DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 20, 14 May 1903, Page 5

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

(From our own. correspondent.)

May 7.

A splendid new statue of our Blessed Lady was blessed at St. Benedict's on Sunday, and was borne in procession through the church on Sunday evening Word has been received by letter from Honolulu to say that the Rev. Father Croke, en route to Ireland who left here in ill-health, has reached the Hawaiian; port in good health and spirits. Rev. Father Tormey has, to the delight of his many friends, left the Mater Misericordiae Hospital after his long and painful illness, and has resumed his spiritual labors at St. Benedict's.

Three Catholic councillors were returned in Auckland city last Wednesday week viz., Mr. Peter Dignan (North Ward), Mr. John Patterson (Grafton Ward), and Mr. M. Casey (South Ward). The two first are old members, the latter sits for the first time. Tho polling in all wards was very heavy, great interest being evinced in tho fight.

The Bishop during nearly all last week was at St. Patrick's, owing to the absence of the Rev. Father Patterson, Adm., who took a short holiday at Te Aroha, while Father Buckley spent a few days at the Thames Rev. Father Furlong, of St. Benedict's, has been on a fortnight's trip to Rotorua.

The month of May devotions began in the four city churches last Friday morning. At St. Patrick's his Lordship the Bishop celebrated seven o'clock Mass, and administered Holy Communion to the members of the Children of Mary Society, and also to large numbers of the parishioners. The Bishop briefly addressed the congregation, during which he enjoined on them to practise devotion to the Blessed Virgin. He urged his people to make it a point to attend, whenever possible, the morning ana evening devotions during the month of May. Our Lady's altar was most tastefully decorated. At St. Benedict's the Children of Mary mustered well and approached the Holy Table. Our Lady's altar was handsomely decorated by the Sisters of St. Joseph.