The Redemptorist Fathers in the Philippines

New Zealand Tablet, 4 January 1912, Page 13

The Redemptorist Fathers in the Philippines

Great crowds and much enthusiasm make the Catholic mission an increasing success (says the Manila Times, of November 20). Yesterday (Sunday) was a record day at the Cathedral. The large number of communicants at the 6 o'clock Mass showed the downright earnestness of the men and women making the mission and called forth a strong word of '■ congratulation - from Father Lynch. At "the: 10 o'clock Mass Father Gil-' martin preached on the Delay of Conversion. At 5 o'clock in the afternoon the Cathedral was so filled with young; people that one whole school; had to be placed in the scanctuary. All the colleges and schools ctf Manila seemed to be represented. Members Of "the various religious Orders of teachers accompanied their pupils. Many parents came with their children and were content to stand and admire the brilliant spectacle. When the electric lights were fully turned;; on and '■ the children; stood to sing . their hymns in English the sight was inspiring. The Kosary was recited by Father Gilmartin in I; English and the girls and boys made responses also in English in clear and ringing tones. Bishop Foley, from the pulpit,- blessed the kneeling congregation. Archbishop Harty spoke in Spanish and made an important ; announcement. .: ; He ; stated that .the mission in English would be followed by a .week's mission in Tagalog, which would be opened next Sunday morning at.B o'clock. VHe desired that all Filipinos should participate in the great advantages of. a mission.

During Father Lynch’s short address in English; the Angelus bell rang out. To the surprise of many the prayers were answered perfectly in English by a largo number ‘of children. In the evening Father Mitchell gave a discourse on the Sacrifice of the Mass. A feature of the congregational singing was the rendering of Our Father and Hail Mary in the Rosary by a large number of students belonging to the Philippine conferences under the direction, of Father Finegan of Ateneo de Manila. Just before the congregation dispersed Father Lynch announced that with the permission of the military authorities a mission would be given to soldiers at Corregidor Island.