Oxford

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 36, 7 September 1905, Page 20

Oxford

(From an occasional correspondent.)

His Lordship Dr. Grimes, accompanied by Rev. Fat/her Hylanjd, visited Oxford on Monday, August 28, for the purpose of administering the Sacrament of Confirmation. At tho conclusion of Mass Mr. McCormack read and presented the following illuminated address to the Bishop :— ' Mtay it please your Lordshlip, — We have been vouchsafed \ awothleff; opportunity of welcoming you to this part of yiour diiJocese on the occasion of the administering of the holy Sacrament of n on.fi rmiart ion, oind on behalf Of all the Catholics' of Oxford and surrowding district tender you our respectful greetings and most cordial welcome. We are thankful to Almighty God that, as we prayed in our last address, your Lordship has been spared do witness the completion of our grand Cathedral Church, an undertaking which greatly weighed yoiu down amd frequently induced ill-hdalth ; aaid now that the biurden of anxiety has been greatly diminished, we deeply rejoice in your much improved state of hdalth. iNeed we ni'enti,an, especially those of us who> had the privilege of being present, the gramld spectacle presented al the dedication of the Oatheidiral,. when the beautiful ceremonies wore graced hjy the presence of the highest ecclesiastical aWd civil autihorities of New Zealand and Australia. What a token of esteem, approval, and sympathy ' We shared your pride deeply that day of renown, and join again now in congratulating your Lordship, and wishing you very many years to reign in that mother church and in the hearts of your devoted people. Wishing you every blossihi/g, we rejnralin, oh bteifoalf of the congregation, your humble and dutiful children, Jas. McCormack, J. P. Rodgers, John McGrath.' His Lordship was much pleased, and replied'at great length. The public examination of the candidates for Confirmation them proceeded, and 'great satisfaction was expressed at the good answering by the nineteen candidates, after whioh the Sacrament was administered. The Baptismal vows were renewed, and the newly-confirmed took the total abstinence pledge. The Bishop and Fathers Hyland amxl McDomncll were* entertained at luncheon by Mr. and Mrs. McCormack, Oxford, 'and they returned to Ramgibra by the afternoon trafln.