CATHOLIC CHURCH.—FESTIVAL. (CONTRIBUTED.)

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 2971, 1 February 1867, Page 3

CATHOLIC CHURCH.— FESTIVAL. (CONTRIBUTED.)

Tuesday last being the festival day of St. Francis of Sales' Church, in the Catholic Cemetery, and of his Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Pompallier, Bishop of Auckland, a pontifical high mass took place in that church at half-past 7 o'clock. The Bishop was assisted on this occasion by the Very Rev. Dr. McDonald, Vicai-General, as assistant-priest ; the Very Rev. Walter McDonald, Private Secretary, as deacon ; and the Rev. Patrick O'Reilly as sub-deacon. On his Lordship's arrival at the church door he was received by the clergy, with incenie and holy water, according to the rubrics, and conducted to the sanctuary. Towards the end of the mass the Bishop delivered a most eloquent discourse, from these words: "Learn of me, because I am meek and humble of hearb." There was a respectable congregation present. An efficient choir sung the Gloria, " Credo " " Sanctus," the Offertory piece, and the other different portions of the mass, with executed the sacred music of the Church The Sanctuary pupils performed their duties with edification and regularity: The mass being finished, his Lordship received in the sacristy the Sanctuary Buoilsand the choir, and distributed to them some presents. The faithful who had the great happiness of witnessing that solemnity will remember for a long time with pious sentiments the festivity or last Tuesday,

The ceremonies of thu Church being ended, his Lordship, accompanied by the Very Rev? Dr. McDonald Vicar-General, and Very Rev. Walter McDonald Pnvate Secretary, made his pastoral visit to St. Mary's College, North Shore. He arrived there at 2 o clock p.m., and was affectionately received by the manager, Mr. Mcllhone, and conducted to the College. There his Lordship was met by many of the faithful of the district, who gave him a filial welcome, and received his Episcopal benediction. He then visited the pupils of the College, consisting of 47 European children, eight Maoris, and' three half-castes j making, in all, 58 pupils. They were assembled in the school-room, which was moat tastefully decorated with evergreens — his Lordship's portrait, surrounded with wreaths of flower*, holding a prominent position. Opposite the door was the motto, "Oeadmille failthe." On the Bishop entering this room, the pupil* and all the faithful present received his Lordship's Episcopal Benediction. The Bishop having,taken his seat on a well-ornamented throne, prepared for his reception, Mr. Mcllhono the Manager of the Institution, read, in a distinct and impressive manner, the following address : — " St. Mark's College, January 29, 1867. "My Lord Bishop, — This day, being one of your Lordship's feast-days, gives me a very pleasing opportunity of seeing your Lordship in that health and vigour which 1 hope you may long eDjoy. It is to me, indeed, a source of great pleasure to see your Lordship here to-day to witness our humble efforts and exertions for these little boya, who, as your Lordship is well aware, constitute a most important portion of your flock. It is to your Lordship's wise administration that these boys owe a deep debt of gratitude ; for were it not for your Lordship's great discernment in your early days in this colony, it is more than probable that no such institution would be in existence on the North Shore. These boys, therefore, may in all sincerity pray for many happy returns to you of this your Lordship's feast-day. As temporal manager and guardian of these boys, I would be doing an injustice to their feelings, as well as my own, did I not heartily welcome your Lordship to the North Shore on this great day. I say great day, for it will be a great day in the memory of these boys in connection with thii institution. I am sure your Lordship will be very much delighted at seeing so many good people here to-day, who have taken such an active interest in this day's proceedings, and who have, one and all, deputed me' to wish your Lordship a most hearty welcome to the North Shore. To these good people our little boys owe many thanks ; and I take this opportunity of informing your Lordship that the kind services of many here to-day I will never forget, for were it not for their kind co-operation, and the liberal subscriptions of a generous public, I should have been powerless here to-day, and not in a position to have such a substantial dinner before these little boys. In conclusion, permit me to add that we rejoice at seeing your Lordship, together with your dear clergy, here amongst us to-day, and that your Lordship, with your dear clergy, enjoy many, many happy returns of this your Lordship's feast-day. "Requesting your Lordship's holy blessiag, " I hare the honour to be, my Lord, " Your Lordship's humble servant, (Signed) "Hugh Mcllhonb, "Manager, St. Mary's College. "To the Right Rev. Dr. Pompallier, "Bishop of Auckland." His Lordship replied, to this addres?, in words expressive of feelings of his great appreciation for the affectionate sentiments therein contained, and expressed his deep sense of gratitude to all the benefactors of the college. The Bishop afterwards delivered to the children, and the whole assembly, pastoral insbructions replete with expressions of devotednesß and paternal care towards them. He said that he rejoiced in God in witnessing, on that day, these dear lambs of his flock so happy, and congratulated, in a special manner, Mr. Hugh Mcllhone, the manager of the institution, who, with the kind and liberal co-operation of other gentlemen and ladies, arranged so well all matters connected with this festivity. Indeed, too much praise cannot b» given to the ladies and gentlemen who so kindly gave their valuable assistance on that happy occasion. the evening the Rev. James J. McEntegart, Rector of Tuimata Catholic Station, and the Rev. Thomas Walsh, Rector of the North Shore Catholic Station and Chaplain of the College, arrived, and were very much pleased with the many innocent amusements prepared on that occasion for the children. Father Walsh regretted very much that he conld not arrive sooner to meet his Lordship at the College, as he was occupied with many pressing duties of the sacred ministry in Kaukapakapa district. During his Lordship's visit the pupils sang for him, with good effect, many sacred songs, with which he was much pleased. In fact, the greatest order prevailed in this establishment. The children were clean, neat, cheerful, and healthy, giving th« highest credit to all parties connected with this very useful and salutary institution.