DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2, 14 January 1909, Page 54

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(By Telegraph from our own correspondent.) ' January 11. Rev. Father McMullan, Pukekohe, who is absent in the. south in quest of health, is expected to return shortly. Rev. Father Tormey and his parishioners at Ellerslie have determined to make an effort to reduce the debt of £1000 on the parish. The Very Rev. Dean Gillan, V.G., was absent from the city during the best part of last week at Pukekohe, and returned on Saturday. " - ~- - A general meeting of friends and people of the city and surrounding parishes, convened by the Vicar-General to take" steps to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, is to be held to-night. An Irish national concert, in aid of St. Benedict's Convent, will be given in the Parish Hall on January 1 27. Rev. Fathers Brennan and Williams, and an energetic committee are working strenuously to make it a successful affair. The object is a most meritorious one. A statement was submitted by Very Rev. Dean Gillan lasf Sunday setting forth in detail receipts, and expenditure of St. Benedict's parish.- Much solid progress was shown, and the once huge debt has been redticedXvery considerably. ~ This is principally .due to the Dean's energetic and careful administration. The music at the Cathedral during and since Christmas has been exceptionally \, good. Messrs. Hiscocks and the members of the choir are deserving of the highest commendation. The choir has been assisted during the last three Sundays by Messrs. Behan and s ßriggs, of Williamson's Company, while Miss Eaton, of the same company, also assisted. The annual Christmas tree in connection with the Star of the Sea Orphanage, Ponsonby, was held' on Friday afternoon in the presence of a large gathering. Each child in the institution received a present from the tree, and there were several special -prizes. In the evening a complimentary concert was given by the orphanage in honor of the Rev. Mother's and Sisters' silver jubilee. The items were nicely rendered, conspicuous amongst them' being a. jubilee ode specially composed for the occasion. An address was recited by a little child of ten. Other items were 'The harp,' ' Tis the last glimpse of Erin,' and • !f the waters could speak as they flow.' Some very pretty dances were also given. Six little girls dressed '-bs • angels presented bouquets to the Sisters. Among .those present were the Right Rev. Mgr. O'Reilly, Very Rev. Father Brodie, Rev. Fathers *Holbrook, Furlong, Doyle, Murphy, Brennan, Williams, Bradley, and Toomey. The celebration of the silver jubilee in connection with St. Mary's Convent, Ponsonby, took place on Wednesday lasf. " Solemn High -Mass was celebrated .by the Right Rev. Mgr. O'Reilly, the Very Rev. Father Brodie being deacon and the Rev. Father -Holbrook subdeacon. The clergy present on the occasion were the Rev. Fathers Mahoney, Buckley, Tormey, Edge, Murphy, Bradley, Doyle, Brennan, and Ormond. The convent choir sang Winter's Mass, and for the offertory number ' Veni sponsa mea.' After Mass the chorus ' Jubilate in aeternum ' was sung. The clergy were entertained -^at breakfast by the Sisters. Silver medals were presented to the Sisters by Mgr. O'Reilly in commemoration of the event. The Rev. Mother Aquinas and the Sisters were the recipients of many valuable presents, amongst, which were a richly-carved communion rail, presented by the pupils, and a piece of lace worked in richest needle point, the gift of one of the Sisters. An illuminated address was also presented to the

Rev. Mother. A reception was held at the convent in the afternoon, when an interesting programme of music was supplied by friends atfd visitors. Afternoon tea was also dispensed by the Sisters.