CONFIRMATION AT THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5706, 14 July 1879, Page 2

CONFIRMATION AT THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

A number of boys and girls, who for some time past have been preparing themselves in order to make their first communion, presented themselves at the early Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral yesterday morning to do so. The scene was a very pretty one, the girls being dressed in white, with long veils reaching to their feet, and the boys, wearing white rosettes, marched in a procession to the foot of the sanctuary, where they were addressed by his lordship Dr. Redwood, who explained ia a very full and clear manner-what was meant by Holy Communion, and asked them to remember it always with feelings of joy, as it was one of the greatest gifts that the Church could confer upon her children. The communicants listened with rapt attention to what had been said, and then received the sacrament of communion. After church, the boys went to the priests' house and the girls to the, convent, until the time of celebration of the eleven o’clock Mass, after which they were to receive the sacrament of confirmation. At the eleven o’clock Mass the Church was densely crowded by a number of persons who came to witness the ceremony of confirmation. After Mass bad been said by the Rev. Father Grumsdorf the Bishop preached a very eloquentand impressive sermon, explaining what was meant by the Sacrementof Confirmation, and what the holy oils and signs used by the Bishop in granting Confirmation were symbols of. He also stated in what manner it should be received, and for what purposes it was given. He said that if they would remember it from time to time it would be the means of strengthening them against the evils that beset their path, especially in the present day, when so great a number of men did not believe in any religion at all. He told them that this day called to his mind the ceremonies in other countries, when on great festive occasions the king, robed in his gafments of state, went into one of the largest squares of the capital amidst the whole population and then a young man stepping forward and taking hold of the country's flag swore true allegiance to it. It was the same with those who were about to be confirmed ; they were seen by "their heavenly king, God, who was sitting on the throne in heaven, surrounded by bis angels and saints, and who was at this moment looking down upon them, and they ought to keep true allegiance to their vow of confirmation. If they did so they would be happy in this life, and after death earn as their reward the possession of Heaven. He concluded by asking them to remain always good and faithful children, and they would thus be a credit to themselves and an honor to whom they belonged. The candidates were then confirmed by the Bishop, assisted by the Rev. Fathers McNamara and Grumsdorf. The Hon. Dr. Grace stood as sponsor for the boys, and Mrs. Grace for the girls. All who had been confirmed assembled at the Church at 3 o’clock; and in the presence of the Rev. Father McNamara made a renewal of their baptismal vows. The choir, under the able conductorship of Mr. Putnam, sang admirably during the services.