DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 8 September 1921, Page 22

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent.) August 26. The clergy tendered his Lordship, Bishop Cleary a farewell dinner at the Bishop’s House, Ponsonby, on Wednesday, August 24, on the 11th anniversary of his consecration, when Right Rev. Dr. Liston, Coadjutor-Bishop, on his own behalf, Right Rev. Mgr. Hackett for the diocesan clergy, and Very Rev, Dean Van Dyk, on behalf of the MilLHill Fathers, tendered their felicitations to the Bishop and wished him hon voyage and a safe return. The speakers referred to the magnitude of the work accomplished by his* Lordship during the 11 years of his episcopate, and wished him ad mtdtos an-nos. A presentation covering the cost pf his return ticket was then made, by the clergy, and Dr. Cleary, who replied in a very happy speech, referred to the cordial relations existing between the Coadjutor, the clergy, and himself. He thanked all for their, goodness, and whole-hearted co-operation in the work of the diocese, and asked their prayers for his restoration to health and his safe return to his diocese.

Right Rev. Dr. Liston visited St. Joseph's parish, Grey Lynn, on Sunday, August 21, when his Lordship preached at the Masses and administered Confirmation to a large number 1 of adults and children in the afternoon. His addresses on all/occasions were listened to with wrapt attention as he dealt with the ideal Catholic home,, and the dangers of the day—mixed marriages, and bad literature.

A very important innovation has been made by Dr. Liston, Coadjutor-Bishop, in the establishment of St. Luke's Guild, which meets monthly in St., Benedict's, when a special, address on religious subjects, and topics of the day. relating to Catholics and .the community generally, are given. The membership consists of the laity of the

various professions. After the lecture questions are asked and answered.

In connection with the Forty Hours' devotion, a mission, conducted by the Rev. Father Campbell, C.SS.R., was concluded with special solemnity at All Souls' Church, Devonport, on last Sunday evening. The spiritual exercises were well attended during the week, and the devotional music rendered was of a high order.

I regret to learn that Rev. Father Buckley, of St. Patrick's, has undergone a serious operation in the Mater Hospital, but his many friends are very grateful to know that the worst has passed, and that tho indefatigable and zealous priest is now on his way to recovery.

September 2.

Rev. Father Campbell, C.SS.R.. is conducting a mission in Northcote, Takapuna, this week, and will open a mission in Hamilton on September 4.

On Sunday evening, August 21, Right Rev. Dr. Geary preached at St. Patrick's Cathedral, to a large congregation.

His Lordship Dr. Geary will be ravelled by the clergy and laity in the Cathedral on Sunday evening, September 11, at 7 o'clock, when an address from the laity will be presented. The Cathedral choir will render a special programme of sacred music. After the Bishop's reply, his Lordship will officiate at Solemn Pontifical Benediction.

Right Rev. Dr. Geary leaves by the Rimutaka from Wellington about the 13th inst. We all wish his Lordship ban voyage and a safe return, with renewed health and vigor. Rev. Father Bradley will accompany his Lordship.

Right Rev. Bishop Liston presided at the ceremonies of the Forty Hours' Adoration at the Sacred Heart College on Sunday, August 28. On Monday evening, his Lordship was present at the meeting of the St. Luke's Guild in St. Benedict's, when Rev. Father Edge delivered an address on the subject of "Divorce." He received an attentive hearing and answered questions at the conclusion of the address.

Medical inspection of St. Joseph's School, Grey Lynn, was conducted during the week by Dr. Davis, of the Department of Health. On Wednesday evening, in the school, the doctor addressed the parents and guardians on the care of children, and illustrated his subject with good lantern views.

Rev. Father Buckley is making satisfactory progress in the Mater hospital.

Rev. Father Wright, of Ponsonby, has gone to the Mater to undergo an operation. Rev. Father J. Moore is assisting in the Sacred Heart parish during Father Wright's absence.

Rev. Mother Lawrence, Mother-General of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, Mount Street, Sydney, is at present on visitation to the houses of the Order in the Dominion. The Mother-General visited Whangarei and Dargaville during the week.

The cause of Ireland— Nationhas an able exponent and advocate in Mr. Hall Skelton, who is most self-sacrific-ing in its interests. During this week he has lectured to crowded audiences in the O'Neill Street Hall, Ponsonby, on Monday; on Tuesday in To Aroha ; Wednesday in Morrinsville; and Friday in Huntly. His addresses are most logical and convincing, and. everywhere he is making converts to the cause. One excxellent result of his mission is the smashing of the sectarian bitterness and feeling which has been fostered by the apostle of hate of Ireland and the Church in Auckland and elsewhere in recent years. Mr. Hall Skelton is a young Irish-New Zealander, a barrister by profession, and belongs to the Anglican Church.

The 'production of the picture "Fabiola*' in the Town Hall, Auckland, will take place on Wednesday, September 14, and not on the 6th as previously notified. Several choirs are now actively engaged in preparing for the grand musical programme which will accompany the production of the picture. Mr. G. Inglesby Allen will preside at the organ, and Mr. W. G. Pringle is the musical director. ' The proceeds are in aid of the Grey Lynn Convent Rebuilding Fund.

A recital of sacred music, arranged by Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Towsey, was given in All Souls' Church, Devonport, qn Sunday, August 28, in aid of the Church fund. The artists were Mrs. Cyril Towsey, Misses. Winifred Mitchell,

Agnes Dixon, and Eva Thurston, Messrs. William Dickson, Nixon, and Stan. Dunstan. The organ accompaniments were played by Mr. Cyril Towsey, Mrs. J. Boylan, and Miss D. Boylan, while the choir was conducted : by Mr. W. H. Whelan. Mrs. J. Boylan and Mr. W. H. Whelan were the joint-secretaries. Every item was thoroughly appreciated by the congregation, which filled the beautiful Church. I

Rev. FathervDuffy, C.SS.R. opens a month's mission in the parish of Puhoi, on Sunday, September 4.

A very lucid and scholarly lecture was given by Rev. Father Lyons to the Men's Confraternity, in St. Patrick's Cathedral, on Tuesday, August 30. His subject was "The Catholic doctrine of honoring the saints."

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY, AUCKLAND. Tl?e half-yearly meeting of the/New Zealand district of the Hibernian-Australasian Catholic Benefit Society was held in the Central Hall, Cook Street, on Monday evening, August 29. Right Rev. Dr. J. M. Liston, CoadjutorBishop of Auckland, opened the meeting with prayer. Bro. P. Duffin, • district president, presided, and there were presentßro. T. Kelly, P.D.P., Bro. W. Kane, district secretary; Bro. M. J. Sheahan, district treasurer; and a large number of delegates representing the various branches throughout New Zealand. The funeral fund showed a balance of £17,181. The amount of funeral claims paid during the half-year was £5lO, and a net profit of £547 was earned in the period. The supplementary sick fund showed a credit balance of £4575, and a net profit of £237. The sick fund (for district members) showed a credit balance of £271, and a net profit of £lO. In the investment fund (for branches) the balance at January 31 was £4694. Withdrawals totalled £I7BO, and deposits £523, and the balance on July 31 was £3438. The guarantee fund had a balance of £709. The following officers were nominated : District president, Bro. the Hon. P. J. Nerheny, M.L.C. ; vice-presidents, Bros. Hughes and Colquhon; district secretary, Bro. W. Kane; district treasurer, Bro. M. J. Sheahan; auditors, Bros. F. J. O’Meara and J. B. R. Stead.