DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 2 October 1913, Page 25

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(By telegraph, from our own correspondent.) September 29. Rev. Father Wright, who left for Australia a few weeks ago, is expected back in Auckland about the end of October. . Active preparations are being made in connection with the Cathedral parish social, which will be held in St. Benedict's Hall about the middle of October. Miss Willis and Mr. T. Holbrook are joint secretaries. It was inadvertently stated that the annual retreat of the Holy Family Confraternity would commence on October 19, instead of October 12. It will be conducted by Rev. Father Sullivan, C.SS.R., and will conclude on Sunday, October 19. At the Masses in the Cathedral yesterday, special mention was made of the Jubilee of Triduum, which will take place at St. Patrick's on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week. The preacher will be Right Rev. Mgr. Brodie. The Young Ireland Society has passed resolutions sympathising with the relatives of the late Patrick Ford, of New York, extolling his great services to Ireland and regretting his loss. They also expressed the view that it was the Government's clear duty to take action against Sir Edward Carson for high treason, quoting several cases in Irish history warranting such action by the Government.

The local branch of the Hibernian Society passed the following motion to-night: ' The Auckland branch of the H.A.C.B. Society-has learned with deep regret of the death of Patrick Ford, New York, who has done so much for Faith and Fatherland, and to his relatives extends its deepest sympathy, and to them and Ireland his loss is irreparable.' His Lordship the Bishop, presided last evening at Vespers at the Cathedral. Rev. Father O'Doherty preached an excellent sermon on the great treasure of faith in the doctrines of the Church. His Lordship, assisted by Rev. Fathers Ormond and O'Doherty, gave Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Right Rev. Mgr. Brodie was present in the sanctuary. St. Benedict's carnival, for which preparations have long been in train, was opened in St. Benedict's Hall on Saturday evening by his Lordship Bishop Cleary. There was a large attendance. The hall was profusely decorated, while the stalls were heavily stocked with choice and serviceable articles. His Lordship, in a few well-chosen, happy remarks, set out the objects sought to be attained, and besought a hearty response to the great efforts put forth, and which produced the magnificent display now before them. He then declared the carnival open. Entertainments will be given from a stage erected for the purpose, and entertainers, under the direction of Misses Beresford, number 250. A spacious refreshment stall adjoins the show room. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed on the opening night, and excellent business resulted, close on £2OO being taken. The bazaar, which will be open every evening, will be brought to a close on October 11. The annual reunion of the ex-pupils of the Sisters of Mercy took place on Wednesday afternoon at St. Mary's Convent, Ponsonby. September 24 is a day of unusual rejoicing at the convent, and the Feast of our Lady of Mercy was kept with especial honor. Hundreds of old.pupils, and friends of the Sisters (who.-have been engaged in the educational and charitable work of Auckland for the past 65 years) gathered to commemorate the day, and seldom have the beautiful grounds of the convent appeared to greater advantage than on Wednesday. The spacious lawns were dotted with children, and the various reception rooms were thronged with visitors. The festivities commenced with the Mass, celebrated by Monsignor Brodie, who had for the previous three days conducted a special retreat for the boarders and day pupils of the Convent High School. Ten little girls and boys made their First Communion, the chapel being beautifully decorated with a profusion of lilies and narcissi for the occasion. Several notable artists gave a musical treat in the afternoon, among them being Mr. Walter Kirby, an old pupil of the Sisters. Afternoon tea was dispensed by the Sisters, and later on all assembled in the convent chapel for Benediction, the music of which was beautifully rendered by the convent choir. Among those present were his Lordship Bishop Cleary, Monsignor Brodie, Fathers Edge, Molloy, Doherty, Furlong, Golden, and Clarke. Among the laity were the representatives of every old Catholic family in Auckland. No more' fitting testimony to the devotion of this Sisterhood could be found than that manifested on such an occasion as this. For three-quarters of a century their community has been identified with the work of the diocese, and the fervent wish of all present was that it would long continue to comfort the sick, to console the sorrowful, and to fit the little ones for their path in life by giving them a truly Christian education.