Diocesan News

New Zealand Tablet, 20 October 1921, Page 19

Diocesan News

( ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON (From our own correspondent.) October 14. The bazaar in aid of the Convent of Mercy, Newtown, terminated last Monday evening after a most successful season of eight nights. The net profits are estimated at £llOO. The Sisters are most grateful to all who assisted to bring about such a splendid result. A very successful social in aid of the Rev. Mother Aubert's Homo of Compassion, was held at the Town Hall last Wednesday. y The towers of the new St. Mary of the Angels' Church have now reached the height provided for in the plans, and have been duly tapered off. On Friday morning the Irish flag was waving breezily in the air on the highest turret to celebrate the event. The Ladies' Club held a most successful afternoon at their rooms last Thursday. The 47th anniversary of the establishment in this city of the Hibernian Society (St. Patrick's branch, No. 95), was celebrated by a social at the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall. There was a fair attendance, and those present thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Much enthusiasm is being displayed by the parishioners of St. Joseph’s in furthering the interests of the bazaar which is being organised in connection with that parish.

Miss Jessie Mackay, Messrs. Hall Skelton and J. J. McGrath will represent New Zealand at the Irish World Convention to be held at Paris early in the New Year.

The Wellington Ladies' Auxiliary Committee of the Self-Determination for Ireland League appeal to all who can do so to forward some small garment for the distressed Irish children. These garments, must reach Wellington not later than November 1, and can be sent c/o Miss Flannery, Catholic Supplies, Manners Street, Wellington. Granity For some weeks (writes an esteemed correspondent) the children of the local Catholic school have been using their best endeavors to raise funds towards reducing the debt on their fine new school. A queen competition and a Christmas tree have caused no little excitement and much pleasant emulation. Three girls were chosen to compete for the place of honor, and the result was victory for Irene McNarn, Gladys Kidd securing second place and Eily McDonald third. On Thursday afternoon, September 6, about one hundred people assembled in the junior schoolroom to witness the coronation ceremony. Queen Irene, with her six attendants, and accompanied by the two princesses, entered at the head of a procession of school children and took her place on the throne prepared for her. When the welcome chorus had been sung, "Santa Claus" (Master Alex Hill) arrived bearing on a silver tray the crown of victory for the queen and a handsomelypainted hand-bag which was presented to her in remembrance of the occasion. Master Jack McDonald read an address to "Her Majesty" and congratulated her on the success attained. On behalf of his school companions he thanked her and the princesses for the splendid effort all three had made, and expressed the wish that the lastnamed wouW take their defeat in a manner that would do honor to their school, remembering

’Tis not so much that you fought that counts, But how did you fight, and why?

A short musical programme was rendered consisting of the following items Violin trio, “The Harp that Once,” Masters A. Hill, Maher (2), arid B. Kidd songs, “My Ain Folk” and “Melisande in the Wood,” Mrs. Dean; violin solo, “The Minstrel Boy,” Miss E. McDonald; pianoforte duet, Miss and Master Chew; violin duet, “Home Sweet Home,” Masters J. and W. Maher. “Santa Claus” then led 'the way to the senior room, where the Christmas tree

was hailed with delight by the children. Four hundred prizes of various descriptions were distributed. The children were very pleased with the financial success of their little undertaking. They are to be congratulated for the interest they take in, and the love they have for their school.

On Sunday, the 9th ult., at 2.30 p.m., his Grace Archbishop O’Shea administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 42 candidates. St. Joseph’s Church was too small to accommodate the congregation that assembled, many having to stand outside. His Grace spoke a few words to the children and exhorted them to pray that they may always retain the glorious faith in which it was their privilege that day to be confirmed. He asked them to pray especially that human respect would never cause them to be ashamed of their religion. His Grace went on to say that God had a special work for each child to do, but the most important work for all was the salvation of his or her soul. When the ceremony in the church was over, the children walked in procession to the school, which was that day to be formally opened and blessed. They formed a guard of honor from the gate, and as his Grace passed along all knelt to receive his blessing. The Archbishop was met on the verandah by the church and school committee men. After the blessing of convent and school Archbishop O’Shea returned to the verandah, from which he addressed the large gathering assembled on the lawn. He said it gave him great pleasure to be present at such a gathering, and congratulated all concerned in the. erection of such a fine school. It spoke volumes for the deyotedness of the .Catholic 'people that in a small town like Granity such an edifice could be raised. The Catholics of Granity were determined that their children should not be deprived of a Catholic education. In providing a school for their children they did not wish to hurt the feelings of their separated brethren, nor to insinuate that secular education could not be; had in the schools provided by the State. Catholics

