St. Mary's, Manchester Street, Christchurch

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 37, 14 September 1905, Page 20

St. Mary's, Manchester Street, Christchurch

(From our own correspondent.) September 12. On Sunday last £is Lordship i(he Bishop made- 'at pastoral visitation at St. Mary's, Manchester street. Addressing the congregation, Ms Lordship explained the object ajnd significance of an episcopal visitation. He referred to the great work undertaken and hieing successfully carried out by the Sisters of NazKareth. Regarding/ tftie Cathedral, he 'urged cheerful and generous co-operation in the work of liquidating the existing liabilities. A Mistfa* Oamitata was sung by the Rev. Fat/her McDonald in the presence of the Bishop. Ati half-p^ts't' tliroe in th»e atternojan 'Vive Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to about 120 candidates, among whom were fifteen adults, mostly converts. Before the ceremony the Bishop examined the candidates and explained the nature and effects of the Sacrament of Conn 4 rtmiat ion, and after the ceremony gave an impressive address, urging a sincere and perfect loyialty to Gold and llolv Church. In the evening the church was thronged, when there was the inupressive ceremony) of the renewal of baptismal vows. In a,n address< his Loridislhip cx l pl;a ned the nature of the ceremony, emphlastised the need of constant and fervent prayer, and referred ta the great feast of the Blessed Virgin they were that <d|ay celebtating. He administered the pledge of total' albstinenoe to all those not yet twenty-one until tjhiey attain that age. Whilst expressing the oon\iction tJtfat young New Zealartdcrs as a body were abstemious in a remarkable degree, still safegmaraing Iftvemsk?lves would prevent any possible laipsie and enable them fta maintain thoOhigh standard of sotlriety they now enjioye-d. All wont, with lighted candles, from the church to the presbytery in procession, and the Bishop addressed a few parting words to the a'ssemfblage.