Cowra), I Father Cusick (Dubbo), Father D. M. O'Reilly (Gulgong), Rev. L. J. Harwin (Church of England, Coolah), Mr. W. F. Dunn, (M.L.A.), H. Swords (Moolarben), S. J. Scully
J. J. Lennox (Cassilis), B. Chapman (Bylong), J. J. Ryan, Dan O'Leary, J. M'Donough (Cooyal), A. Gallagher (Gulgong), Charles Craft (Coogee), R. White (Rose Bay), R. E. M'Clintock (Muswellbrook), J. Cronin, Turill and Leadville Church Committees.
The chairman said he regarded it as a very distinct privilege to preside over that great gathering. They were assembled that night to express their feelings of appreciation and good-will towards Father O'Donnell and to present him with some tangible recognition of what he had done for them. When Father O'Donnell took a survey of that great gathering he must realise what a warm place he held in the affections of his people. They would miss his cheery face and kindly advice. He would carry with him their good wishes, and he was sure he would perform his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people of Orange. He had to express his personal thanks to Father O'Donnell for many acts of kindness. In the departure of Father O'Donnell he was losing one of the finest friends he had ever had. (Applause). "I have the advantage of being the first of about twenty speakers,'' said the Rev. Father Flanagan, speaking in a Jjocular vein, "and I can, get in before any of them." What he had to say that night would be said with a good deal of pleasure and of sorrow. Father O'Donnell was his old friend, and, in the words of the poet, 'There is nobody like my old friends.' Father O'Donnell had been with them for twenty years. These were twenty years of hard work, both as a priest and a citizen. He had been with them in sunshine and in sorrow, in their misfortunes and triumphs, and he had done his work well. As an outsider he had heard Father O'Donnell spoken of in terms of glowing appreciation.
Over and over again it was said, 'We have two fine men in Father O'Donnell and O'Reilly,' and the fear was expressed that they would not be left long with them. When they heard sentiments of that kind on every hand they knew they were deserved. That being so it was hard to part with such priests as these. It spoke well for Father O'Donnell when they saw such a large gathering as was present that evening from all parts of the district. He was pleased to see Father O'Donnell's great abilities recognised by the Bishop. He was not only a good priest, but a great organiser, a fine preacher, and a good citizen. (Applause). He felt sorry Father O'Donnell was going, but glad, at the same time, he had received the important appointment as Administrator at Orange. On behalf of his Mudgee people he wished Father O'Donnell all happiness and God's blessing. (Applause).
Rev. Father Parker (Gilgandra) said it afforded him much pleasure to join with them in Honoring Father O'Donnell and witness their wonderful demonstration of loyalty and love. He looked upon it not only as a privilege but an honor to be there that night, for the brightest and happiest days of his life had been spent in Gulgong. He had been two years under Father O'Donnell and had learned to know his worth. He could assure them that Father O'Donnell had the respect and esteem not only of the people in Gulgong, but of residents in the vast stretch ot country which embraced Coonamble and Gilgandra. His name was a household word in the parts he had mentioned. He was esteemed for his fine qualities of mind and heart. The carrying out of his duties entailed long travel, and he had won unstinted praise and admiration. The sting was taken out of the regret felt at his departure by the fact that he had been appointed Administrator of the important parish of Orange. His future would be watched with interest by the young priests, for to them he was the soul of generosity and kindness. He hoped the years before him would be full of happiness, blessings, and prosperity. (Applause).
The Rev. Father Dowd said he looked forward to Father O'Donnell's departure with regret. His loss to them would be well nigh irreparable. In bidding farewell to Father O'Donnell he would be parting with one of the best men and one of the beat friends he had ever known. He owed him a debt of gratitude for his counsel and help which, he felt, he could never repay. During the live months he had been associated with him he found him to be possessed of qualities that were known only to God and a favored few. Father O'Donnell had come out from his own native land, parting from those who were near and dear to him. In order to devote his life to the winning of souls in Australia. Those who said that such men as these did not love Australia spoke falsely. (Applause). He (the speaker) was an Australian and he was proud of it. 'I am proud,' repeated the speaker amid applause, 'to be an Australian among such good men as these.' Father O'Donnell was a man of indomitable courage. He was charitable in thought, word and action. He was one of those men who made the Australian priesthood a great and honored institution. (Applause).
