WANGANUI NOTES

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 1, 7 January 1925, Page 47

WANGANUI NOTES

(From our own Correspondent.) December 31. One of the most delightful entertainments of the season was given in the Opera House on December 10 by the pupils of the Sacred Heart Convent. There was a very large attendance and the performers, who displayed exceptional talent,, received a most liberal share of well-deserved applause. The rendering of the instrumental and vocal items was a treat to listen to and. demonstrated clearly the careful training the pupils receive from the Sisters. A big feature of the concert was the elaborate costuming, which was done with an eye for massed effect. At the conclusion of the concert the special medals won during the year were presented by the Mayoress, Mrs Hope Gibbons. The Rev. Father Mahony, on behalf of the Sisters, returned thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress, and all who had assisted with the concert. A pretty ceremony took ' place at St. Joseph’s Church, Aramoho, on, a recent, Sunday, when twenty-two tiny tots received their First Holy Communion. The Act of Consecration to Our Lady was read by Mollie Henderson and that to St, Joseph by Bernard Locke. Both altars were fittingly decorated for the occasion. After Mass the children adjourned to the school, where a dainty repast awaited them. The room reminded one of the festive season, as a large Christmas tree occupied the place of honor upon the table. Gaily colored streamers depended from the ceiling, and ferns and greenery were much in evidence. The pretty altar of Our Lady at one end of the room was also resplendent with lights and flowers. After breakfast each child received a present from the Christmas tree. . No doubt this happy day will be remembered by the little ones for many years to come. * ; Rev. Father Outtrim, who was transferred to St. Bede’s College a few months’ ago, re-

turned on a. short visit to Wanganui recently. The occasion was not allowed to pass unnoticed by the Aramoho parishioners, for they, together with the local clergy, gathered in large numbers at the- Aramoho Convent on Thursday evening, December 18, to make a presentation to him, as a mark of appreciation for the good work he had done in that part of the parish. Prior to making the presentation, Mr. M. J. Dowling, on behalf of the Aramoho parishioners, referred in eulogistic terms to the good work done by Father Outtrim in Wanganui, but especialy in the Aramoho portion of the parish. Mr. Dowling then presented Father Outtrim with a wallet of notes, the recipient suitably responding. The Christmas observances at St. Mary's Church, commenced with Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The sanctuary of the church was beautifully decorated, the work having been done by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Beautiful wreaths of evergreens were wound in graceful spirals around the pillars, whilst the High Altar was a blaze of light, being illuminated by numerous candles. The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Mahony. St. Mary's Choir, under the baton of Mrs. T. Lloyd, with Miss N. Dowling as organist, rendered the music which consisted principally of "Farmer's Mass in B flat," Novello's "Adeste Fideles," was sung at the Offertory. The members of the choir acquitted themselves well, and the rendition of the music was impressive and devotional. Rev. Father Mahony preached, and concluded by wishing the large congregation a holy and a happy Christmas. A second Mass was celebrated at 7.30 and a third at 10.30. In the evening the usual devotions were held. <X>