Fr. Cornelius Hunt as mentioned in John Griffin’s letter, attended the funeral of Bishop Patrick Moran, Dunedin in 1895. Bishop Moran was from Co. Wicklow. Fr. Hunt’s father was John Hunt from Dromada, Athea and his mother was Mary White from Coole, Athea. They had a shop and pub in Athea. Fr. Hunt was born on April 23rd 1865 at Athea village where Dick White’s public house stands. Fr. Hunt’s grandfather was Timothy (Thade) Hunt and his grandmother was Ellen Tierney. His great grandfather was Con Hunt and his great grandmother was Mary Horgan from near Ballybunion, Co Kerry.
The Hayes family from Fairystreet, Athea had a shop there before the Hunt’s. The Hayes’s came to Athea from around Liselton, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry and had a forge in the village. They left the village to settle in Fairystreet where they carried on the blacksmith business.
FR. HUNT’S LETTER.
The W.A. Record (Perth, WA : 1888 – 1922)
Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society
The Monastery, N.Perth,
8th October,- 1905.
To the Secretary,
H.A.C.B. Society, Perth, W.A.
Dear Sir— I very much regret not being able to attend the’ public meeting to be held this evening in the Hibernian Hall in furtherance of the interests of your society. It was very kind of you to invite me not only to be present, but also to give a. short address re your society. However, owing to the short notice, and arrangements having already been made for Sunday’s ecclesiastical work, it is impossible for me to be present. Let not my absence, however, be misunderstood or misconstrued. It would have been a pleasure, as well as a privilege for me to be with you this evening for I am heart and soul in sympathy with the object of your meeting. For. the last thirteen years I have been advocating the interests of your society in Australia and so far I have seen no valid reason why I should not do so ; and please God, I will continue to do so, throughout the length and breath of our great Commonwealth, wherever my apostolic or missionary labours may bring me during -the course of my life; And why should I not ?. A good priest will look not alone to the spiritual interest of the people, but also to their material or temporal needs and do all he possibly can to alleviate them. Our Blessed Lord did so. And surely, with a view to this no better advice can be given than that, our men, and women too, should become members of a “Benefit” Society. Death will certainly come, and it is generally preceded by sickness ; or again, we may be, and very often are sick, though not unto death ; what ah advantage then is it not, to be a member of a Benefit Society ; and especially the H.A.C.B.S, the leading Catholic and Irish Society, not only in this State, but throughout Australasia. For while the total membership of the various Catholic Benefit Societies in Australia is about 33,500. the H.A.C.B.S. has a membership roll of 25,000.
I will not say more about the advantages – many and great as they certainly are from a spiritual as well as a temporal point of view – but I will ask you to bear with me while I write an extract from the “Pastoral Letter” issued by the Cardinal Archbishop, the
Archbishops, and Bishops of Australia, including our own good and zealous Bishop, Most Rev; Dr. Gibney, and which they addressed to both clergy and laity as late as last month.
Amongst other, tilings they write : — “Our age is……”
Here we .have the. highest ecclesiastical authority in Australasia recommending Catholic Benefit- Societies, and giving the place of honour, and rightly so, to the H.A.C.B.S, I trust then that tonight’s meeting will be a great success, and that the roll of membership of the Berth Branch will be considerably increased and that your branch will grow and flourish in numbers and spirit – a spirit of faith, hope and charity according to your motto – until we see your branch, as we hope to see Perth itself, second to none in Australia.
Thanking you most sincerely for your invitation, and regretting that I cannot be present at to-night’s meeting while wishing it a great success.
I remain, dear Mr. Secretary,
yours faithfully,
CORNELIUS J. HUNT, C.SS.R.
P. S. – All the Redemptorists are one with me in their appreciation of, and good wishes for the. H.A.C.B. Society.
The W.A. Record (Perth, WA : 1888 – 1922)
Mission at Southern Cross.
ADDRESSES BY REV. FATHER
HUNT, C.SS.R.
We take the following from the “Southern Cross Times” of April 20th 1907.
The Roman Catholic Mission, which commenced in the Church of the Sacred Heart on Sunday last, and has been continued throughout the week, has drawn large congregations to bear the Rev. Father Hunt. At the morning and evening services the church has been well- attended, .. not only by Roman Catholics in Southern Cross and district, hut the representatives of other denominations. The Rev missioner is a powerful preacher, with a most earnest and convincing delivery, and while some who had heard him during the week, may not have agreed with all the theological views he expounded, they could not help being impressed by his thorough earnestness in advancing the particular dogmas of the Church of Rome. On Thursday night- the church was well filled to hear the Reverend gentleman deal with that subject which has caused so much discussion between the Anglican and Roman Catholic adherents, namely, the Real Presence. It is a fascinating theme’,, and .can be listened to with interest from both standpoints. Fr. Hunt‘ founded his address on the text from St. John’s Gospel, “There is One in your midst whom you know not.” The preacher then declared that he justified the real presence by the remark of Christ himself when at the Last Supper he said to His disciples, “Take, eat; this is My hodv, which is given to you. Do this in commemoration of Me,” and -in reference to the wine the Lord said, “Drink ye all of this ; for this is; My blood,” etc. The Rev. missioner claimed it was made absolutely ‘ clear in the Bible that the bread and wine were, by the mysterious power of God, changed, and became the actual body and blood of the Church. Father Hunt then explained the difference between
consubstantiation, as recognised by Anglicans, and transubstantiation, as believed’ in absolutely by the Roman Catholics. The Rev. gentlemen concluded his address by an earnest appeal to all Roman Catholics to regularly attend Mass and to recognise that Christ was in their midst when present in the house of God. It was announced that the mission would close tomorrow (Sunday) night
.