Mr. J. Loneragan (Mudgee) said he did not think anything they might say could express more eloquently the people's appreciation than the fine gathering that night. (Applause). Father O'Donnell had labored among them for 20 years and had never spared himself in his task. He lived the life of a Catholic priest, which was full of sacrifice. (Applause). He was also a great sport, and when they found a man who was a good sport they could depend on him. (Applause). A Catholic priest lived a life of great sacrifice and had to go wherever he was sent and do his best in the work of the Great Master. The appreciation by the people of Gulgong parish of the great work done for them by Father O'Donnell was splendidly manifested that night. Wherever he went, he knew that Father O'Donnell would perform the same grand work he had performed in Gulgong, where he had labored so long and unselfishly on their behalf. (Applause).
Mr. J. D. Gormly said that when the Bishop's choice fell on Father O'Donnell it was a right one, and while regretting his loss to them they must feel pleased that he succeeded to such an important position. Father O'Donnell was an ideal priest, and in the administration of his sacred office none could have done better. (Applause). He was a man of great piety and his works of charily were recognised and commended by the general public. (Applause). Many of the places he had to visit in the early days of his ministry were sparsely populated and widely scattered. Dunedoo, for instance, twenty years ago, had one house; now it was quite a large town with a church and a fine convent. They could multiply instances like this by the score, and then they would have a picture of the labors and achievements of their beloved pastor. (Applause). Look over the landscape wherever they went throughout the parish and they could see them dotted with the beautiful buildings of the Catholic community. They had to express their appreciation of his great work in catering for the education of their children. (Applause). Thus, as a result of his foresight and energy the foundations of their future were built truly and well. (Applause). He had also to express his appreciation and admiration of his work as a citizen. He was also a sport, as Mr. Loneragun had said, and a good clean one at that. (Applause).
He expressed his confidence that Father O'Donnell would do credit to his position at Orange and that the peoplo there would learn to appreciate and love him as they had done in Gulgong. (Applause).
Mr. R. Loneragan said he had been brought into close association with Father O'Donnell, and he could testify to the ability with which he had carried on the work of his parish. Among the many good works he had performed was that done during the terrible influenza epidemic. (Applause). He know Father O'Donnell did not want any thanks for what he had done, but it would not be right if they did not publicly recognise the great and merciful work he did during those dark days of trouble and anxiety. (Applause). Father O'Donnell had been 20 years in Gulgong and it was only right when one had borne the heat and burden of the day as he had done, that he should be given a change; yet he (the speaker) was sorry he was going and his place would be hard to fill.
Cr. A. Croft said he was glad to have the opportunity of saying good-bye to a very old and dear friend. He had known him for twenty years, and he could yet see him getting the call to Bathurst, for Bathurst was his place. (Applause). Father O'Donnell possessed a genius for organisation. He was not his (Cr. Croft's) spiritual father, but nevertheless he deeply regretted his departure.
Mr. H. V. O'Halloran (Dunedoo), like the other speakers, deplored Father O'Donnell's departure, but recognised that with his great abilities as a priest and his goodness as a mail he could not be allowed to remain there. He understood that during the 20 years father O'Donnell had been with them he had been responsible for building practically the whole of the splendid sacred edifices which the parish possessed. (Applause). At Dunedoo everything they owned was organised by Father O'Donnell, and the work throughout was of great credit to the Catholic Church. He practised deeds of kindness unknown to the people, and forgotten by himself. (Applause). As a citizen he had rendered distinguished service to the community, and as a priest he had taken part in the affairs of the parish and carried out many undertakings to a triumphant conclusion, which would have been a failure without his inspiration and assistance. (Applause). Referring to the work entailed in the large parish, the speaker said they had worked out the number of miles Fatlier O'Donnell had to travel and the places he had to visit, and they found he could only manage one visit a month. They could imagine how hard it must be for him to carry out his work; but he never flinched and never failed in the necessary work of the parish. Though Father O'Donnell will have gone, the many fine edifices he had been responsible for erecting would remain as a fine monument to his life and work in the parish. (Applause).
