DAY OF NATIONAL PRAYER

Evening Star, Issue 16549, 8 October 1917, Page 6

DAY OF NATIONAL PRAYER

At St. Josep'n's : —October 7, 1917 (Rosary Sunday), the anniversary of the great Christian victory over the' Tiirlos, -when their power for evil was finally broken at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, will long be remembered by Catholics in this City. Special prayers for peace -and final victory to rest with our soldiers of the allied forces v.-ero offered throughout the day. At St. Joseph's Cathedral. the accommodation, of tho spacious building was severely taxed at almost all tho services (6.30, 7.*30, 9.0, 11.0 a.m., 3.0 and 6.30 p.m.), whether the sun was shining or the rain falling. At 11 a.m. a solemn High Mass was sung by the Rev. Father Kavency, Rev. Father Mangan, C.S.S.R., acting as deacon and Rev. Walter Monaghan as sub-deacon. Very Rev. Father Coffey, Adm., preached the occasional sermon, pointing out the significance of the date chosen, expressed his gratification at the edifying spectacle displayed at tho earlier Classes in the unprecedented numbers who had approached the Communion rails, and feelingly urged tho congregation to pray to the 'God of Victories and to the Queen of Peace to bless the allied arms and bring the frightful struggle to a speedy termination. The music of Gounod's Mass was tastefully rendered by the choir, under tho baton of Signor Squariso, and Mr A. Vallis presided at the organ. His Lordship the Most Rev. Dr Verdon was present in the sanctuary. At 3 p.m. a procession was formed at St. Joseph's Schoolroom of boys and girls with the Children of Mary, and proceeded to the Cathedral with banners flying, where the full 15 decades of tho Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary wero recited. At 6.30 p.m. the Forty "Hours' Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was brought to a close with compline, procession, and benediction, the Bishop (tho Most Rev. Dr Verdon) officiating. The preacher on this occasion was tho Rev. Father Mangan, C.S.S.R. South Dunedin Presbyterian.—Services of humiliation and intercession were conducted by the Rev. R. Fairmaid at the South Dunedin Presbyterian Church yesterday. The hymns. Scripture reading, and prayers were all appropriate to the occasion. Preaching from the text, Matthew v., 13 ("Ye are the salt of tho earth"), the preacher stressed the points of the privilege, dignity, and responsibility of tho Christian Church. Her position in the affairs of human life was unique. Tho Church was superior to all other institutions, including empires, in the world. This was evident at such a time as this, when by request of tho Government of this country a day was set apart for special confession and intercession in ber half of the Empire and her vast interests m this hour of crisis. The term "preservation of national, commercial, industrial, and domestic well-being" was the Christian element. This stood for the safeguarding' of every- human interest. The Empire is on her trial to-day; no less the Church, which is the best allv of ttfe nation. If the Church heed not her hi"h commission she must lose her savor, which is her power. Are there not disquieting signs m tho treatment of God's Dav, God's House, and God's Word? Let us'turn in penitence to God and honor Him; then the day of deliverance and victory will come speedily.

A combined service was held last nicht m the Waikouaiti Public Hall. Though' it was raining hard, there was an attendance of about 350. 'The Mavor (Mr J. G L Kerr) presided, and tlie ministers who tool: part in the service -were the Rev E J. Neale (Anglican), J. J. Cairney (p'rcsbvtenan), and H. Orchard (Methodist). Ihe preacher was the Rev. Professor J.'ickie, who gave a highly interestinjr address which was listened to with close attention.