The W.A. Record (Perth, WA : 1888 – 1922) View title info
Father Hunt, C.SS.R. at the Cathedral.
The Very Rev. Fr. Hunt,C.SS.R., formerly Superior of the Redemptorist Monastery, North (Perth, preached to an over-crowded congregation on Sunday evening last in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The preacher took his text from the Gospel read in the Mass of the day — The care of the ruler’s son— “Unless you see signs and wonders you believe not.” These words suggested to Lim”a very important and practical subject. In a country where all are not of the same faith, it is necessary to know why we believe and the reason of the faith that is in us. Faith is a supernatural gift of God, by which
we firmly believe whatever God has revealed. Without such faith there is no salvation ; without, faith it is impossible to please God, says St. Paul. Mark the word, riot hard or difficult, but impossible, to please God. Only those who please God shall be saved. That faith is necessary for salvation is declared in clearer and more emphatic terms, and they happen to be the words of Our Lord Himself — ” He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be condemned,” or as the Protestant version of Holy Writ’ has it:”He that believeth not shall be damned.”
Faith is called a theological virtue because it has God for its primary object. In God we believe, in God we hope, in God we love. Of the three theological virtues faith is the most important. As we cannot trust in anyone or love anyone unless we know them, so we. cannot love God or trust in Him unless we know Him. It is by faith we know Him. Faith is a spiritual light that illuminates the intellect. It is God’s gratuitous gift— not a reward How are we to know what to believe. ? Everyone wants to be saved.Christ died for all,- but all are not saved : “Other sheep I have that are not of this fold.” They are His—He claims them — “Them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice, and there shall be one fold’ and one Shepherd.” He does not always let them go their own way. He did not command them to read the Bible. He commanded them to hear the Church which was the pillar and ground of Truth — “They shall hear My voice” —”Go ye and preach the Gospel “
A command to “Search the Scripture” did occur in the New Testament, but we must consider the circumstances under which those words were spoken. A sign or a proof had
been asked of Our Lord that He was the Messiah. The reply of Christ was ah obvious reference to the Old Testament only, particularly the Psalms of David and the (Prophecy of Isaiah, where His coming was announced. The New Testament was not ‘at the time written,’-‘ hence the command to search the Scriptures was not equivalent . to a command of reading the Bible.
If men were to hear the Church she must speak., When she spoke she was to fulfil the injunction of Christ —”Teach them ALL things whatsoever I have commanded you.” There must be no picking or choosing — all or none. It was by the testimony, teaching, and authority of the Catholic Church that we were to know what God has revealed, for she alone can, and she alone does, claim to be the one fold of Christ.
The preacher concluded by complimenting his audience on the progress of Perth — spiritual and material — since his departure from among them six years ago, and also on the privilege accorded to their Bishop by his elevation to the Archieniscooacy.
Father Hunt left for Ballarat by the mailboat on Tuesday.
Ballarat and Wendouree Victoria, Australia taken from Google Maps.
Advocate Newspaper, Melbourne,
Sat Dec 6th 1913.
Diocese of Sandhurst.
(By Our Own Correspondent)
Very Rev Fr. Hunt C.SS.R. and Rev Fr. Kelly C.SS.R. arrived in Bendigo last saturday. The Rev Father’s are conducting a Jubilee mission in the parish. The mission will be continued for a week.
Tribune (Melbourne, Vic. : 1914 – 1918)
The Bishop of Ballarat.
Double Jubilee Celebration.
Eloquent Appreciation by Very Rev. Fr.
Hunt, C.SS.R.
On Sunday last His Lordship- the Most Rev. Dr. Higgins, Bishop of Ballarat, celebrated the golden jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood, – and the silver jubilee of his elevation to the episcopate. In honour of the occasion, Masses were celebrated throughout the morning, attended by overflowing congregations.
At 11 o’clock, Solemn Pontifical High Mass was celebrated by the Most Rev. Dr. Reville, Bishop of Sandhurst, the Very Rev. D. Foley of Terang, being the assistant priest, the Rev. J. Hennebry deacon, and the Rev. M. Mulcahey sub-deacon. Bishop Higgins presided at the throne, assisted by the Very Rev. Arch-priest Marshall, vicar-general of Maryborough, and the, Very Rev. M. Shanahan of Hamilton. The Most Kcv. Dr. Carr, Archbishop of Melbourne, and the Most Rev. Dr. Mannix, Coadjutor Archbishop, had scats in the sanctuary; the Very Rev. John Ryan, S.J., and the Very Rev. S. O’Hare being their chaplains. The Rev. T. Kennellv acted as master of ceremonies, and was assisted by the Rev. J. B. Roper. The Very Rev. Dean Nelan (Colac), and the Rev. Father Francis Clune, C.P., superior of the Passionist Fathers, Marrickville, Sydney, were also present. The altar was beautifully decorated for the occasion by the ladies of the Altar Society, attached to the Cathedral.