Dr. H. P. Blaney (Coolah) expressed his pleasure at seeing such a magnificent gathering. Father O'Donnell was a friend to every body in the parish. He was always willing to help them and tell them anything he knew. Any secrets which they had, or any troubles, they were ready to confide in him, for they knew he had a ready ear and a sympathetic heart. He was always prepared with a kindly word of advice that would put them on the right track. (Applause). As a sport, he remembered when Father O'Donnell or ganised a football team which toured the district, and met with a hearty welcome everywhere. Father O'Donnell, however, was not much of a sport in regard to racing. He gave him (the doctor) many a tip, but he lost money on them, (Laughter). He hoped, however, that when he got among the sports of Orange he would improve in that respect. (Laughter.) Few people would like to travel in all sorts of weather over his parish, extending for 150 miles, as Father O'Donnell had done; yet he never
failed them. The buildings he had erected in the parish spoke well for his enthusiasm and the success of his labors. He, too, was sorry Father O'Donnell was going, but was glad he was going to such a place as Orange, whero he would find some rest after his strenuous years of labor. (Applause).
Mr. J. F. Williams (Canadian) testified to Father O'Donnell's magnificent achievements in the erection of Catholic buildings.
Cr. Morgan Gleeson (president of the Meroo Shire) said he felt proud to be there to do honor to such a worthy priest. His intended departure was very keenly regretted, as he had proved himself an exemplary priest as well as a courteous gentleman. (Applause). They thanked him for his many acts of kindness performed during his 20 years' ministry and were pleased to see their beloved Bishop had singled him out for this important appointment. He hoped he would be spared for many years to carry out his priestly duties in the same distinguished manner as at Gulgong. (Applause).
Mr. Frank Loneragan (Dunedoo) in adding his testimony, said the day was never too long or the weather too bad for Father O'Donnell to travel in carrying on the work of the parish. (Applause).
Mr. T. P. Carroll, speaking on behalf of Wollar and Bylong thanked Father O'Donnoll for his long years of priestly service and devoted administration, which had been characterised by ability, kindness and courtesy to everyone.
Cr. D. E. McGrath said Father O'Donnell had labored hard and earnestly for the welfare of his parishioners, and his work was a credit to him.
Mr. Conroy (Wollar) said that every man, woman and child in the parish was present in spirit if absent in person, that night. All regretted Father O'Donnell's departure.
Mr. A. K. Garling (Dunedoo) said there was one monument above all others which Father O'Donnell had built up. That was represented in the souls in Heaven, there through his advice and good counsel. (Applause). He was a man whom the children loved, and none regretted his departure more than they. (Applause). He was a father to all in their troubles, one who made it easier for them to bear their crosses and their burdens. (Applause).
Mr. John English expressed his deep debt of gratitude to Father O'Donnell. He was one of the noble band of Catholic priests who laid the foundation of Catholicity truly and well in this great southern land, and Father O'Donnell, so to speak, was the greatest Roman of them all, (Applause). He took a great interest in Christian Catholic education of the young. He clearly saw that if Catholicity was to win they must have Catholic schools, and the number of convents which they had was a testimony to his energy and clear-sighttedness. He knew of no man more highly respected by the public than their guest of the evening. (Applause). Father O'Donnell had performed many a good act unknown to even his friends. That night many a clouded eye and kindly heart would speak the love and affection they had for their generous and noble priest. (Applause).
Mr. B. F. Owens read and address from the H.A.C.B. Society, which he presented to Father O'Donnell amid applause. An address from the parishioners was next read by the chairman, and presented. Mr. Dowd also presented a wad of notes, which he announced to the accompaniment of tremendous applause, contained £400. While it contained four hundred notes, said the speaker, it contained four thousand good wishes from the parishioners of Gulgong. (Applause).
