DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 4 January 1912, Page 25

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.)

■ '■ ’ - ' ’ - : ' - ' , January _ 1. 10-day, the Feast of the Circumcision, Masses were celebrated in the Cathedral at 6, 7.30, 9, and 10, o’clock, all being well attended. ' 1 ' Dr. - Arthur O’Brien and ! Mrs. O’Brien and their family left on Thursday by. the Moeraki for Sydney to catch the Orama for London, on a twelve months’ holiday. During Dr. O’Brien’s absence his medical practise is being carried on by Dr. Morkane. Christmas at the Good Shepherd Convent, Mount Magdala, was observed with the joyous festivities of former years. . Midnight Mass was celebrated in the Convent Chapel by the Rev. Father Gilbert of x St. Patrick’s College, Wellington. The inmates and the little orphans feel deeply grateful and indebted' to the generosity of his Lordship the Bishop, and the many kind friends who sent Christmas gifts, and thus greatly contributed to their happiness. v . The Rev. Father Morkane, of Holy Cross College Mosgiel, celebrated the 11 o’clock Mass (Missa Cantata) in the Cathedral on Sunday last, and also preached:* At Vespers an impressive sermon, appropriate of the season, was preached by the Rev. Father Foster, S.J. His Lordship the Bishop presided at Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, attended by the Rev : lathers Morkane and Hanrahan. The ‘Te Deum ’ was sung in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed! After the ceremonies at the Cathedral on Christmas evening the members of the choir were entertainedby ins Lordship the Bishop and Very. Rev. Father. Price, Adm., at the episcopal residence, when appreciation was expressed of the choir’s services during the year and notably on the festivals of the Church. Advantage was taken of the occasion to make a presentation to Mr. R. Beveridge, who is severing a long and valued connection with the ■ choir, owing to his early departure from Christchurch. His Lordship the Bishop, in presenting Mr. Beveridge, on behalf, of the choir, with a travelling outfit, referred in complimentary terms to his fifteen years’ constant and zealous service in the interest of the church music of the Cathedral, and expressed the hope [ that, should the opportunity "again occur,.. Mr. Beveridge would rejoin the choir. The organist (Mr. A. J. Bunz), warmly eulogised the services rendered to the choir t by Mr. Beveridge, who besides being of the.greatest assistance musically, added regularity and punctuality— which were invaluable where success - was sought, and most essential in choir matters -In acknowledging the gift, which he would very highly value, Mr, Beveridge expressed gratitude for the good will shown towards him. ; < This he felt he possessed, and therefore to give a tangible proof of it was unnecessary. He intended going to England for a year or so to gain experience, and hoped when he returned to rejoin the choir the severing of his association with which was to him a severe wrench, *