ST. MARY’S CHURCH.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5485, 9 October 1929, Page 2

ST. MARY’S CHURCH.

ADMINISTERING CONFIRMATION BISHOP LISTON AT PAEROA. Enthusiasm and religious fervour ran high at the local Catholic Church on Sunday last, when the Co-adjutor Bishop of Auckland, Dr. Liston, was the guest of the Rev. Father Taylor. On Sunday morning, at 8 o’clock, His Lordship celebrated Mass and preached on the subject of the Holy Mass, its meaning to Catholics, what it meant to their ancestors, and why it is that Catholics flock, even at early hours in the morning, winter and summer, to be present at Mass. During the Holy Sacrifice over 130 received Holy Communion, a notable fact being the great number of men receiving.

In the evening the church was again filled to overflowing when the Sacrament of Confirmation was administered to 42 candidates. The seating capacity of the church and gallery is over 300, and this was taxed to the full. The Bishop spoke feelingly and tellingly on the important subject of the duties of children to their parents, and of the corresponding responsibilities of parents towards the little ones committed to their care.

It was a moving spectacle as the boys and girls approached the Altar steps to be confirmed in the Catholic Faith.

During the ceremony the Bishop was assisted by the Rev. Father Dignan, Thames, and the Rev. Father Forde, parish priest, Te Aroha. Devotions, probably unequalled in the history of the Catholic Church in Paeroa, concluded by Pontificial Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, terminated the service.