St. Patrick's Church, Waimate.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 141, 14 December 1901, Page 3

St. Patrick's Church, Waimate.

Thursday last was a red letter day in the history of the above church, when ; . His Lordship, Bishop Grimes, administered the sacrament of confirmation to upwards of eighty candidates. Tlie young people were drawn from all parts of the district, a number coming from far distant Hakataremea.

His Lordship the previous day drove from Timaru, accompanied by the Revs. Fathers Marnane, of Chris! church, and Tubman, of Tiin-arn. During his stay in Timai-u beconfirmedlfiOehildrei-.

£\>r the week previous 10 His Lordship's arrival here, Father Regnault and Father O'Connwll were busy preparing the children.

On this solemn occasion the church was most tastefully Jecoiated and, though a week day, a very large congregation assembled from all parts t>f the district. -Father Aubry, of Timaru, waa present at the service. His Lordship first interrogated enoh of the candidates on tt» Christian Doctrine, and the knowledge they displayed evoked surprise and admiration froin those present. Previous 4b *addressing the children, he expressed his pleasure at being in Waimate once more, speaking of the hearty reception he received on his last visit, and of the generosity they displayed in the great work ot the cathedral which he had so much at heart. They would be glad to hear that the building was rapidly assuming lofty proportions, but the funds were as rapidly on the decline. He hoped that those who had not yet redeemed their promises would do so tis soon as possible. He addressed the children on the great Sacrament of Confirmation, of the graces it conveyed, and the difficulties to be encountered in order to lead true Christian lines. He exhorted them in most eloquent language to be true to their God and to the teachings of their church.

After the Confirmation His Lordship gave solemn benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. A procession from the church to the presbytery grounds was formed, headed by the Crossbearer, followed by the children bearing banners and by all others present. When His Lordship reached the door of the presbytery he congratulated the people on their spirit of faith, and wished them a holy and happy Christmas. Bishop Grimes concluded by. giving his blessing'to the people. < Hearty cheers were given for Hie Lordship, and for Fathers Regnault and O'Connell. Yesterday the Bishop, accompanied by-the'clergy drove to the Waihao church. His Lordsbip greatly admired 'the country through which he drove, declaring it much better than North Canterbury. To-day His Lordship, who will be accompanied by Fathers Marnane and Tubman, will leave by express for Oamaru to assist: in opening the Dominican Convent there to-morrow.

The party will join His Grace Archbishop 'Redwood, of Wellington, who is to perform the opening ceremony, at Studholme Junction.

While 'in Wairrate Bishop Grimes received numerous subscriptions towards the building of the Christcburch Cathedral.