Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-06-15
FRIENDS AWAIT HIN.
A Warm Welcome Planned BY Ms Friends ios
Bishop O'conneiI.

Since the death of the late Bishop
Iicaly Of Portland. there has been
great interest in Roman Catholic cir
cIes over the appointment Of his sue
ces sor in Office. In some way the
rrmor obtained credence throughout
the diocese of Maine that Father
Obj len Of Bangor had been promoted
to the vacant see; but no authentica-
Ii n Of this report was received, al
though it had been received with great
satisfaction by the people In the
church. Although there was some dis
appointment when it was learned that
the runor was untrue, the appoint
mcnt Of Rev. William H. O'Connell.
u. D., as bishop of Portland gave
liveiest satisfaction and 1t is felt
that his appointment is not only
creditable but will prove great adj
dition to the Catholic religious work
in the State Of Maine. The Journal
has already given a biography of the
tie reverend gentleman. and its repe-
t.tion at this time is unnecessary.
Although no cable has been received
from the b:shop-elect, it is supposed
that he sailed for home on the steam
ship New England of the Dominion
Line, which is due to arrive in Boston,
today. The original plan was to have
arrived in New York: but his anxiety
to visit his new see was SO great that
he took the shorter distance on the
Boston steamer. His arrival in Bos-
ton viii he the signal Of great
demcnstra ton from his many friends
in Mass chusetts, and arrangements
have teen made by various Catholic
organizations and societies with the
Il rgy to give him a grand reception
on his arrival Under the auspices OF
the Catholic Union, a large reception
is to be rendered him next Monday eve
ming in Boston. in which he
is 10 be welcomed by Presi-
dent Hannigan, assisted by Arch
biahop Williams. and a long list
Of pieces of vocal and instrumental
music will be given during the recep-
ton. which will be closed by short
address from the bishop-elect.
Bishop OConnell's stay in Boston
will be short, and before the reception
above mentioned he will go to Port
land where he is to be presented to
the various curates and priests of his
diocese. and returning to Boston, Mon
day morning. to be at dinner which is
to be rendered him by the clergy OF
the Massachusetts diocese. 1t is un-
derstood that in addition to this dinners
quite a sum of money has been con-
tributed to be presented to the new
bishop as testimonial from his old
friends. Speaking of testimonials, it is
not uniting to say that the new
bishop has very warm friends In
Massachusetts, and one of their first
acts was to cable him $1,000 when his
selection as bishop was announced, to-
eether with a congratulatory message.
So popular is this appointment with
those that best know Father OCOnnell
that every arrangement is being made
to show appreciation for the dignity
conferred upon him. In addition to the
banquet and reception referred to, he
will be the chief feature in several So
cial functions in Boston, among which
are reception and banquet by the
alumni of Boston College, from which
he graduated, distribution Of diplomas
to the graduates of Symphony Hall, a
reception by the Knights of Columbus.
and several other dinners and recep-
lions.
Bishop OConnell is accompanied on
his voyage to America by the Rev. E.
J. Moriarty. pastor of st. Bernards
church. Concord, n. H., who was pres
ent at the Bishops conservation. 1t is
also supposed that DIR. William A.
Dunn of Boston, sailed with him.
Although not as well known among
the people of Maine, the bishop will be
warmly welcomed by the people in this
diocese, and every effort will be made
to make him feel at home among his
Deop1e here and tn testify to their
loyalty to himself and the church. 1t
is probable that welcome of public
character will be made to him at an
early date in this State, and that an
opportunity will be given to all to
make the acquaintance of this very
popular prelate. When arrangements
IRE made. due notice will be given In
he Journal.