DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIX, Issue 12, 21 March 1901, Page 5

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own correspondent.")

March 18. Sunday latt, St. Patrick's Day, was celebrated in Christchurch with especial solemnity. Prior to the seven o'clock Mass the members of the St. John the Baptist (ladies) and St. Patrick's branches of the H.A.C.B. Society assembled at their hall, and in full regalia marched to the Pro-Cathedral in procession. The Macs was celebrated by his Lordship the Bishop, and the members of the society in very large numbers, including those resident in the adjoining parish of St. Mary's, approached the Holy Table in a body, presenting a sight most edifying to the congregation, a great proportion of whom also received Holy Communion After Mass the members of the society, numbering upwards of 100, adjourned to to the Mariat Brothers' Schoolroom, where breakfast on an elaborate scale was laid. His Lordship the Bishop presided, having on hia right the president, Bro. P. Shannon, Brother Arthur (Director of the Marist Brothers), and Bro. A. J. Malley, P.P., and on his left Sißter Harrington (president of the ladies' branch) and the Very Rev, Dean Foley (chaplain). As supporters were Sister Smith (treasurer, ladies' branch) and Bro. J. McCormick, P.P. (treasurer). The vice*

ohairs were occupied by Sister Donnell (vice-president) and Bro. F. O'Connell (vice-president). Apologies for non-attendance were reoeived from the Very Rev. Father Ginaty and the local priests whose duties precluded their being present, Bro. Sellars (necretary), owing to indisposition, and Sir Westby B. Perceval, who had departed for the West Coast. After breakfast the president expressed, on behalf of the Society, their gratitude to the Bishop for gracing the occasion with his presence, their great appreciation of the many services his Lordship had rendered them, and thankfulness for the success of the morning's ceremonial. His Lordship, who on rising to address the assemblage was received with prolonged applause, in appropriate terms expressed his great pleasure at b^ing prpn^nt *t what- was an <vitirelv new departure so far as the Branch was concerned, but which he trusted, being now so au3picuiu a !y ina'ijjnrarprt, would he an annually recurring celebration. He was edified beyond expression, as he felt sore all were who beheld the truly devotional manner that they in such great numbers attended Holy Communion that morning, first of all as a loving duty they owed to Almighty God, and also in honor of their illustrious patron Saint. Any efforts he had made ou their behalf in the past would be renewed in the future, especially in using his utmost endeavours to induce many young men to join their ranks. In alluding to a work most dear to him — the erection of a cathedral — he thought it would be fitting if the brethren took upon themselves the raising of a chapel in the new structure to St. Patrick. His plan was to have one in any event, and no work he felt sure would appeal to them with greater force than an enduring monument and token of their unbounding fidelity to their great saint. The Very Rev. Dean Foley,in a practical address, referred to the spiritual and temporal benefits derived from membership with the society. Bro. F. Doolan, delegate to the recent district meeting held in Dunedin, gave a resume of the transactions there and other matters pertaining to the progress of the society, and on the motion of Bro. Nelson, P. 1., a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Brother and Sister Burke for providiug and supervising at short notice the breakfast they all had so much appreciated and enjoyed. Bro. Burke who, although present, is I am extremely sorry to learn far from well, did not feel lit to reply, this duty was howe\er very capably carried out by Bro. R. Hay ward. All thoie who were in attendance at the breakfast were subsequently photographed iti a group. At 11 o'clock Solemn High Masa — Cosam Epiin>p<i — was celebrated, The Rev. Father Galerne was celebrant, the Very Rev. Dean Foley deacon, Rev. Father McDonnell subdeacon, and the Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais assistant priest. 'Die solos at the Mass were taken by Miss Rose, Blaney — the 'Agnus Dei ' of Mozart's First Maps being especially well rendered. Mr. H. 11. Loughuan conducted, and M:ss Fuiih.ou pre-mlcd at the organ. At Ve°pers in the evening the Pro-fat)', d ,il wtis fi'l 1 in fvi ry part. After alluding t) the e vein-, of the r orniiiy. in w.nrh the Hibernian Society was so con^picuou-i, his Lord-hip tlie Ki-luk\ who occupied the pulpit, took for his text the ldth ver~e ot the 1 ">th chapter of St John :: — ■ You have not chosen me ; bu f , I have clw se-i you,' and delivered a panegyric of bt. Patrick, the fir^t discourse on that particular theme yet heard in this city. It was a masterful recital of the cruel wrongs irfiictci on the ln*h race through long ages, their love of the faith of ttuir forefathers, an I fidelity to St. Patrick. At tiuus during the delivery of this remarkable discourse the dcssription of persecution and Buff-ring through famine and other evils was so ml-nsely vivid that many were visibly affected. His Lordship the Bishop, assisted by the Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesuais and It'jv. Far.bor Galerne gave Hcnedietion of the Blessed Sacrament, prior to which the choir i-ang the hymn in honor of St Patrick. Trie Litany of the Blessed Virgin was tung, and at the conclusion of the service, at the Bishop's rtqiu st the choir Bang ' Faith of our Fathers.'