DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 16, 16 April 1903, Page 6

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

(From our own correspondent.)

April 9

For the first time for many years a contest for the mayoralty will be witnessed for Auckland city. 'lhe issue lies between Mr. Stitchbury and Hon. E. Mitchelson, ex-Mi nister of Public Works. Rev. Father Tormey ia now so far improved in health after his illness, that he is able to celebrate Mass at the Mater Misencordiae Hospital, which he will very soon be permitted to leave. His numerous friends at St. Benedict's and in the city will be delighted to welcome him again among them. . , The Tenebrae services were begun at St. Patrick s last evening. His Lordship the Bishop, Very Rev. Father Benedict, 0.P., Rev. Fathers Patterson, Adm., Purton, 05.8., Furlong, and Holbrook were in the sanctuary. The choir, under Mr. P. J. Hiscocks, rendered very nicely the music appropriate to the occasion, and particularly the Miserere. This morning at 10 o'clock High Mass was celebrated. His Lordship blessed the holy oils and there was a procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose, which was beautifully decorated. Throughout the day large numbers paid visits to the Blessed Sacrament. This evening the Rev. Father Gillan of St. Benedict's, will deliver a sermon on the Blessed' Sacrament at the Cathedral, and the Very Rev. Father Benedict will preach on the same subject at St. Benedict's. , . The Sisters of St. Joseph are much in need of a suitable convent in Gladstone street, in St. Benedict's parish. In order to accomplish this desirable end, a large and very energetic committee of ladies and gentlemen has been formed, and for months past all have worked well and harmoniously, with the result that a most attractive bazaar has been prepared, which will be opened on Easter Monday evening in the Foresters Hall, Karangahape road, by the Mayor (Mr. Alfred Kidd. M H R ) in the presence of his Lordship the Bishop and clergy. It is to be hoped that a successful result will be achieved as no more deserving obiect exists just now than a new eoment for the good and energetic Sisters of Mr W Beehan, J.P.. District President of the NZ. No 3 District of the H.A.CB. Society, accompanied by Mrs Beehan left by the Waikare last Monday e\ening for Sydney to icpiesent his district at the biennial meeting %i the'Sociotv which is to be opened in Sydney on Monday the 27th inst. Mr. J. T. O'Connell also left by the same steamer en route for Coolgardie, whore, on last Saturday week, he had three large shops burned down Mr O'Connell will re-erect them at once, and will personally supervise their construction, which will necessitate his absence for eight months. Both Mr. Beehan and Mr O'Connell are active members of St. Benedict's church committee, and last Sunday e\enmg. after Yes pers the Rev. Fathers Gillan and Furlong, and a number of the congregation held a social meeting to bid good r bye to them The opportunity was taken to present a fine silver tea service to Mr. Frank Buckley for his long and invaluable services to the committee as hon. secretary.