CONFIRMATION OF 600 PERSONS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5385, 1 July 1878, Page 3

CONFIRMATION OF 600 PERSONS.

(From the Ballarat Star.) Whit Sunday will he long remembered by the Catholics of Ballarat, it being the day set apart by the Catholic Bishop of Ballarat for administering the sacrament of confirmation; Long before the hour fixed for mass,, large numbers of children of both sexes from all parts of the city and suburbs began to assemble in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and at ,11 o’clock the cathedral presented a very imposing ap-, pearance. A large portion of the nave, and the entire of the transepts in front of the altar, were reserved for the children and adults who were to be confirmed. The girls, who were seated on the left, were beautifully and tastefully attired, each of them weaving white veils and having wreaths round their heads. Tho boys also were neatly, jdressed, especially the children of the Christian Brothers’ school, many of whom wore blue scarfs and , rosettes, and were decorated with medals commemorative of the great sacrament which, they were "oiug to receive. For some months previous, the Rev. B. Cleary and the other clergymen, assisted by ‘ the nuns of Loretto and the Christian Brothers,' had been sedulous in instructing the children for tho worthy reception of the sacrament. Mass was celebrated by the Kev. K. ’ Cleary, coram cpiscopo, Haydn’s Grand Mass , No. 4 being sung by the choir, as also the grand. hymn, “Veni sancte : spiritus.” After mass the bishop, according to 1 his custom," examined each child present in the Christian doctrine, which, owing to the large number to be confirmed, occupied a long time. -After the examination the bishop retired to the sacristy, and after being vested in cope and mitre, again entered tha cathedral, preceded by the altar boys, one of whom carried the pastoral staff, and followed by the Very Kev. Dr. Moore, V.G., and Father Cleary. The bishop then addressed the persons to be confirmed upon the nature of the sacraments, especially the one which they were about to receive. He then administered the sacrament. He was assisted by Dr. Moore and the Rev. B. Cleary. After confirmation the bishop again addressed the children upon the great sacrament which Fhey had just received, and the necessity of preserving the graces it conferred 'by holy ‘ prayer. The number confirmed amounted to about 600, principally children, there being only a few adults. The function did not terminate until shortly before five o’clock in the afternoon. The church was densely crowded throughout the ceremonies. On Whit Saturday about 500 children of both sexes had the happiness of receiving their first communion at the 9 o'clock massy which was celebrated ■ by the ■ bishop, assisted by the Very Kev. Dr. Moore, V.G.