Diocesan News

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 46, 2 December 1925, Page 30

Diocesan News

Archdiocese Wellington* (From our own Correspondent.) November 27. \ Wellington is greatly saddened this week. > The news of the death of Rev. Father More O'Ferrall. came as a great shock to the city lie had been at St. Patrick's and he was well loved. When he arrived here first he was a guest at Government House, but his thoughts were with God and not with the world. Owing to physical weakness he had broken down in the Novitiate at Tullabeg, but his vocation was perfect and an interview with Dean Regnault decided him upon the adoption of this country as his ground of service, and the Marist Order as the home of his spirit. A rare, sweet soul has gone to rest in Father More O'Ferrall. The peace of Cod to him !

The Requiem of Father .More O'Ferrall was held at the Basilica on Tuesday morning. Forty-one priests ami the two Archbishops were present. Rev. Father Kimbell, S.M. (Wanganui), was the celebrant; Rev. Father Campbell, C.SS.R., deacon; Rev. Father Quealy (Petone), subdeacon. A choir of priests sang the Mass, the soloist being Rev. Father Ryan, S.M., M.A., St. Patrick's College. The sermon for the occasion was preached by his Grace Archbishop O'Shea, who also officiated at the graveside. Rev. Fathers O'Connell, Barra, and Seymour were up from the South, and the Ven. Archdeacon Devoy went right out to the graveside. Great sympathy is extended to Mother cyd' Sales, of the Sisters of Mercy, Hill Sbreot, on the death of her sister, Mrs. Trolove, of Ohristchurch. The family is an old op.* and widely known. May she rest in peace! Mrs. McEnroe, of Kensington Street, is very ill, and many friends are concerned tor W. The Basilica was full again on Thursday morning for the Requiem of Mr. Tymons, of Guildford Terrace, father of Rev. Father Tymons, V.F., Napier,, and Rev. Father James Tymons, Kimberley. Mr. Tymons was The Grand Old Mail of the parish of Thorndon, a chieftain of the faith. He bought the house in which he died in order that he might be near the church, and so might continue to the end his hearing of daily Mass, y May he rest in peace. There was a profession ceremony at the Home of Compassion, Island Bay, recently, when Miss Molly Conaglen was received into the Order as Sister Eustace. Sister Eustace is a daughter of Mr. and Mis. Conaglen, of Taranaki. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Father McHardy, S.M., St. Patrick's College. After it was over the relatives were entertained to breakfast by the Sisters. Among those present were Rev. Father Doolaghty, Palmerston North; Rev. Father Kelly, Newtown; and Rev.' Father M. Devoy, Island Bay.

Palmerston North

(From our own correspondent.) November 27. Once more the Forty Hours' Adoration is a. past event. The people entered earnestly into the devotions of that most "acceptable time." .Rev. Father Spillane, of the Marist Mission staff, preached on both Sunday and Monday evenings. On October 23 the Narkunda sailed from the shores of England; on December 3 (next Thursday) she is due at Sydney. Anything remarkable about that? Yes! in the eyes of Palmerston North it is the most important trip that a boat ever made. The Narkunda carries a precious burdennone other than Father Mac. Of course the parish is in a state of excitement. How could it be otherwise! Miss Nesdale is returning too. DEATH OF SISTER. MARY PASCHAL. It happened so suddenly and So silentlyjust a few hours' illness and all was o'er. About 18 months ago Sister Mary Paschal (formerly Miss Hayes, of Hokitika) had a very severe illness at the Upper Hutt Convent. Recovering (partially) she was brought up here to recuperate, and though always a semi-invalid, Sister Paschal was "about her Father's business" right to the end. She was teaching at the school until the eve df her death. Oil May 17 Sister Paschal, took part in that memorable Eucharistic procession. It was her feast day—the feast of St. Paschal Baylon. And she who bore the name of that great saint of the Eucharist enjoyed the day's celebrations in a very special manner. She was present also at the opening of the new convent and at the ten Masses in the chapel on All Souls' Day. Sister Paschal assisted at Mass with the community on the First Friday of November and spent the day in the schoolroom as usual. On Saturday afternoon at two, she became seriously ill, and death gave the warning: "I am coming." Father Doolaghty (who is devoted to a degree to the sick and dying) was quickly at her bedside. After receiving the Last Sacraments, Sister lost consciousness, and shortly before .ten o'clock on the night of Saturday, November 7, the Angel of Death sped earthwards to the local Convent of Mercy. His words were as the music of Heaven to the sufferer: "Sister Mary Paschal, your day of life is over: the Bridegroom is waiting to welcome youcome!" And home she .wenthome to the outstretched arms of her Divine Spouse, Whom she loved so much and served so well. At ten on Monday (the octave of All Souls' Day) Rev. Father Doolaghty celebrated Solemn Requiem Mass in the presence of a large congregation. The music of the Mass was rendered by Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy and the Marist students from Highden. Also present were Very Rev. Dr. Chapman (Highden) and Rev. Fathers Cahill (Feilding) and Lynch (Palmerston). The funeral (private) left the church at 11 o'clock: and a special word of praise is due to Mr. W. Devine for the very capable way in which he carried out the funeral arrangements. Although Sister Paschal had labored in several convents of the Order in New Zealand, the greater portion of her life was spent amongst the ehil-