Following a remarkable demonstration of enthusiasm. Father O'Donnell, speaking obviously with suppressed emotion, said:
'I should indeed be made of stone did I not feel the great honor done to me by the parishioners of Gulgong parish.' He felt that night that he was placed in the position that he could not adequately express his sincere thanks for their great kindness and the honor they had done him. He thanked the various gentlemen who had spoken for the generous sentiments expressed regarding him. They had given him credit for virtues he did not possess. They gave him credit of having done work that any priest in similar circumstances would have done. As Mr. Loneragan had said, a priest when he went to a parish went there to do his duty to his people and to the church of which he was a minister. Therefore, he deserved no thanks, because he had only done for his people what he should do as the priest who was placed in charge. Instead, he owed them thanks for their many acts of kindness. He initiated the building undertakings, but it was the people of the parish who paid for them. He was there to publicly express his thanks for their great kindness and generosity to him on many occasions. They showed it when his Lordship the Bishop of Bathurst came to the parish and and asked for money to build the hospital. They gave nearly £1300. They gave it as a work of mercy. He knew their virtues and the value of their esteem. He had many opportunities of learning it during his 20 years' residence among them. Though he could not adequately thank them he hoped there was One who would adequately thank and reward them for their work in the interest of the church, and in the interests of Catholic education in the parish. (Applause). He had been among them for nearly twenty years and in the central and western districts for a longer period. At one time his district stretched from Coonamble to Gundablum station, near the Queensland border, and he had tried to do his duty there as he had here. It was a pleasure to be placed among such people as they had in Gulgong. Not only was that true of the Catholic people but also of the non-Catholic people, at whose homes he was always welcome. In fact in some places they would be "vexed" if he passed by without calling. He was welcome because he always acted as a priest and as a man. (Applause). He had always acted towards others in the manner he expected them to act towards him. He thanked the representatives of the various districts present, and asked them to convey his thanks to the people for their kindness towards him and for their valuable help. He would ask them to give to Father Cooney and Father Howard the same loyal co-operation they had given him. They were getting good priests, who would be able to perform their various duties better than ever he had done. He thanked them for the beautiful address. The address from the H.A.C.B. Society referred to him as a living link with the society between the society and the land of his birth. Australia was his adopted country, and he loved Ireland first. Those who were Australians should love Australia first, and the countries their fathers came from next. As he had adopted Australia as his country he tried to instil into the hearts of the young men a love of Australia, to teach them to stand up for the rights of its citizens and to honor its flag. Applause). While he loved Ireland first he placed Australia second in his affections. He expressed thanks to his reverend colleagues for having come so far to do him honor. He also thanked the secretaries of the movement. Messrs English and Owens, and the president, Mr. Dowd, for their work in organising so succcssful a function. Finally he thanked them all for the honor done him. It was hard to say good-bye. It was hard to break the ties that had bound them so closely together for a period of 20 years. He felt in severing his associations he was leaving good people, good friends, and good Catholics. He felt deeply severing his connection with the district. He hoped God would give them every blessing, and that their future would be full of happiness and good fortune. (Applause).
Tho following artists supplied the programme:— Overture, Miss D. Nowland; song, Mr. Rose; song, Miss Dowd; song, Miss Rheinberger; step dance. Miss Ibbett; song; Mr. Cowburn; song, Miss I. Naughton; song, Miss Rheinberger; song, Mr. Ross; song, Mrs. D. M'Grath, step dance, Mr. J. O'Callaghan, song, Mr. Cowburn; song, Miss Dowd; comic song, Mr. J. M'Grath.
The organising work in connection with the function was excellently carried out by a committee, of which Messrs. B. F. Owens and J. English were the hon. secretaries, and Mr. J. J. Dowd was chairman. After the function visitors were regaled with light refreshments at Naughton's Hotel.
