DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 6 October 1921, Page 27

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From I our own correspondent.) ■ V - r October 3. At the recent quarterly meeting of St. Patrick’s branch, of the Hibernian Society, the president (Bro. H. C. Upjohn) presided over a full roll of office-bearers and a good attendance of members. Rev. Fathers T. Hqnrahan and • Skinner, and representatives of St. Mary’s branch, were also present. A welcome to the meeting was extended by the president to Bro. J. T. Mahony, of Invercargill. After Bros. McSwigan and Lafferty (sick .visitors) gave■ their report, allowances amounting to £l3 7s 6d were passed for payment. A letter was received from Miss E. Brophy, on behalf of St. Matthew’s (ladies?) branch, expressing appreciation of the generous assistance rendered by the brothers in the interests of the recent sale of work in aid of the Cathedral Catholic schools’ fund. One .member was initiated and two nominations were received. Accounts amounting to £149 4s 6d were passed for payment; these represented ALA. fees (£B3 los), dispensary dues (£2B 10s), and maternity bonuses (£18). On behalf of the branch, Father Hanrahan presented Bro. T. P. O’Rourke with a gold emblem medal in recognition of his excellent services to Hibernianism. Bro. O’Rourke expressed appreciation of the kindly regard shown him. At a recent meeting of St. Mary’s branch of the Hibernian Society, after the ordinary routine business was transacted and a now member initiated, an interesting letter from Very Rev. Dean Regnault was read descriptive of his visit lately to Ireland, and interview with Air. de Valera, Professor McNeill, and other Irish leaders. A visit was made last Thursday evening by members of St. Patrick’s branch of the Hibernian Society to the

New Headford branch, with the object of accepting a challenge from the latter to a cards match. The contest resisted in the defeat of tlm visitors by four games. A cordial welcome was extended bv the countrv brethren to those .from the city, and, aided by a varied programme, an enjoyable evening was passed.

Timaru

(From our own correspondent.)

October 3.

The members of St. Anne's Guild have been busy the last few months preparing for a sale of work, which is to take place next Saturday, when it is hoped the parishioners will Attend in large numbers to purchase the bargains offered. The annual outdoor procession of'the Blessed Sacrament took plaro yesterday ('Sunday') afternoon. The route of the procession through the church and convent grounds was tastefully decorated with banners and religious inrignia.. Two temporary altars were erected from which Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given. It is estimated that 2000 people participated in the procession, including the clergy, religious, children of the Catholic schools, narishioners of Tiraaru, and many from other districts. The ceremonies were concluded in the Sacred Heart Church, which failed to accommodate the huge crowd. Rev. Father McCarthy, Marist Missioned, preached a sermon appropriate to the solemnities, which were concluded

with Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.