MM 50 Years Ago

Br Philip (John) Palmer, ordained to the priesthood in 1980, died in 1990

A ceremony that had not taken place in the Far North (of New Zealand) since the 40s of last century was repeated at Whangarei on Saturday 7 February. In those times pioneer Fathers and Brothers sometimes arrived on the mission field before Profession, completing their novitiate during the long shipboard voyage from Europe.

Brother Philip Palmer SM took his final vows as a religious of the Society of Mary at Holy Mass in his home parish.

The function was presided over by the Superior of the Marist Fathers and Brothers in Northland, Rev Fr J A Mannix SM, and Fr P Lander SM (Mt Albert) and Br Victor SM (Maunu) were the official witnesses. The sermon was preached by Rev Dr K E Scully SM, and Fr R Harwood SM was master of ceremonies.

_{March 1970}