TAKING THE WHITE VEIL.

Kumara Times, Issue 2940, 2 April 1886, Page 3

TAKING THE WHITE VEIL.

Last Tuesday morning one of those interesting and imposing ceremonies, of which the Catholic Church affords so many, took place at St, Patrick’s Church, Greymouth. The Argus reports:—The occasion was that of four young ladies taking the white veil. The names of the postulants were— Miss Ellen Sheedy, Miss Catherine M'Donnell, Miss Marian Taylor, and Miss Catherine Ryan. At the appointed hour the Sisters of the Convent assembled, habited in their church cloaks with lighted tapers, and, with the novices, formed in procession, a sister bearing the crucifix in front. The novices were dressed in white, the only ornament being a chaplet of lightcolored flowers, and a long white veil over all. As the procession marched up the aisle the choir sang “0 Gloriosa Yirginnm,” during which the Mother Superior and assistants genuflected before the Blessed Sacrament, leavin'/ the postulants on their knees. Tin; Bishop enters at iho same time, wi;h attendant pi lost, Father Oarew. The other priests in attendance were • Father Pertius, of Greymouiii, i;’,it her Marlin, of Hokitika, Father O’Donnell, of Ahnura, and Father Brown, of Ahaura. Several osiur priests who had beer, expected to take part hi the ceremony were unavoidably prevented attending. After the prayer !< Deus qui sub tute a,” the Bishop blessing the wax candle, which is laid on vho altar, which is followed by the prayer beginning “ Domino ,} e.-ai Chri.su*,’’ &c.. when the Bishop sp f.hV-,- he Candle with holy water incenses it, li, o

postulants were ihen conducted each in turn by the Mother Assistant and Mother Superior to the altar, where kneeling, she receives the candle, lighted, from the Bishop (fbst kissing his hand and then the candle). After the prayer “ Accibe,” each returned to her place, til] the four were seated in the middle of the church opposite the altar. The names of the newly made sisters are now— Miss Ellen Sheedy—Sister Mary Cecilia. Miss Catherine M‘Donnell—Sister Marv Stainslans. Miss Marian Taylor—Sister Mary. Mechtildes. Miss Catherine Ryan—Sister Mary Joseph.