DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 27, 2 July 1903, Page 4

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.)

June 29

Mass is to be celebrated at the Church of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Simmer, at eight o'clock next Sunday by one of the Pro-Cathedral clergy.

His Lordship the Bishop, accompanied by the Very Rev. Dean Foley, leaves to-day (Monday) on an episcopal visitation to the Westland portion of the diocese A preparatory retreat for candidates for Confirmation, extending over three days, was conducted by the Rev. Father O'Connell at St. Agnes's Church, Halswell. Father O'Connell celebrated Mass on Sunday, when his Lordship the Bishop administered the Sacrament to upwards of 80 young people. A collection in aid of the Cathedral Buildimr Fund realised about £33.

In connection with tho feasts of Saints Peter and Paul his Lordship the Bishop pontificated at Vespers in the Pro-Cathedral on Sunday evening, and preached a discourse relative to the head of the Universal Church. At Benediction the Bishop was attended by tho Very Rev Vicar-General as assistant-priest, and tho Rev. Fathers O'Connell and McDonnell as deacon and sub-doacon respectively

The Triduum in honor of the feast of St. John tho Baptist at the Pro-Cathedral was bioutrht to a close on last Wednesday evening, when the concluding sermon (a remarkably fine discourse) was preached by tho Rev. Dr Kennedy of Akaroa, on the Kiibject of the day's festival. After Benediction his Lordship thanked the priests who were in attendance, and the various preachers, including the Rev Fathers Richards, ITyland, and Coomoy. He was particularly edified at the faithful response made by

the congregation, very large attendances being the rule throughout what was undeniably a time of great grace and blessing. So pleased was he and the clergy at the success of the celebrations that an endeavor will be mode to have the Trdduum annually. Shortly before one o'clock on last Tuesday morning the city fire bells rang out an alarm, when it was discovered that tho Catholic Club-rooms.situated near the episcopal residence, in Barbadoes street, were in flames. When the two chemical engines arrives on the scene, tho lire was reducing to ruins the billiard room, a new portion of the building erected about two years ago, and was making its way into the library. This portion of the structure possessed a n historic interest, as it was in reality the first Catholic church erected in Christchurch. Without the aid of the steamers the outbreak was subr dued, not, however, before the club-room was gutted and most of the contents practically destroyed, whilst the library was somewhat damaged by water. The piano owned by the Club, was uninjured, but the billiard table' on which there was an insurance of £60, was ruined The building was not covered by insurance and the whole block is to be forthwith demolished. The billiard room was in use up till half-past ten o'clock on the night oi the fire, which is supposed to have originated near the fireplace. The loss incurred by the Club is considerable.