Archconfraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, Christchurch

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 26, 5 July 1923, Page 45

Archconfraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, Christchurch

H (From our own correspondent.) Rev. Father Campbell O.SS.R., recently conducted most successful Retreats at St. Mary’s, Manchester Street one for the women and another for the male members of A the Archconfraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, each lasting for a week. The exercises were remarkable for large j and consistent attendances, and, as a result, the numerical ** 1 strength of the Archconfraternity has been considerably increased. Father Campbell’s practical discourses were in great favor, and his genial personality won him many friends, ‘ On the Sunday, the concluding day of the men’s Retreat, the 8.30 Mass was celebrated by his Lordship Dr. Brodie, who was attended by Rev. Father O’Connell, S.M., Father Campbell assisting both in giving Holy Communion. The Bishop expressed his edification and gratification at the result of Father Campbell's efforts for the spiritual welfare of the people of St. Alary’s. So splendid an attendance of men (he said) was an inspiring sight, and a striking testimony to their (jlevotion and attachment to the Faith. Communion breakfast, tastefully set out in the Memorial Hall adjoining the church, was subsequently partaken of, and amongst those assembled were his Lordship the Bishop, Rev. Father O’Connell, Sir Geo. Clifford, and Mr. H. H. Loughnan. In proposing the toast in honor of his Lordship Dr. Brodie, Sir Geo. Clifford recalled the day and the ceremonial of the Bishop’s consecration, and the impression created by his Lordship’s first remarks as Bishop of Christchurch. All felt at that time that he was gifted with force of character and mental qualities that would fit him in a particular manner to v carry out the great works connected with diocesan government. To these qualities had to be added kindliness of ■character; and during the years of his Lordship’s episcopacy these first impressions had been fully confirmed. Dr. Brodie’s administration had been carried out in a manner that was not open to criticism, and he (the speaker) prayed that Providence might long spare their Bishop to carry out the work entrusted to him. In responding, Dr. Brodie said that having to go to Oxford to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation, ho regretted he could not see the pleasant function at which they were present to a conclusion. He gracefully acknowledged the tribute paid him by Sir Geo. Clifford and the • gladness of heart he experienced at seeing the Catholic manhood of the parish living up to the traditions of their Faith. His, Lordship brought under the notice of those present the importance of taking a keen interest in the boys, whose school days had come to a close. After leaving school, they started out in the battle of life, and the wonderful influence for good that was possible to an organisation that might be promoted on similar lines to the American society known as the “Big Brotherhood.” Sir Geo. Clifford (continued the Bishop) had ever been a splendid . examplea pattern and leaderin every good work, and the Catholic community had benefited by* his unswerving support, particularly in movements for the benefit of the young. He congratulated Father Campbell on the success ' of his Retreats, and the priests and men. of St. Alary’s on this grand demonstration of Faith. Mr. H. HXLoughnan proposed “Success to the Men’s Societies of St. Mary’s parish,” and detailed the avenues .of work, activities, and benefits of them, making special reference to the Hibernian Society, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Archconfraternity of the Blessed Sacrament. He spoke of the progress made in the Old 'Country in regard to pilgrimages and sodalities during the past 50 years, incidentally giving proof cf a deep study ■and thorough' knowledge of his subject. Mr. Loughnan concluded with some sound practical hints as to improving V the working powers of the three societies mentioned, re- , minding his hearers that it was individual effort that > ' constituted the driving force of any society. ' Mr. H. ', A Johnston replied on behalf of the Hibernian Society, Air. ■A T. P. Fogarty for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and Mr. R. P. O’Shaughnessy for the Archconfraternity. Rev. Father Campbell, who was received-I with applause, said his work at St. Alary’s had been an edification and a delight, and a great devotion to the' Blessed Virgin Alary V was there evident. He was (he said) indebted to the

Marist Fathers for. extraordinary kindness and care on a previous occasion when he had been indisposed in South Canterbury, and now, during his present labors, that kind attention had been renewed. ' He had thoroughly enjoyed the tine progressive spirit shown that morning, and complimented the various speakers on the able manner in which they had “stated the case” for their respective societies, and if he ever had an opportunity of renewing acquaintance with the people of St. Mary’s, he would gladly avail himself of it. Father O’Connell, S.M., briefly reviewed the progress of the parish, and paid a tribute to the pioneer Catholics, with whom he linked the names of Sir Geo. Clifford and Mr. H. H. Loughnan, both of whom were Stonyliurst graduates, and both of whom were an honor to Church and State. New Zealand (he said) owed a deep debt to these pioneer Catholics,. and it "as a source of unalloyed pleasure to find their work beinoperpetuated by the Catholic men of to-day. Mr. D. Me” Cormick thanked the Children of Mary for their services 111 preparing the Communion breakfast, Mr. C Baker responding on behalf of the sodality. I u the evening bather Campbell preached the concluding sermon, all present renewing their baptismal vows.