CATHOLIC CHURCH

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20326, 27 January 1936, Page 5

CATHOLIC CHURCH

A memorial service was held yesterday in the Sacred Heart Church at which Roman Catholics were given the • opportunity of praying for the repose of the soul of King George. One hour of Intercession began at 7 p.m. It opened with the hymn "Nearer, My God, to Thee,” followed by the Exposition of the Holy Sacrament, which continued during the hour. The Litany

of the Saints and the Litany of the Holy Name were recited, and the hymn, “Come, Holy Ghost,” was sung. An address was given by Father W. Peoples, S.M., and the service ended with the playing of the Dead March in “Saul.” A large congregation was present. Father Peoples In his address gave the reasons why the people should honour and respect the Crown. Quoting from the text “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s” (St. Matthew 22: 21), Father Peoples emphasised the fact that it was incumbent on them to render to men their dues, at the same time reserving for the Church all things spiritual. Their loyalty to the Crown should be firm and active. Speaking of the life of King George, Father Peoples said it was a case of honour where honour was due. He had been a man of great honour and of self-respect and he had by his example commanded the admiration and respect of all. The late King’s reign had been marked by many vicissitudes; he had sat on the Throne through 25 years of martial and economic turmoil, and throughout it all he had remained serene, firm and confident, giving to his subjects a splendid example. The early years of his reign had been marked by the tragedy of war. During those terrible years, the late King had worked unceasingly for his subjects, striving at all times to achieve peace. The example he set to the nation in those years had done much to hold firm the morale of the nation and eventually to bring peace. Likewise in the later years of his reign, when economic principle after principle had been smashed and crisis had followed crisis, both internal and external, his example and his general sympathy with all classes had held the foundations of the Empire secure. Well could they honour the memory of King George. Now that he was stripped of all royalty, now that he had gone like all men to meet his Maker, they prayed for the repose of his soul. They offered to the Queen, King Edward, and the Royal Family, their deepest sympathy and sorrow, tendering prayers for their consolation and for guidance in the future.