Roman Catholic Council.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 131, 5 December 1885, Page 4

Roman Catholic Council.

The proceedings in connection with the Plenary Council of tho lloman Catholic Church were opened formally with an imposing religious ceremony at St. Mary's Cathedral Sydney, on November 15. Councils such as the present one are held but seldom, and never unless there are questions of grave importanco to be considered and docided. The Council is oxpected, in one direction at least, to shape, in a considerable measure, the social future of the colonies by the rules and la wa it devises for tho guidance and government of the Roman Catholic communion in Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, and Fiji. The Council is composed of 70 tnombors, including the Cardinal, 16 prelates and theologians, secretaries, dignitaries, heads of religious orders, and the clerical representatives of the various dioceses. On the 14th tho preliminary proceedings took place in the Cardinal's residence and in St. Mary's Cathedral, but there was nothing of public interest don©. The public opening next day attracted a great assemblage of people from all parts of the city and suburbs, and the ceremonies were remarkable for their spectacular grandeur. After a grand procession, pontifical high mass was celebrated ; Bishop Redwood, of New Zealand, then preached to a congregation numbering betweon 4,000 and 5,000. The Victorian representatives included the Bishop of Ballarat, Archdeacon Slattery, Dr. Corbett, Prior Butler, Dr. Kevillo (Coadjutor Bishop of Saudhurst), Father Sturze, S.J., of Melbourne, and Father Davey, of Sandhurst.