DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 23, 8 June 1905, Page 5

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) June 5. Among those who have just left on a visit to the Old Country are the Rev. Father Price, of Hawarden, Mr. M. Nolan, Mr. John Barrett, and Mrs. Lance, (North Canterbury). The choir of St. Mary's, Manchester St., under the conductorship of Mr. W. H. Corrigan, are actively rehearsing Mendelssohn's l Lauda Sion ' for production on the feast of Corpus Christi. On last Tuesday evening the members of the Catholic Club debated the suibject of the advisibility of connecting Christchurch with the sea by means of a canal from Summer. Mr. Dwyer (vice-president) occupied the chair, and, at the conclusion of a spirited discussion, complimented the debaters on the exceptionally able arguments advanced for and against the proposal, and the forceful manner they were given expression to. The affirmative side consisted of Messrs P. Pender, J. R. Hayward. and J. J. Wilson, and the negative by Messrs. R. 0. Dufncan, R. Beveridge, G. Dobbs, and M. O'Reilly. On the proposal being submitted to the vote the negative side scored a majority of one. The Rev. Father O'Connell spoke on the educational value of debates, treating such sources of information and instruction from several standpoints. He also announced that Mr, Birks, the electrical engineer of the City Tramways, was prepared to lecture before the club on the ' Application of electricity to tramcars,' whenever suitable arrangements could con\eniently be made. His Lordship the Bishop recently issued a circular letter announoing the death in France of the Very Rev. Father Anthony Martin, Superior-General of the Society of Mary. Solemn Requiem Mass for the late distinguished ecclesiastic was subsequently celebrated in the Cathedral, and was attended by most of the clergy of the Canterbbry portion of the diocese. His Lordship the Bishop was celebrant and also gave the absolution at the catafalque, and preached on the life and virtues of the departed priest. The Very Rev. VicarGeneral anil Very Rev. Dean Ginaty were assistant priests, and the Rev. Father O'Connell master of ceremonies. The Gregorian music was chanted by the clergy present, and at the conclusion of the ceremony the Dead March from ' Saul ' was played by Miss Katie Young, Cathedral organist. The sanctuary of the Cathedral was draped in mourning appropriate of the solemn office. The late Very Rev. Father Martin was born at Amiplepuis on July 7, 18»22. During his brilliant course of stludies he speedily attained first rank in Philosophy. On December 19, 1845, he entered the Society of Mary. He was engaged as Professor of Philosophy and Theology, and enjoyed a great reputation. Bright of intellect, he was also distinguished for great humility, kindness, and gentleness. After filling the office of Provincial of the Marist Order in Paris, he was appointed Superior of the theological seminary of Moulins, where he remained twelve years. His next appointment was that of VicarGeneral of the Society of Mary, by the direction of the Very Rev. Father Favre, Superior-General, whom in 1886 he succeeded in that position, which he Held until his death. As Superior-General he ren'derea great services to the Society of Mary, and was instrumental in the spread of the famous missionary Order in America, England, and the Islands of Oceanica. He felt most keenly the infamous persecutions in France and the exile of his Fathers from their native land. He passed away to his eternal reward after a long and painful illness, through which he displayed the greatest fortitude, maintaining his marked characteristic of gentleness to Ihe end. On Tuesday, March 28 last, his remains were laid in their earthly resting place at Sainte-Foy-les-Lyons. His Eminence the. Cardinal of Lyons presided and gave the absolution.