HIBERNIAN SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18458, 23 July 1923, Page 8

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY.

AUCKLAND BRANCH JUBILEE. CELEBRATIONS COMMENCED The Auckland branch'of the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit ■ Society this week; celebrates 50 years of its existence-, It ranks ; fourth in order ;of ' formation; in the Dominion, and in membership and ifinance compares more than 'favourably with the 66 branches' of the society in the Dominion and by careful administration it has progressed satisfactorily, The celebration festivities began' yesterday morring when 200 members attended a special Mass in Si Patrick's Cathedral, celebrated vby Dr; J. .M. Listen.* coadjutor j bishop, •:'■' who also addressed the members, * congratulating ," them on V their jubilee and emphasising the necessity of organisation in order to attain the objects sought by them. v The bishop: set forth the aims and objects of the society, and commended them to the consideration of those outside the ranks of the society, to' whom he earnestly appealed- to -join and thus provide for themselves in times of stress.. The whole body approached Holy Communion arrayed in their regalia. :.-.' . ; , In the evening the members .assembled again at- the cathedral and outside formed a guard of ' honour for Dr. H. W., Cleary and entered the church with him, occupying seats in the front portion of the church; ; >i Dr. Cleary,; after the Rosary, addressed the members arid the* congregation* ' . v''-,-: : n. .'■'..•'.':: : -/ ■ T/he occasional sermon was preached by .Bishop Cleary. He summarised the spirit of the society's work as love of the old and new lands, love of the old faith, and love of their fellow-men. He described the qualities that brought Irish Roman Catholics through dark and evil days as an intense faith ;in God, -a- vivid sense of His hear preseace, an : unconquerable hope and cheerfulness, a sense of humour, and magnificent courage, endurance and tenacity in all that related to,faith, freedom . and nationality. He concluded by commending the " society to all Roman. Catholic men in the city and diocese^ After the sermon Pontifical Benediction was given by Dr. Cleary, assisted by Dr. Liston, the Rev. Father Bradley, adm. deacon, and the Rev. Father Murphy, subdeacon. Dean Lightheart was also present in the sanctuary. The hymns, 'Hail, Glorious St. Patrick " arid " Faith of Our Fathers," were sung by the choir and congregation. « This evening a banquet will be held at the Tiffin dining room, at which the toast of the evening will be proposed by Bishop Cleary. . Bishop Liston will also speak, with others. A good musical programme Will be rendered. , : , ■.'.