CATHOLIC MISSION

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 110, 12 May 1919, Page 8

CATHOLIC MISSION

The mission at St. Joseph's Church, Bucklc-streefcJ was brought to a close last night, hundreds being unablo to got within, tho church .doors, and was the most successful Catholic mission held in tho archdiocese of- -Wellington. A imique. record of the.,largest number to approach Holy Communion in any ono Catholic parish was estr.blished yesterday morning, when 1237 went to the altar rails. This makes a total of 12,260 communicants during tho fortnight's.' mission, which is a great tribute, to tho-missioners, the-.Rev. ■Fathors"~Ainsworth and M'Cai-thy, S.M.s, and to tho local parish priests, the Rev. Fathers. .Hurley: and O'Connor, S.M.'s. At' •the 10.30 Mas 3 yesterday, and also at.the 'evening; "'devotions, the missioners congratulated tho parishioners onthcir united response -to tho holy mission. After tho sermon in the evening the solemn ceremony of tho "Renewal of the-Baptismal ■Ypvys"." took "place, and the Papal blessing .was given. - His Grace Coadjutor Archbishop O lShea thanked the mi63ionors for their, zeal, and earnestness and tho parishioners'for their constant. attendance at tho mission. ' . "■"

This morning three Masses were celebrated at 6, 6.30, and 7 o'clock respectively, for the reposs of tho souls of tho Catholic soldiers who died during the war, the Catholics who. died during;. tho influenza opidemic, and deceased relatives of tho parishioners of • St. Joseph's Parish. ■ There were crowded congregations at each Mass; also communicants: •

The Rev. Fathers Ainsworth and .McCarthy, S.M.s, will next transfer their missionary labours to Gisborne, where thoy will commence a' mission on 21st May at Sf..-Mary's Church.