DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 3 November 1921, Page 22

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

. (From our own correspondent.) October 24. One of . the most successful missions ever conducted in the Cathedral parish was that just concluded by the Marist Missioners. Rev. Fathers McCarthy, Herring, and O’Leary. The average attendance at daily Mass and Communion was over 900, and on Sunday morning that number was just about doubled. On Thursday the ceremonies were directly in honor of the Blessed Sacrament. There was Exposition all day followed in the evening by a sermon on the. Institution of the Holy Eucharist, preached by Father O’Leary, and procession of the Blessed Sacrament. Devotion to the Sacred Heart was the theme of Friday’s discourses and in the evening, after an impressive sermon, Father McCarthy consecrated the homes of all present (by a specially arranged ceremony) to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The closing ceremonial took place on Sunday evening, and despite inclement weather conditions the attendance was not lessened. Every evening the Cathedral has been crowded, and on Sunday night the sanctuary had to be made use of to provide seating accommodation. Father McCarthy’s sermon on the Divinity of the Catholic Church was listened to with rapt attention. Then followed the renewal of Baptismal vows, and the imparting of the Papal blessing. On behalf of the Missioners Father McCarthy thanked the Bishop, clergy and laity for the marked evidences of good-will and appreciation of their efforts, — the great spirit of faith manifested being a source of consolation to them. His Lordship the Bishop expressed his gratitude to - the Missioners for their untiring energy and devotion, and expressed pride in the people who responded so magnificently. Fathers McCarthy, Herring, and O’Leary, Marist Missioners, leave for the West Coast on Tuesday. Mr. M. J. Stanley, has severed his connection with the Sun newspaper, and leaves on Tuesday for Greymouth to join the staff of the Star in that centre. Mr. Stanley is a member of the Celtic Club and Hibernian Society and carries with him the best wishes of both organisations for his welfare. \ A meeting was held in the Hibernian Hall on Sunday, afternoon to organise a fitting reception to the Apostolic Delegate, who is expected to arrive in Christchurch on Saturday, November 12. His Lordship the Bishop presided, and there were present Rev, Father Seymour, S.M., (St. Mary’s), Father T. Hanrahan, Adm., Cathedral, Rev. Brother Justin, and representatives of the various parishes in and around the city. His Lordship outlined the proposed programme, after which committees were formed.'' Mr. P. O’Connell was appointed general secretary with Mr. George Dobbs as assistant. The address committee consists of Rev. Fathers Hanrahan and Seymour, Messrs. H. H. Loughnan and J. R. Hayward, and the general committee of Messrs. J. R. Hayward, H. Upjohn, P. J. Amodeo, R. P. O’Shaughnessy, T. Cahill, R. O’Brien, J. Ormandy, W. Murphy, M. Grimes, and Rev. Brothers Justin and Phelan. A musical committee consisting of Misses M. G. O’Connor, M. .Ward, .Fathers Seymour and Hanrahan, and' Mr. O. McManaway, and a works committee consisting of Messrs. T. Cahill, W. Jacques, R. P. O’Shaughnessy, H. Upjohn, J. Ormandy, - F. Healy and W. Dudderidge, were also appointed. Rev. Fathers Hanra-

han and Seymour, Messrs, J. R. Hayward, T. Cahill, H. Upjohn, R. P. O’Shaughnessy and the secretaries were constituted the executive. [This portion of our correspondent’s letter arrived too late for insertion in our last week’s issue. Ed. N.Z.T.'] r October 31. An enjoyable evening was spent in the Hibernian Hall on Wednesday, by members and supporters of the Cathedral Altar Society. The function was opened by the Rev. O. Gallagher (chaplain) reading the minutes of the previous annual meeting, and the balance sheet, 1920-21, which latter showed a balance in hand of £l7 2s sd. In the report of work done during the year mention was made by Father Gallagher of the interest displayed by the Children of Mary in -work connected with the high altar and side-chapels, as well as mending and repairing vestments, etc. Rev. Father Skinner also addressed the gathering. A programme of vocal and instrumental items, arranged by Miss Mary O’Connor, was rendered, and much appreciated by those present. His Lordship the Bishop and Rev. Father Hanrahan, who had been unavoidably detained, joined the gathering before its conclusion, and thanked the members for their work and interest in the. aims of the Society. Rev. Father Riordan, after a holiday in the North Island, returned to the West Coast on Tuesday, The new parochial school at St. Mary’s, Manchester Street, is to be solemnly blessed and opened on Sunday afternoon, November 12, by his Excelency the Apostolic Delegate. At a recent meeting of St. Matthew’s branch of theHibernian Society, held in the Hibernian Hall, the president (Sister G. Baker) expressed the appreciation of members for the generous services rendered to the branch by P.P. Sister Dowd (nee Sister E. Jacques). The president referred to the popularity of their late president, and in conveying good wishes for many happy years of married life presented Mrs. Dowd with a token of esteem. The recipient suitably acknowledged the gift made her and the accompanying good wishes. The weather was beautifully warm on Saturday afternoon, when a delightful garden party, in aid of the Soldiers’ Memorial School, of St. Mary’s, Christchurch North, was held at Mr. Martin Moir’s residence, which had been generously lent for the occasion. Well-stocked stalls did good business, and many amusing competitions were held, while an orchestra supplied spirited music. Timaru (From our own correspondent.) October 25. Some time ago a generous-hearted parishioner presented to the parish a fine property, which was formerly , owned by Mr. George Tennant, of Timaru. The property consists of a large two-storeyed house of ten rooms, with two acres of land situated on Wai-iti Road, about one •and a half miles from the town, destined to be some day a school and convent for the Highfield district. The residence has been prepared for use in the meantime, as a ■ Receiving Home for children, and is known as “Loreto House.” The members of St. Anne’s Guild have already, collected a good sum towards the furnishing of the Home, and under the care of an efficient matron, it has begun its noble work for God’s little ones. The jnonthly meeting of St. Anne’s Guild, in connection with the Loreto House Catholic Orphanage, Highfield, was held last Wednesday at the Orphanage, on the invitation of the matron (Mrs. Lane). Rev. Father Hurley presided and there was a very large attendance of members and friends. After the ordinary business of the Guild had been transacted the opportunity was taken of inspecting the Home and its appointments. The children’s quarters were found to be very comfortably arranged, being bright, homely, and cheerful while there is also ample accommodation at the disposal of the* Guild. The Home has only been open a few weeks and the arrangements at present were considered highly satisfactory by president and members of the Guild. The visitors, each of whom came very heavily laden with all manner of comforts for the inmates, were then entertained to afternoon tea by the matron when a very pleasant time as spent. , On Monday last the local branch of the Hibernian Society held its quarterly meeting, when a large number were present, including the chaplain (Rev. v Father Hurley). The president (Bro. W. Stirling) presided. , The balance sheet and auditors’ report, which were read and adopted, showed an increase in membership and also a considerable increase in the funds. The sick visitors reported that all on the sick list were progressing as favorably as could be expected. v During the quarter sick pay to the amount ol £lO 10s 9d was paid out; also £36 as maternity allowances Accounts amounting to £ll3 7s 9d .were passed for pay ment. During the evening the chaplain presented Bro