THE CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22594, 27 December 1938, Page 10

THE CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL

In all the Catholic churches and in all the religious institutions Christmas \\ as ushered by the impressive ceremony of Midnight Mass. In the Catholic Cathedral Pontifical High Mass was celebrated by his Lordship Bishop Brodie, assisted by the Rev. Father Timoney as assistant priest. Rev. Father O'Meeghan. deacon. Rev. Father Mannix, S.M. sub-deacon, and Rev. Father Maguire, master of ceremonies.

The Cathedral was crowded, and even the balcony upstairs had to be used for the accommodation of the iarge number present. Upwards of U!00 received Holy Communion at Midnight Mass; moreover, there were large congregations at the four additional masses during the morning. The music of the Pontifical High Mass was sung by a full choir, conducted by Miss M. O'Connor. Miss K. O’Connor presided at the organ. A feature of the festive decorations was the Christmas crib containing a group of figures arranged to convey a realistic impression ox the place and circumstances of the birth of the Divine Child in the stable at Bethlehem.

In the evening Bishop Brodie preached the Christmas sermon from file text, “And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped Him up in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke ii. 7). This text brought to life before the reader of the Sacred Scripture the poverty which surrounded the birth of the Divine Child, a lesson which has had far-reaching influence on the world, and has inspired every form of charity and thoughtful care of the poor and the afflicted. The teachings of the Divine Fedeemei', Who, in His birth and during Kis whole life, showed such a love of poverty and humility, said in telling words: “As often as you have done unto one of My least brethren, you have done it unto Me.” The history of Christianity has its pages adorned by the examples of the noble lives of gi’eat servants of God in every age consecrating their lives to the relief of the poor and distressed: even the loathsome scourge of leprosy did not deter generous souls from j risking contamination and death in the generous dedication to the cause of charity. A beautiful tradition is still retained in Christian lands; in every home, in every religious institution a place is set aside and a portion is reserved for the poor, hungry wayfarer; a touching act of sympathy for the Divine Child Who was denied shelter on the night of His birth; and an impressive proof that their sympathy for the Divine Child would always lead them to help the poor and afflicted ones of the world. This beautiful tradition was a telling evidence that from the manger of Bethlehem' had gone forth a wonderful message showing in clearest truth the _ fulfilment of the prophetic words, “A little Child shall lead them, and the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord as the covering waters of the sea." His Lordship concluded by conveying to his people and all his fellow citizens his earnest wishes for the joys and blessings of a happy Christmas.

ST. PAUL’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Speaking at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, the Rev. A. C. Watson said:

“Once again we join the company of many millions in the holy pilgrimage to Bethlehem. In the Scripture lesson for Christmas Day, we read that the shepherds returned from their pilgrimage glorifying and praising God for the things they had heard and seen. This is the theme of our Christmas music and of the prayers of the Church. The picture of Mother and Child, expressed in so many different ways in Church worship and architecture, has permanently affected the life of mankind.

“As we gaze upon this familiar picture, we are reminded of the fact that when God wanted to reveal Himself most perfectly he chose not the tables of stone, or the ideas of great men. but the form of a man, of a Man who once was a helpless Babe. True to her divine commission, the Church teaches that the human family and the home are the basis of a healthy, sane community life. To some idealists and Utopians, the family has been a source of irritation. When Plato, for example, attempted to describe the ideal commonwealth in his ‘Republic.* he found no real place for the family. Experience teaches, however, that there can be no true community without a preliminary training in the small community of the home and family. In a woi’ld which is experimenting with new social forms, the Church must continue her witness to the divine institution of the human family. We are strengthened for our task by the contemplation of the scene at Bethlehem.

“One of the features of the Christmas stories is the note of surprise. God had promised to send a Messiah, and many were looking for a great King. They found it difficult to believe that the purpose of God could be fulfilled by this Babe, for Whom there was no room at the wayside inn. This note of surprise is also expressed and heard in our Christmas music and worship, and is a normal part of our Christian experience.” ,

DURHAM STREET CHURCH

The Christmas services at the Durham Street Methodist Church began on the Sunday before Christmas when at a special evening service Christmas carols were sung, as well as excerpts from “The Messiah,” by an augmented choir. The soloists were Mr and Mrs L. Strong, Miss Daisy Berry, and Master Herbert Hill. Mr Melville Lawry was at the organ. The sermon at both morning and evening services was preached by the Rev. Clarence Eaton. In the morning a children’s choir, led by Miss Jocelyn Harrop, sang Christmas carols, including “Silent Night” and “Good King Wenceslaus.” Appropriate services on the same lines were also held on Christmas Day, when Mr Eaton was again the preacher.

SALVATION ARMY HOMES

INMATES ENTERTAINED ON CHRISTMAS DAY

Enjoyment was brought to the inmates of the Salvation Army Women’s Home, Papanui road, during Christmas Day, both at Christmas dinner and in the evening when a musical programme was presented. The dining room was attractively decorated with orange and green and silver stars. The guests included Brigadier A. Ryder, of Wellington, Brigadier Rooke, of Melbourne, and Brigadier C. Gray and Mrs Gray, ot Christchurch. The Rest Haven Eventide Home was also visited. Here women from 76 to 94 years of age enjoyed the good things of the festive season. The Matron (Brigadier Montgomery) took the opportunity to express the gratitude of the Salvation Army to those who had contributed to.-the funds to make these functions possible. Special Christmas services were held at the Salvation Army Citadel, there being good congregations, and a large number of visitors. The principal speaker was Adjutant W. J. Thompson, other speakers being Brigadier Rook, of Australia, Colonel McAulcy, Major B. Simpson, and Bandsman P. Rive. At the evening service the band played carols and the songsters presented special music, which was much appreciated.