dreu at St. Joseph's Orphanage, Upper Hutt; and it was fitting that the little children of this parish should accompany the mortal remains of the "children's Sister" on the journey to the grave. Father Doolaghty conducts the graveside ceremony, and the children stood .around the plot that has been set, aside tor the burial of religious and priests. Gently, very gently,, the coffin was lowered, and the first Sister to die in Palmerston North was laid to rest. May peace, perfect eternal peace, be hers! BAZAAR AT UPPER HUTT (From a correspondent.) On November 18, Mr. W. H. Field, M.P., opened a bazaar in. aid of St. Joseph's Orphanage and the parish debt extinction fund. It concluded on Saturday with results that exceeded expectations. The greatest enthusiasm was displayed throughout, and the organisation was perfect. Mr. Cecil McGrossan proved himself a most capable hon. secretary. The following were the stallholders: —Plain stall: Mrs. J. Martin, Misses T. and N. Golder. Fancy stall: Mrs. F. Martin, Misses R. and C. Craig. Produce stall (Trentham committee): Mesdames O'Sullivan, Plummer, and Strickland. Sweets and cake stall: Mesdames Maker and Osborne, and Misses Burns and Conrick. Novelty stall: Mrs. E. Quinn. Tearooms: Mesdames Larmer, Stanley, P. Quinn, Troy, and Shanley. Bran tub : Miss Alice Maher. A striking feature of the articles displayed was the wonderful assortment of art needlework forwarded by the Sisters of the Missions from their convents throughout the Dominion. The pupils of Miss Bandinet, of Wellington, contributed some very pleasing dance items, and Mrs. M. Nottingham gave excellent vocal numbers. Mrs. Whiteman was the accomplished accompanist. The art union for the gold nuggets, etc., will be drawn on the evening of December 8. Mr. Stan Price's team won the tug-o'-war contest. <xs Diocese of Christchurch (From our own correspondent.) November 27. Rev. Mother Gertrude, of St. Joseph's Orphanage, Mkftlleton, has replaced Mother Menna in charge of Nazareth House, Sister Michael Benedict taking control of the orphanage. >. Rev. Father Joyce has been relieving Rev. Dr. Kennedy at Hokitika. A visit to this city by the genial Doctor is always very acceptable. At St. Mary's, Manchester Street. Rev. Father McGrath, S.M., has been conducting a Retreat for the members of the Sacred Heart Confraternity. Last week was set aside for the women's branch, and the exercises were well and fervently attended. The men's division this week is vieing with the women's work in earnestness, and the splendid attendances are proving a source of gratification to the local clergy as well as to the good missioner, who is entertaining besides

being solidly instructive in his addresses.. Rev. Father McLaughlin, C.SS.R., is conducting missions in the Riccarton district — last week at Hornby and this week in the Riccarton portion of the parish. His Lordship the Bishop will administer the Sacra- • ment of Confirmation in both places on December 6 as a conclusion to the mission'. Rev. Father Timoney extends his hearty thanks to all who helped to make his garden fete the complete- success it was. L. was opened by his Lordship Dr. Brodie on Saturday last and concluded on Monday The "Woolston Band, under the popular conductor, Mr. Est all, gave its services grataitously—its programmes leave no room for comment, and Father Timoney and his committee appreciate warmly the band's generosity. Very pleasing it was to notice the liberal support accorded the function by the people of the Woolston district-Cath-olic as well as Catholicall of whom will b? pleased to learn that the debt up to present existing will be entirely liquidated, and an « amount will likely be in hand for improvements to the parochial property. / "Villa. Maria" was busy on Saturday last, and Father T. Hanrahan's workers at the fete express themselves as well satisfi-'d w:'th the business transacted. His' Lordsnip the Bishop paid a visit to the fair in the afternoon.. The Christchurch Celtic Club held a very enjoyable social in the Hibernian Hall last Tuesday evening. Many amusing games and competitions were indulged in, and items were contributed by Misses T. Darragh, K. Scullion, A. Cecil, M. Forde, Messrs. R. Trewern, J. Williamson, and O'Loughlan. The club intend re-opening in April. Arrangements are well in hand for the annual picnic of the Christchurch Cathedral branch of the Children of Alary Sodality, to be held at Diamond Harbor on Boxing Day. Tir"£ri (From our own Correspondent.) November 25. The Rev. Father Hefi'ernan, S.M., lately conducted a Retreat for women at the Church of the Sacred Heart. The various exercises were well attended, and a very largo . number approached the Holy Table every morning. The successful Retreat concluded, on Sunday evening, when the papal blessing was given by the missioner. The solemn devotion of the Forty Hours' Adoration was commenced on Sunday, after High Mass. Rev. Father Heffernan preached on Sunday and Monday evenings to large congregations. Processions in honor of the. Blessed Sacrament took place on Sunday and Tuesday, when a few of the sodalities in regalia, and also the school children were, as usual, strongly represented. The altar and' sanctuary were decorated in a most artistio manner, reflecting great credit on the -devoted sacristans. The choir was congratulated upon the fine music rendered during the ceremonies. ,;