CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4621, 5 November 1923, Page 2

CATHOLIC CHURCH.

BLESSING AND RE-OPENING CEREMONY, CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS PROGRESS. During the last eight weeks St. Mary’s Church, Paeroa, has been considerably enlarged, completely renovated, and notably improved. It. is now a solid and graceful ruilding, capable of accommodating the large and iricreasing congregations that assemble op Sundays and other occasions, and marking a definite progress in the civil and religious life of the community. Sunday, 4th inst., will stand, therefore, as a memorable dav in the history of! St. Mary’s, for, in the presence of a crowded congregation, the Blessing and Re-opening Ceremonv was performed by the Right Rev. Bishop Cleary, D.D. The ceremony commenced at t,he entrance to the church, the bishop then proceeding around the exterior of the building reciting the psalms and prayers appropriate to the blessing, and followed by the congregation. The interior was blessed in a similar manner and subsequently the Altar and Sanctuary. Then followed the Mass of Dedication, during which the choir rendered the choral parts with devotional effect. The Mass being finished, His Lordship addressed the congregation. He pointed out the singificance of the church as a witness to the Living God and the things of the Spirit. It was the spiritual powerhouse of the parish , from whence diverged streams of life and grace. It was, too, the House of God, where children and others were “born again” and the life of grace where human love was .sanctified by Sacramental effect, where th a Word of God wts dispensed, light given t,o souls, arid peace restored to the sinful at their Saviour’s feet. His Lordshin then turned to the children prepared for confirmation and to them and to thefr parents addressed words of telling effect for their Christian upbringing and perfe'ctjpn in the Faith, illustrating his points by many beautiful and vivid comparisons. After His Lordship’s discourse the collection was taken up, which, together with sums previously handed in, amounted to £lO0 —a striking testimony to the interest the congregation have displayed towards the chtrch. The Sacrament of Confirmation was subsequently conferred upon a large number of children, who were ea'ch accompanied by their sponsors, the while the choir sang the hymn of the Holy Ghost. The solemnity thus enacted formed a fitting conclusion to an historic event, bringing to a close a ceremony .that was devotional and inspiring.

Included in the congregation were His Worship the Mayor (Mr W Marshall) and a number of leaning citizens not members of the Church. .