Rotorua

New Zealand Tablet, 22 November 1906, Page 19

Rotorua

(From an occasional correspondent.) For several months past Father Kreymborg has been engaged in. the erection of a church in" Maiiiaku, which was brought, to completion in October. The pretty building, made of the best mountain ' rimu, was solemnly blessed and dedicated Lo St. Joseph by the Very Rev.. Dean "LighLheart on. the second, Sunday in October, a very large congregation being pre- - sent. The novelty of seeing a church, practically entirely erected by th& pastor himself, had brought many sympathising _ non-Catholics to the ceremony. Notwithstanding the' inclemency of the weather; the' choir of Rotorua journeyed to Alamaku, and sang Webbe's Mass in G., and also the music for .Benediction in the afternoon. During ihe sermon the Dean eulogised the untiring labors of Father Kreymborg. Probably the Catholic community of Mamaku is. the smallest in the Colony that can boa.st of having a church. This is the first church in that part of the district. It is neatly finished, and fitly decorated, having' scaling accommodation for about 60 persons. His Lordship Dr. Lenihan, Bishop of Auckland, hold on last Sunday a visitation in St. Michael's Church, Rctorua. The church was filled to overflowing, many having- to content themselves with standing room only. Mass having been celebrated by Fattier Kreymborg, his Lordship addressed the large congregation of Europeans and -Maoris. He referred in'a special manner to the great ~satisf action and pleasure he had received from 'his extended visit to some of Ih2 Maori missions. In many respects the native Catholics were an example to ,'the Europeans, showing by their large gatherings and enthusiasm how they appreciated ■ the

visit- of -their Bishop.. He had just returned from Tokaatiu, Lake where., he "had confirmed about *--50 Maoris.'- Theh ' 'explained in a- lucid; manner- the pr.irtci.pal teaching of the Church ; impressing ~upo'n his • hearers , /the great help to b_e derived,,f rom the differ- ~ ent Sacraments, and exhor^i'sVJhose^io be confirmed ~""fco be .ever: faithful to their sacred -obligations. After -these most instructive words had been rendered into Maori by Father Kreymborg _ for the benefit of the many" Natives present,' his >-L'tf?dship' a-dmin-istefed .Con- - fi'rmation to 11 Europeans an-d 58 Maoris. The cere- . monies were concluded by solemn Benediction. During the evening devo'Aons, the Very Rev. Dean Lightheatt preached an eloquent -sermon"' on Faith.