St. Patrick's.

Manawatu Herald, 5 January 1893, Page 2

St. Patrick's.

— — ♦ The Rev. Father Patterson has devoted much time in beautifying hife new church at Palmerston, and an account of the Christmas and New Year's decorations, taken from the Standard, will be of interest to his many friends in this district. One of the most striking features should be mentioned is a pretty crib, which has been placed in the ladies' chapel and is in the shape of the stables in Bethleham. The infant child, in the manger, and snugly wrapped np in swaddling clothes, reclines gracefully upon the straw. A beautiful figure of the Virgin, with arms crossed, and contemplating her God, also stands out prominently. The ox and the ass, appar* .eutly breathing upon the infant, ig another especial feature Surround ing the infant appear a number of beautiful angels with fluttering wings, suspended in the air, and apparently playing upon trumpets and singing the praises of 'thV in- ■ fant. At the head of the child a golden nymbns rests, arid' above' 1 the '■ cave a red cross. Underneath, and fronting the cave, is a florid inscrip/. tion " A child is born unto us." IX. picturesque swinging lamp, burning night and day, and placed at the head of the cave, gives a sojemn bufr, ; at the same time bewitching effect to the whole. The snow, ice, and holly, clustering around the; outside, add considerable attraction to the master work. Above the cave an- * other tasteful inscription, " Christ is born; let us rejoice and adore," catches the eye and stands out in bold relief. The altar also has been artistically decorated', the taste-dis-played being admirable. Flowers 1 of every description, resting in pretty vasea and sending forth their delicious fragrance, stand adjacent to the ornamental candlesticks* . ■■ ■ ; { :. /