DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 40, 5 October 1905, Page 18

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent.) September 28,

An entertainment was given last evening in honor of the Bishop's natal day. It was held over on account of the mission.. It took place at the orphanage, Pons*onby, and was eminently successful. On S/unday last the mission at the Cathedral concluded. At the 6.30 and 7o 1 clock Masses very large congregations attended, and of these* i^ite three-fourths approached the Holy Table. At 3 p.m. the Sacrament Of Confirmiation was administered to a large number of candidates, including several adults. His Lordship before administering the Sacrament explained to the children its nature, and significance. His Lordship was assisted by the missionaries, and Rev. Fathers Holbrook, Cahill, and Edge. Mrs. Leonardo for the women and girls, and Mr. M. J. Sheahan for the men and boys acted as sponsors. At the conclusion the Bishop again addressed the children, and expressed his pleasure at sceingi so many of the congregation present and taking an interest in the little ones, who were now enrolled as soldiers of tftc Cross, and to the end of their lives they should all bear in mind the high and noble duty they owed to Almighty God. The Bishop then asked thorn all to stand, and he administered to them as pledge iof total abstinence from all alcoholic drink until they attained the age of 21 years,, after which age they would be in a position to judge for themselves. Then all united in singing ' Faith of our fathers,' and tflie ceremony terminated. At 7 o'clock the church was crowded m every part. The Bishop said the Ro r sary in 1 lieu, of Vespers. Before leaving the pulpit he heartily congratulated the Rev. Fathers Clune, McDermott, (and McGTatlh, of the Redempborist Onder, for their most successful three weeks' mission now about ta close. He parted with them with regret, and in. this he spfoike for all. Father Clune then preached tho closing serniion, in which he summarised the work of the mission, and m eloquent and stirring language appealed to the people to remain true to tine good resolutions made in this time of grace. He thanked thorn for their constant attendance and assistance, without! which their efforts would have been unavailing. Ho thanked the Bishop for his- kindness to them, amd also the priests of the Cathedral, the choir for its inivaluabte aid, the collectors, and Miss Gough and tlmsct who helped in # the altar 'decoration. Father China then gave the Papal blessing, specially allowed at the close of their missions. Benediction was then given by, tho Bishop, and thus ended tho memorable mission by the Redemptorist Fathers. At the Sacred Heart Church, Ponso-nby, at 10 o'clock on Sunday morning, the Rev. Father McGrath olpiencd the. mission, and Father Clune joined him on. MondayFather dune goes to Napier in a fortmigjht, where "he wall carry on a mission.,, assisted Wy Fatter McDcirmolt. Father McGratih will remajin on in this diocese, and, later on will bo joined by Father Clune.