Catholic Mission,

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 20 August 1915, Page 2

Catholic Mission,

A HUGE SUCCESS. A very successful mission was held in Ngaruawahia last week and was conducted by the Rev. Father McCarthy, who is a very forcible speaker, his words carrying great conviction. The missionpr was born and educated in New Zealand and is weli known all over the Australasian colonies, having been engaged in mission work for a period of seven years. A special feature of the mission was “ The Renewal of Baptism Vows,” during which each individual of the congragation held in his hand a lighted candle while the Papal Blessing was given. On Sunday last the Rev. Father McCarthy' commenced the Huntly Mission, and took , for his first sermon at 11 o’clock Mass, "The Value of the Human Souls;” on Sunday evening, “ The Malice of Sin;” Monday evening, " Death ; ” Tuesday evening, “ Th'e Last Judgment,” Wednesday evening, “The Blessed Sacrament;” and on Thursday evening, " Drunkenness.” To-night the Rev. Father McCarthy will select for his subject, " Mary, the Mother cf God Saturday night, " The Mercy of God and at 9 o’clock Mass on Sunday, “The Sacrifice of the Mass.” The Mission will terminate on Sunday next when the BapSissmal Vows will be renewed and the Papal Blessing given. A very' inspiring ceremony took place last-Thursday evening, when, after Benediction in the church, the congregation participated in a procession to the Convent grounds. Several congregational hymns were sung during the marching. The procession was headed by a little boy carrying the Crucifix, followed by the Acolytes, and the Children of Mary; then came the Blessed Sacrament with Rev. Fathers Dignan, Skinner and O’Doherty', Rev. Father McCarthy' acting as Master of Ceremonies. Then, in order, came the Canopy, carried by Messrs J. Hackett, J. Mohan, J. B. Harris, and J. Robertson; the school children, headed by the Angel Guardian, while the Hibernian Society, carrying the Banner of St. Patrick, and the Sacred Heart Society with their banner, formed a guard of honour to the Blessed Sacrament. After the ceremony the procesion wended its way back to the church, where Benediction was held. To-night, the procession of the Mother of God will take place. A pleasing feature of the Mission is the numbers that attend Holy Communion in the morning. About 100 of the congregation partook of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesday morning last.