ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1701, 21 February 1888, Page 3

ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL.

The Eight Rev. Dr Girinas visited St. Joseph’s School, Temnka, yesterday morning at 10.30 o'clock, when an entertainment was given in his honor by the children. The children were all dressed in holiday attire, and thsir cheerful faces betrayed the pleasure they felt in recaiving their Bishop. Besides the Bishop and tba Rev, Fathar Fanvel, a few of the parents of the children were present. The following programme was gone through : —Piano solo, “ The Siege of Paris chorus, “ Sweat Homedialogue, “ Faith, Hope, and Charity vocal solo, “Killarney;” recitation, “Guilty, or Not Guilty;” chorus, “Advance New Zealandpiano solo, “ Sweet Home dialogue, “ Coming Mensong and chorus, “ I'm Going to Write to Papa dialogue, “ The Contest of the Flowers ;’* song, “ Pat of Mullingarchorus, “ Charity finals, Address to His Lordship.” The children who took part in ibe entertainment acquitted themselves l with great credit to themselves and their teachers. The address to the Bishop was read and presented to him by Miss Quinn, accompanied by the Misses Brosnahan and Dalton. It was as follows l

To the Bight Bar. J. J. Grime*, D.D, 'Biihop of Cfaristohnrcb.

Mr liOHD,— -It Is with feeling* of the greateit joy that) we bid you welcome to this lowly portion of your diocese. Our feelings of joy are mingled with those of gratitude, as the prayers which were offered daily for your safe arrival have been answered. Ae we are but little children Your Lordship will not expect a long speech from us, but this much we venture to say—that what is wanting in words and outward show we truly hare in heart. Before asking Your Lordship’s blessing, permit ns to assure you that while discharging the onerous duties of your exalted position you shall ever have the daily prayers on your loving and devoted children. Tm Pciili or Si. Josejh’s School, Tbmuia.

His Lordship said bo had come that morning to enjoy a treat, and be had eujoyed it* Aa regards the expressions of welcome contained in their address he came fully assured of a welcome. He had been assured of it long ago by their parish priest, who told him of their devotion, and of the prayers they had offered up for the safe arrival of their Bishop. Ha came a long way. He was grateful to them for their prayers, and although there were many dangers to go through he always fait safe in having their prayers offered up for him. He bad great faith in prayers, and especially in the prayers of young children, and he hoped they would always pray for him, as he bad nothing else to sustain him except the grace of God and prayers of bis dear children. Their beautiful entertainment brought to bis mifid the “Home, Sweet Home,” he had so recently left, and his home in Hew Zealand now, which was the dearest on earth to him. The dialogue Of “faith, Hope, and Charity” reminded him of the land of faith—the beautiful land whence their fathers had come, who bad preserved their faith through the greatest persecution. He hoped they would continue strong in that faith, and in hope and charity. The beautiful soog of “ Killarney ” reminded him of that lovely spot. He had been in Killarney four months ago, and, though he had seen many a place, ,it was the most beautiful place he had ever visited. He hoped their “Comiug Men” would Advance New Zealand,” and one thing be wished them to remember was whatever they did to do it well. If it was worth doing at all, it was worth doiog well* They must sleep well, pray well, learn their lessons well, ‘and when they play they must play well, too. The Church did not require of them to be gloomy, sad, and melancholy; she wished them to enjoy themselves. There was one thing they should always do—that was, pray for the TtligeuKi who had no thought on earth but to teach them and to direct their young minds. What enabled them to do all they did without hope of any earthly reward 2 It was that they saw in the little children the image of the Almighty God, and they were ready to do all for Bis sake and for the sake of Bis Divine Son, Jesus Christ. They (the children) could never thank them (the Sisters) sufficiently for what they were doing for them, and, as they required no other reward, they should always pray for them. The Bishop then gave them his blessing, and the proceedings terminated.