Conclusion of Catholic Mission.

Patea Mail, 27 February 1882, Page 3

Conclusion of Catholic Mission.

Father Le Menant concluded his mission at the Patea Catholic Church last evening. After vespers had been sung, Father Le Menant preached an impressive sermon, exhorting those who had fulfilled the mission to keep the good resolutions they bad made. Before concluding, he thanked their pastor, Rev. Father Grogan, for kindness and assistance during the past fortnight. He also thanked the choir for assistance in contributing sweet music during the mission. And, finally, he thanked the people for the patience with which they had listened to his instructions. The sacrament was then carried in procession round the aisles of the church. The order of procession was : Children of Mary (dressed in white), Father Grogan, boys, acolytes, Father Le Menant (with the sacrament), guard of honor, and others of congregation. All the congregation had lighted candles, and the effect was very pretty. While the procession was being made, the choir sang the “ Pango lingua.” Benediction of the sacrament then took place. The hymn, “ Faith of onr Fathers,” was sung, after which there was renewal of baptismal vows. Father Grogan read the form of renewal, the congregation standing, with lighted candles in their right hands, and repeating the words after him.

Father Grogan then spoke a few words of warm thanks for the good work Father Le Menant had accomplished in the district. He said they could not thank the missioner sufficiently for the good he had done; but they could do better than that—they could pray for him. He would be remembered in the sacrifice of the mass, and the congregation should remember him in their prayers. The night prayers were then said, and this concluded the mission. Father Le Menant went South by this morning’s coach.