ST. MARY’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2644, 10 April 1894, Page 2

ST. MARY’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, GERALDINE.

The one week’s special mission services at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Geraldine, closed on Sunday last by the solemn closing ceremony from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Everyday in the week, besides the usual masses, services were held three times a day, and were each largely attended. At the evening services, which were all crowded, the Rev. Father Plankett preached energetically for over an hour on each occasion, exhibiting wonderful staying powers for a man of his advanced age. On Friday evening a special service was held in honour of the Blessed Sacrament, when the altar was beautifully decorated. The Rev. Father Plankett spoke on the teaching of the Holy Church with regard to the Eucharist, and vigorously defended the Church’s belief in the doctrine of transubstantiation. On Saturday night another special service was held in honour of the Blessed Virgin. On Sunday mass was held at 8 a.m., and also at 10.30 a.m., and at 3 p.m. devotion and the closing ceremony took place. The church was so over-crowded at the afternoon service that extra seating accommodation had to be provided. In the course of his remarks the Rev. Father Plunkett said that the mission had been highly satisfactory in every way, and he had never been in a place since he had left the Old Country, where the people seemed so anxious to profit by the mission as they had at Geraldine. For his own part he had to work hard at Geraldine, but the work was a labour of love to him, lu conclusion the Rev. Father gave the congregation his own blessing, and delivered the blessing of the Holy Father the Pope. He also thanked all who had contributed to the success of the mission by assisting in the choir or at the altar, or by sending flowers or candles for the altar. He specially mentioned the Rev. Father Bowers, who had shown him great kindness and hospitality, and had assisted him greatly by preparing the people to receive the mission. We might mention that the choir sang appropriate hymns at each service, and that every day the benediction was given. The Rev. Father Fa, her Plunkett left yesterday for Rakaia to open a mission there last night.