believe that Education means more than inculcating secular knowledge— means training the child to,.be a good citizen on earth, and later a good citizen for heaven. True patriotism depends on Christianity : Christianity depends on morality, and morality is the outcome of religion. When his Grace concluded his brief address, “Faith of Our Fathers” was sung by those assembled, and then the convent and school were open for public inspection. About 200 people availed themselves of the opportunity of viewing the interior of the building. Afternoon tea was served, and the gathering dispersed well pleased with the kindlifeeling existing, which was visible from the fact that all creeds had shown their good-will, many giving practical support. Napier (From our own correspondent.) October 12. The practical examination held in connection with* the Trinity College of Music, London, took place on the 29th ult. at the convent of the Sisters of Notre Dame des Missions, and the following numbers of pupils were successful: Teachers’ diploma: L.T.C.L., 2; teachers’ diploma: A.T. C.L., 4; teachers’ diploma (singing), 1; higher, local (honors), 1; senior, 1; intermediate (honors), 1; intermediate, 3; junior (honors, piano), 1; (violin), T; junior (piano), 8; (violin), 4; preparatory (honors), 3; preparatory (violin), 1; (piano), 1; first steps, 5. , V Rev. Father Tymons left on the 6th inst. by the Manuka for Sydney, where he will attend the conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and also the centenary celebrations of St. Mary’s Cathedral. . Rev. Father Goggan, S.M., who is at present visiting Napier, has been conducting a three days’ retreat for Children of Mary at St. Joseph’s Convent. - '-'The penny collection for the schools has received a marked impetus owing to the efforts of Rev. Father Clancy,

who has succeeded in arousing the interest of the parishioners in this direction. For. two consecutive Sundays the collection has been well over £5, which is a decided advance on previous totals.

At St. Patrick's • Chinch ,on Monday morning, the 3rd inst., the wedding was solemnised of Mr. John Barham and Miss Eileen Carver, sixth daughter of Mrs. Carver, Hospital Hill, Napier. Rev. Father Tymons officiated. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Dorothy Carver, and Mr. W. Riley wjis best man. The newly-wedded couple (who were the recipients of numerous and costly presents) left by the mail train for Auckland, where the honeymoon was spent. Wanganui (From our own correspondent.) / October 13. Sunday, October 2, and feast of the Holy Angels, was a big day at St. Vincent's, Oastlecliff, for on that day, about thirty children made their first Holy Communion. There was also a general Communion of all the children, in fact, of the whole congregation. Rev. Father McGrath celebrated Mass and addressed the communicants, and, after Mass came the renewal of Baptismal Vows, enrolment in the Scapular, the blessing of Rosaries and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. This was the first time that the good folk of Castlecliff were privileged to attend Benediction in their own little chapel.* The church was beautifully decorated with white lilies, and the new piano was used for the first time. After Mass, all the children hurried off the most wonderful breakfast ever. This had been provided by the Sisters and their helpers Mesdames Rogers, Benjamin, Cameron, McKeagh, Currie, Dowdall, Anthony, Marsden, Treader, Whitton, Edwards, and Connor. Such a feast, and such a host of happy .youngsters! It was a sight to make anyone rejoice , ; "''

t One of the most successful “evenings” held during the season at Castlecliff was got off on Tuesday night, and it took the form of a masquerade and poster dance. Miss Rita Anthony was awarded the first prize, her costume representing “Three Castles Cigarettes.” A few of the other-frocks: Mrs. Johnston, “K” Jam; Miss Griffiths, “Overland Cars”; Mrs. Davis, “Desert Gold Tea;” Miss Jones, “Folly of Fashions”; Miss Davis/ “Florist”; Miss D. Davis, “Draper’s Haberdashery”; Miss Zeta Tracey, “Granny Chamberlain”; Miss Edith Bates, “Neatsfoot Oil” Mrs. Jones, “Herald Newspaper”; and Mrs. J. Connor, “N.Z. Refrigerating Company.” Mr. Jack Darby as “Nugget Boot Polish” got the men’s first prize; Mr. Neville, “Totalisator”; and Mr. Bartlett, “Golliwogg’ ’ were well to the fore. There were cards for the non-dancers and a dainty supper provided by the ladies’ committee. Messrs. Edwards and Anthony acted as M’s.C.

Never so busy that she cannot help when called upon, Mrs. Connor of Castlecliff, has found time to write the words and airs of a sweet little song, and Mr. Chas. Barnell of our town has written the accompaniment. It is just a simple little reverie, with a Christmas thought and an artistic cover, designed by a well-known artist-priest. The song, however, is not a religious venture, and is no relation to C.C.C. Cookery Book compiled by Mrs. Connor a year or two ago, in aid of the Castlecliff Church.

Died on Thursday last, at the residence of his sister Mrs. J. Smith, Gonville, Mr. John Gabriel Trainer, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Trainer of our congregation. Mr. Trainor and his brother Mr. Peter Traxxxor, were both in action overseas during* the war, the latter being killed in action, and the former being returned home, badly invalided. Since his return, Mr. Trainer suffered almost continually, but his death, which was almost suddenwithin an hour from the seizure—was certainly not expected. Sincere and heartfelt sympathy is extended to the sorrowing but resigned parents, and to the family generally, for, in addition to these two deaths, a married sister, Mrs. Dow, died also within the period of the war. R.I.P.

New arrivals in the parish, are Mrs. and Miss Thrower of (Wellington; Mrs. Stevenson, well known in the city, has opened a ladies’ emporium here, and Miss Thrower is assuming managership of the nifty little shop. -

Ven. Archdeacon Devoy, S.M., has been spending a few days with Father O’Connell, and left during the week for the North. ,- ‘