Methven

New Zealand Tablet, 29 July 1915, Page 26

Methven

(From, our own correspondent.) ' The schools in Methven and Rakaia will re-open to-morrow after the mid-winter holidays. The St. Xavier's branch of the H.A.C.B. Society recently held a social evening which was largely attended by members and their friends. The proceeds were handed by the branch as a gift to the local Sisters of Mercy in appreciation of their work. The winter, so far, has been very mild, and remarkably large congregations have been attending the Masses and evening devotions in Methven and Rakaia. The urgency of enlarging both churches is becoming evident to all, and the work cannot be long delayed. Mass will be celebrated at Springburn, in the local schoo', on Sunday, August 8, at 9 o'clock. The magnificent presbytery, which has been in course of construction during the past six months, fs now completed, and our pastor has taken up his residence in it. The congregation, with their usual generosity, have provided the necessary extra furnishings, and many useful gifts have been presented. The opening ceremony will be performed on Sunday, August 22, and the Catholics of the district will be given the privilege of welcoming in their midst his Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Redwood, Archbishop of Wellington, who has graciously consented to preside on the occasion and to address the congregation. His Grace will be accompanied by Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., Adm. Very Rev. Dean Hills, S.M., and Rev. Father O'Donnell, parish priest of Ashburton and former rector of the district, will also be present. Owing to the inadequate accommodation in the church, the Methven Town Hall has been secured for the High Mass. Given fine weather, the day should be a memorable one in the history of the parish. Tiraaru (From our own correspondent.) July 26. At the evening devotions on Sunday the sermon was preached by the Rev. Father Gondringer, S.M. The lecture, which was given by Rev. Father Gondringer on Friday evening under the auspices of the B section of the Mounted Field Ambulance, proved highly interesting. Despite a big counter attraction every available seat was taken, and when Dr. Loughnan rose to introduce the rev. speaker, even standing room was occupied. The lecture was profusely illustrated with views of the different battles, maps, etc. Father Gondringer spoke for upwards of two hours and a-half, and was warmly applauded throughout. On concluding, three cheers for the rev. lecturer brought a most interesting and instructive evening to a close. During the week two lectures were given to the nuns. One .similar to that given in public, and one on the invasion of Belgium. As many of the Belgian and French nuns have brothers and relations fighting at the front they were deeply interested in the lectures, and are very grateful to Father Gondringer for the kindly thought he displayed in giving them. The annual meeting of St. Anne's Guild was held in the Convent of the Sacred Heart on Sunday, the eve of the feast of the patron saint of the guild. The annual report and balance sheet were considered most satisfactory. The following officers were elected for the coming year:President, Mrs. N. D. Mangos; vicepresident, Mrs. King; treasurer, Mrs. Roseingrave; secretary, Mrs. T. Travis; directress of sewing circle, Mrs. Hartnett; visiting committee (to visit and welcome strangers)—Mrs. M. O'Meeghan, Mrs. Austin, and Mrs. Buchanan. At the conclusion of the meeting the ladies of the guild were the guests of the nuns, who provided.a dainty and highly appreciated afternoon tea, and a choice musical programme was gone through. The guild does a great deal of good work in the parish, and deals, with numerous eases of deserving charity.