ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVI, Issue 22, 4 June 1908, Page 23

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON

. • (From our, own correspondent.) - - • .M. Ma y3Oy 30 - Sister Francis Xavier, who is retiring from " her" work as a teacher, is to be the recipient .to-day of a purse of sovereigns Jrom, the ex-pupils of -her institution. - - • -

His Grace the Archbishop" is at present on a visit to Reefton. The property recently purchased in Sussex Square is for .the Sisters of Mercy. I understand that arrangements are now being made for the sale of their property in Dixon street. The Rev. Father Bartley, S.M., who won the Senior (N.Z. University) Scholarship for Mental Science last year, is at present assisting Professor Hunter as ,-a lecturer at the College. The Rev. Father is on the .staff of St. Patrick's College. An effort is now being made to establish a strong Catholic club in the -parish of South Wellington. The Redemptorist Fathers Lowham and Creagh are assisting the movement. The new parish of Muritai, across the harbor, is making- good progress. The Catholics at this seaside suburb are to hold their concert and social in aid of the parish fund on June 17. Free boats are to be provided, and everything promises well for a successful function. On Monday « last his Grace the Archbishop and a large number of the clergy assisted at the ceremonies arranged by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart Convent, Island Bay, in honor of the beatification of the foundress of their Order, Venerable Mother Barat. On Monday his Grace celebrated Pontifical High Mass, and in the afternoon preached a panegyric on the beatified religious. After Benediction a delightful entertainment was provided by the pupils of the conveni. On Tuesday there was another entertainment given by the pupils in honor of the event. The mission conducted by the Redemptorist Fathers at South Wellington has been very largely attended during the week. The closing ceremonies -will take place to-morrow evening. On to-morrow morning the Rev. Fathers will open a week's mission at Island Bay, and on Monday evening will commence a -mission in Kilbirnie. The opening of these missions is indicative of the great growth of the city and of the Catholic congregations. It was only about six or seven years ago that the parish of St. Anne's was formed, and that the parishioners, few in number, worshipped in a small schoolroom. Now there is a church even at Island Bay, and it is onlj a matter of a j ear or so when Kilbirnie will have one.