The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1890-07-30

The party assembled at the Biddeford
House at 7.45 p. M, and marched to the pa
rochial residence. Father Linehan with the
cordially for which he is justly noted, re-
ceived his guests warmly and soon the large
parlor was filled to overlooking. When all
were seated Mr.. William McAleney, chair
man of the general committee, called them
to order. and after making few well chosen
remarks, called upon Mr.. Charles Mccarthy,
Jr., chairman of the committee on address,
who happily expressed his satisfaction at be-
ing present to render such testimonial to
the late rector of the Cathedral. and called
upon Mr.. Joseph A. MCGOWAN to read the
following address:
Reuerend and Dear Father Linehan:
You are waited upon this evening by
committee of the congregation of the Cathe-
dral of Portland, and we are here for the
purpose of expressing to you our regret at
losing so worthy rector, for amidst all the
sorrows experienced by tie human heart,
there is none more keenly felt than the pain
of separating from those we love. But IL this
be the case in the ordinary parting of friends
how much more true is it between pastor and
people.
For twelve long years you have been with
us. The first fruits of your holy ministry
were bestowed upon US and the spiritual and
temporal blessings which maturer years in
the holy priesthood bring were all impaired
to the members of the Cathedral parish.
We have watched from day to day your
zeal and self-sacriice, and in the admins
tration of your sacred duties we have wit
messed the hand that was ever raised in ben
ediction or lifted to point out the true way.
No wonder then that our hearts should be
deeply moved at your departure from among
US. The feeble words at our command can
but half reveal our poignant sorrow
But, If we would cast aside for moment,
thoughts of our own loss, we must readily
you pastor of st. Mary's Church, Biddeford,
thereby acknowledges your merits as. his
faithful Rector and gives to the Catholics of
Eiddeford pastor eminently qualified to
administer to their spiritual and temporal
Welfare-a priest who is truly disciple Of
Jesus Christ, and an ornament to the church.
In conclusion, dear Father I.inehan, we
heartily wish and pray that you may be
granted an abundance of years. replete with
every blessing, in your new charge, and we
$1,000, as testimonial of the love and es-
TEEN of the Catholics of Portland.
CHARLES MCCARTHY. JR E. Committee
DIR. Il. ID. SULLIVAN, on
JOSEPH A. MCGOWAN. Address.
Father Linehan was sensibly affected and
responded in the following pleasing manner !:
Gentlemen Of the Committee and Friends
from Portland:
From my heart l thank you and those
whom you represent for this very solid testi-
monial. have always, and shall always,
consider 1t a great privilege that the first
years, and that even so many years of my
life as priest were spent in Portland, and
when few days ago Ispoke to you for the
last time as rector of the Cathedral parish,
none realized more than l did how sad a
thing it is to sever, even by ones own choice
pleasant relations existing through many
years and to part from friends whose loyalty
and sincerity could never be questioned.
For, gentlemen, If my endeavors to pro-
mote your interests have had some measure
of success, it is to be attributed not so much
to my efforts as to the generous hearts and
willing hands that were ever ready to aid
in every good work. And / would be want
to confne my thanks to the Ca
thedral parish alone. During my early
years in Portland was frequently brought
in contact with the people of st. Dominic's
parish. shall never forget their kindness
nor cease TO appreciate their friendship.
And this 1t is, the knowledge of the good
will, the friendship, the prayers of those
from whom have parted, that encourages
me and strengthens me in my new charge.
l do not ask so much for abundance of
years, as that the years granted me may be
replete with the blessings Of good works, and
that God in His fatherly providence may
raise up to me in my ministry friends and
helpers such as you, gentlemen, and those
for whom you speak, have ever been.
Once more thank you, and need not as
sure you that it will be my constant prayer
that every grace and blessing may be grant.
ed to you and yours.
The party was then invited to the dining
room where refreshments were served. A
most pleasant evening was spent and after
bidding the new pastor of St. Mary's church
God speed in his new parish, the 1918 train
was taken for Portland.