Story: Catholic Church

Fenian procession, 1868

Fenian procession, 1868

Support for Fenianism (an Irish nationalist movement) was strong in the many New Zealand Catholic communities which had close family ties to Ireland. Catholic priests often joined in Fenian demonstrations, such as this one at Hokitika in 1868. The priest can be seen walking ahead of the banner showing the cross. By that year several Irish-born priests had been expelled from New Zealand for taking part in political meetings and demonstrations.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: NON-ATL-0077
Pencil sketch by Patrick Lysaght

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Rory Sweetman, 'Catholic Church - Irish settler church', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/29282/fenian-procession-1868 (accessed 21 April 2024)

Story by Rory Sweetman, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 17 Jul 2018