RELIGIOUS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1212, 24 May 1895, Page 28

RELIGIOUS.

The new Catholic Church at Johnsonville was opened on Sunday morning Solemn High Mass was celebrated by the Very Rev Dr Watters, the Rev Father Hickson being deacon and the Rev Father Clancy sub-deacon. The Revs Fathers Donnelly and Marnane (Christchurch) were also present. Glover’s Mass was sung by the choir of St. Mary of the Angels, Boulcott street. His Grace Archbishop Redwood preached the opening sermon. After congratulating Father Donnelly, he thanked the choir and all concerned, and acknowledged the assistance given by Miss Palmer in decorating the altar.- In the afternoon the Archbishop administered the sacrament of confirmation to about 30 young people. After the ceremony an address was read to His Grace by Mr Felix O’Neill. The new church will seat about 200 people. Messrs Edwards and Palmer were the contractors. A crowded congregation was present at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, when there were Solemn Vespers, with procession. The Vespers were by Rossi and Emmerich, the soloists being Mesdames Swift and Cimino, Misses Pender and Gibbes, Messrs Loughnan, Laisliley and Gamble. The orchestra was under the leadership of Master C. Cimino, a lad of 18 years. Mr S. Cimino conducted, and Miss Kelly played the organ accompaniments. • There was a very large attendance at the Opera House on Sunday, when Pollard’s Liliputian Opera Company gave a sacred concert. Every seat was occupied and all the available standing room was also taken up. Miss Marion Mitchell received quite an ovation for her singing of Hoben’s “ Ave Maria,” the violin accompaniment to which was played by M. Willimoff. Miss Wilson sang “The Deathless Army,” Miss Metcalfe “Do You Remember,” Miss May Beatty “In Vain,” Miss Maud Beatty “ Eternity,” and Miss Samuels “ I must be there.” A couple of concerted numbers — “ Blinding the Eyes ” and “ O Cruel Fate ” —were sung by the company, and Master Plowman played a cornet solo. The orchestra was under the conductorship of Mr Harrison. All the numbers were given with the skill that always distinguishes the members of this clever little company, and the audience showed their appreciation by frequent encores and liberal applause. Despite the inclemency of the weather a large audience assembled at St. Joseph’s Church, Buckle street, on Tuesday, when the Rev Father Goggan delivered his second lecture on “ The Life of Our Lord.” The period described was from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem till his ascension, and the lecture was illustrated by a nipnber of very beautiful views shown on an 18ft scree#.' They iiiplqdpd eppies frpip the masters, |-hp stations of the Cross, “The Crucifixion” (Gustave J)orp) paid other pictures. The views, which were shown with remarkable clearness, were much admired, During the evening the following appropriate pieces were sung;-=- “ Rock of ages,” Miss B. Diedericb ; “ God of Mercy,” Miss N- Gallagher ; “ Dolorosa,” Mits Ross; “ Ecce Panis Angelorum,” Miss and Mr Ross ; “ Palms,” Mr Platts, with violin obbligato by Mr H. McCardell; “Calvary,” Mr L. Dwan; “Resignation,” Mr W. Ross. Miss M. O’Driscoll played the accompaniments.