St Patrick’s Church Crowded For Confirmation Service

Grey River Argus, 7 November 1949, Page 4

St Patrick’s Church Crowded For Confirmation Service

About 150 children and adults were confirmed at St. Patrick’s Church last evening by His Lordship, Bishop P. F. Lyons, of Christchurch. Prior to administering the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Bishop addressed the congregation, particularly those about to be confirmed, and explained the meaning of the Sacrament and its purpose. He said it makes the recipients strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ. He stressed the obligations of children towards their parents, whose lead should in turn be exemplary. His Lordship spoke to the children on vocations which are an all holy and. important calling. The minor seminary at Riccarton had at present 70 boys studying for the priesthood, but was without a Greymouth representative, added Bishop Lyons. Both boys and girls were need’ed for the various religious orders and the grand Catholic parish of Greymouth would he felt sure have several aspirants. During the Confirmation service, the Bishop was assisted by the Very Rev. Father T. Liddy, Cathedral Administrator, and Rev. Father T. Daly. Solemn Benediction was celebrated by His Lordship, with the Rev. Dr. G. Harrison and Rev. Father T. Farrell as masters of ceremony. Bishop Lyons gave the Solemn Pontificial Blessing to the congregation, which was an exceptionally large one indeed. The Bishop leaves by car for Christchurch this morning, but he will cerebrate mass at St. Munchin’s Church, Totara Flat, en route. After attending the funeral of the Rev. Father Keane, His Lordship will return to Greymouth on Wednesday, where on that evening he will bless and present official badges to members of the Greymouth sections *'f the Diocesan Catholic Youth Movement. Pie will also preach at the ceremony which will be held in St. Patrick’s Church.