ST. MARY’S CHURCH.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5416, 26 April 1929, Page 2

ST. MARY’S CHURCH.

SUCCESSFUL MISSION. What must be recorded as the most successful mission ever preached in Paeroa was brought to a conclusion on Sunday .evening, when a packed congregation was present to listen to the final exhortation of the eloquent young missioner of the Society of Mary—the Rev. Father Spillane. In a powerful discourse the claims of the Catholic Church' were set forth, and no more fervent exhortation has ever been listened to by Catholics to be proud of their faith and to live up to its dictates. An inspiring sight was witnessed when the vast congregation, holding lighted candles above their heads, renewed their’ baptismal vows and solemnly promised fidelity to the faith of their fathers. For the occasion the High Altar was beautifully decorated by the Sisters, the result being a glorious setting ,of hundreds of candles against a background of beautiful flowers.

Interviewed, the parish priest, the Rev. Father Taylor, stated that in his fifteen years’ experience of Missions there was none more gratifying than the last. Every morning some 140 persons received Holy Communion, often 100 of them attending at the 6 o’clock Mass. At the .general Communion on Sunday morning 200 approached the Altar rails, 100 of this number being men. Father Taylor remarked : “That is sacrifice if you like, and I am proud of my people.”

The total number of Communions received during the Mission approached 1000. A feature of the Mission was that no visitation was done ; all who came, came absolutely voluntarily, and as a result the success of the Mission was most, gratifying.