FEAST OF SAINT ALPHONSUS

New Zealand Tablet, 16 August 1917, Page 43

FEAST OF SAINT ALPHONSUS

V CELEBRATION AT MOUNT ST. GERARD, WELLINGTON. f The solemnities of the Feast of Saint Alphonsus, the founder of the Redemptorist Order, were observed on Sunday, July 5, at Mount St. Gerard's, Hawker street, when, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, the church was full to overflowing. Pontifical High Mass, commencing at 10 o'clock, was -celebrated by his Lordship Dr. Brodie, Bishop of Christchurch. The choir gave a delightful yet solemn rendering of the music of the Mass. His Lordship Dr. Verdon, Bishop of Dunedin, presided in the sanctuary. The Very Rev. Father Roche, C.SS.R., was assistant priest, Rev. Father O'Sullivan, C.SS.R., deacon, Rev. Father Byrne, C.SS.R., subdeacon, and Rev. Father Mageean, C.SS.R., master of ceremonies. At the Gospel, his Lordship Bishop Brodie, taking as his text Matthew xxviii. 19, preached a most eloquent and brilliant discourse on the saint, portraying Saint Alphonsus as the ideal layman, while he was a lawyer in the world, and also as the ideal priest. His Lordship took occasion to refer to the necessity of a lay apostleship in the Church; wherein laymen might devote themselves wholeheartedly to her interests. "Never," he continued, "did the Church stand more in need of such than at the present day. Before this war, which has laid waste the fairest plains of Europe, people considered certain fortresses, such as Liege impregnable. The Catholic Church, it is true, can never be conquered, for she has the promises of Christ as her shield and protection, yet, at the same time, she expects the assistance and cooperation of all." His Lordship, after paying a graceful tribute to the zeal and self-sacrifice of the Redemptorist Order, dwelt upon some happy recollections of early associations with the Order in Australia. He concluded by saying that Saint Alphonsus should be our inspiration and delight, our example, and guide. After the Communion of the Mass, Very Rev. Father Roche, C.SS.R., thanked the Bishops, in the name of the congregation, and in the name of the community of St. Gerard's, for favoring them with their presence on the occasion. The community were privileged to entertain his Grace Archbishop O'Shea, their Lordships Dr. Verdon and Dr. Brodie, Right Rev. Mgr. Mahoney, V.G. (Auckland), and Very Rev. Dean Holley, S.M., to luncheon at Mount St. Gerard's. . In the evening the church was again filled to overflowing, when Rev. Father Mangan, C.SS.R., preached an eloquent panegyric on the saint, dwelling in a particular manner on the wonderful activity of his life as displayed in his zeal for the glory of God, the honor of the Blessed Virgin, and the salvation of souls. Pontifical Benediction was afterwards given by Bishop Brodie, Bishop Verdon presiding in the sanctuary. The altar was beautifully adorned for the occasion, while the choir rendered a special selection of appropriate music, which united dignity with expression, and charm with excellence.