‘Weber’s Mass’ was rendered by the choir, under the- conductorship of Mr. Walter Gude, assisted by a strong orchestra. The beautiful music was capably treated both by the choir and instrumentalists, while in the hands of Mrs. J. P. McManamny (soprano), Miss Lena Allen (contralto), Messrs. Chas, Hager (tenor), and P. Thornton (bass) the solo work was well sustained.
JUBILEE SERMON.
Father Hunt, Rector of Wendouree Monastery, preached the special sermon, which very appropriately dealt with the Bishop’s jubilee. He took for his text Romans xiii., 7 — ‘Honour to whom honour is due’……….
Advocate (Melbourne, Vic. : 1868 – 1954)
THE LATE REV. THOMAS SHEARMAN, C.SS.R
The Rev. Thos. Shearman^ C.SS.R., passed away after a somewhat severe illness at’ the Redemptorist Monastery, Wendouree, on Saturday, August 22nd at. 9.15 a.m. The Very Rev. C. Hunt.’ C.SS.R.. B.A.. was present but had to leave for Maitland to give the retreat to the clergy.
Freeman’s Journal (Sydney, NSW.
5 April 1917
Much sympathy has gone out to the Very Rev. C. J. Hunt, C.SS.R., Superior of the Redemptorist Fathers in Victoria (writes our correspondent) in the sad bereavement the zealous missionary has just sustained by the death of his saintly old Irish mother, who passed away to her reward at Athea, Co. Limerick Ireland. Father Hunt received the. sad intelligence by cable last Tuesday week. Many prayers will be offered up for the eternal repose of the soul of the deceased lady, if for no other reason, in gratitude to Father Hunt and his noble band of self-sacrificing missionaries, who have done and are doing so much for the honour and glory of God and the salvation of souls. The deceased lady was in the 83rd year of her age. She went to Mass daily, and received Holy Communion daily. It was her custom to visit’ the church and go around the Stations of the Cross daily. There were ten in family, five sons and five daughters. Two daughters became, nuns, one of whom died. The other is Sister Alphonsus, of the Hospital of St. John of God, Goulburn. A Requiem for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Hunt will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Monastery, Ballarat, on a date to be named. It may be mentioned that Mr. Hunt, sen., predeceased the venerable lady. — R.I.P.
Advocate (Melbourne, Vic. : 1868 – 1954)
THE REDEMPTORIST FATHERS
VERY REV. C. J. HUNT,C.SS.R., B.A.,
APPOINTED
RECTOR OF WARATAH.
The Very Rev. C. J. Hunt; C.SS.R., B. A., who has been appointed Rector of Waratah, N.S.W., has done yeoman missionary work in Australia. As an earnest, convincing preacher who appeals to the heart, he has few equals, and no superiors, on this, side of the line. For six years the rev. gentleman has filled the responsible position of Rector of St. Mary’s Monastery, Ballarat, and in his case, the historic question may be aptly put: ‘If you seek, a monument, look around !’Monuments of his love of the beauty of God’s house and the place where His glory dwelleth’ may be seen in more than one direction in the Golden City. During the six years of his able and fruitful administration as rector, numerous missions and retreats have been given by this worthy son of St. Alphonsus Liguori, to whose missionary Order much of the vitality and strength and permanence of the faith
of Patrick and Brigid is due. The beautiful St. Mary’s Church at Wendouree, with its three marble altars, marble Communion rails, rich stained-glass windows depicting events in the lives of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Alphonsus, and the beautiful Stations of the Cross (Italian oil paintings), attest the artistic and Catholic taste of Fr. Hunt, and the appreciation of his and his confreres’ labours in the vineyard of the Lord; for funds to defray the cost of these works came, not only from Ballarat and Victoria, but from places much farther afield, where the remembrance of the work of the Redemptorists, ‘ad majorem Dei gloriam,’ is. still fresh and green in the minds of those who have benefited by their zealous labours for the salvation of souls. For over six years (1900-1907) the new Rector, of Waratah was the Superior, of the Redemptorists in Western Australia, and during that
time he built the fine monastery and church in Perth. His Grace the Arch-bishop of Perth (the Most Rev. Dr. Clune, C.SS.R.) was in those strenuous days the most zealous and efficient, and easily the most eloquent, of Fr. Hunt’s coadjutors, or fellow missionaries. It is of interest to recall that the Victorian house of this great missionary Order was founded from Waratah in 1888. We gladly join with the well-wishers of the Rector of
Waratah, and their name is legion, in wishing him many more years of successful missionary work.
Waratah, N.S.W., taken from Google Maps.
Leave a Reply