CATHOLIC MISSION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10277, 12 May 1919, Page 3

CATHOLIC MISSION

The Mission at St. Joseph's Church, Boulcott street, was'brought to a close last night. It is said to be the most successful Catholic' mission held in the archdiocese of Wellington, in fact, in in the whole of New Zealand. A record for the largest number to approach Holy Communion, in any one Catholic parish, was established yesterday, when 1287 went to ,the altar rails, and this make's a total of 12,260 communicants"' during'' the' "fortnight's mission. This is considered a tribute to the missioners, Rev. Fathers Ainsworth and McCarthy, S.M.'s, and to the local parish priests, the Revs. Fathers Hurley and O'Connor, S.M.'s. At the 10.30 a.m. Mass yesterday, and at the evening devotions, the missioners congratulated the _ parishioners on their response to the mission. In the evening the Kov. Father McCarthy, S.M., preached an eloquent sermon on the "Credentials of the Catholic Church" to an overflowing congregation. After the sermon the solemn ceremony of the "Renewal of the Baptismal Vows" took place, and the "I'apaj Blessing", was given. Tho congregation was exhorted by. the missioners "to" continue the example of "perseverance" m the Holy Faith" they had shown during the mission. His Grace Coadjector Archbishop O'Shea thanked the missioners for their zeal and earnestness during the mission and the parishioners for constant attendance.