RENEWAL OF FAITH.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1385, 11 March 1912, Page 2

RENEWAL OF FAITH.

MISSION AT THE BASILICA. A mission for tho Roman Catholic women of Thomdon parish was opened in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, in Hill Street, yesterday, at the hist mass, when there was a crowded congregation. The mission, which will .extend until tomorrow week, is being conducted by the three Marist missioners (Rev. Fathers O'Connell, Kimbell, and M'Cnrthy), who recently returned from Tasmania. The daily exercises in connection with the mission will commence with mass at 6 a.m., and bo followed by instruction. Other masses will follow sit 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., while, in the eveiiiiiß, there will he rosnrv, sermon, and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. A children's mission will commence to-morrow, and a ten days mission for men will open on 'Wednesday week, to be followed by ono at Northland. . Yesterday's opening sermon was preached bv tho Rev. Father O'Connell,. who took Tor his test "Behold, now is tho accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation." The object of the first sermon was, ho said, to place before parishioners a few thoughts that would help them to approach the work of the mission with a generous disposition. A mission was a time of extraordinary grace, when faith was renewed, and when God opened his heart to men. It was n time when every member of the parish was asked the question, "What does it pro/it a man if he gain tho whole world and lose his own soul?" The mission was for everyone in the parish-first of all for the just, as no. matter how perfect one might be, there was always room lo improve, and become more earnest. It was also for •Ootibful, nominal, and indifferent Catholics that they might bestir themselves, anil becomo more active in tho spiritual life. Most of all, it was a special time for repentance when Jesus Christ, in His infinite love and infinite mercy, awaited the return of the sinner, just as the father had awaited tho return of the prodigal son, and when tho sinner would find—as tho prodigal son found—not one who despises and rejects, but a compassionate father. It was a time for prayer, when all must redouble their efforts, and delav not their repentance, nor harden their hearts. In conclusion, the preacher exhorted parishioners not only, to attend tho various exercises of tho mission, but to bring slothful or careless Catholics to it.