ROMAN CATHOLIC SYNOD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4991, 2 May 1884, Page 3

ROMAN CATHOLIC SYNOD.

[Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, Mat 1. The first Synod of the Roman Catholic Church of this diocese having been convoked some time ago, Bishop Luck opened it this morning, in St Patrick's Cathedral. Its proceedings were inaugurated with the celebration of Pontifical High Mass. The clergy assembled in the presbytery, and marched thence, in processional order, to the Cathedral, headed by the Bishop, who wore his episcopal robes and mitre, and carried a crozier. The Bishop addressed a few words to the congregation, explaining | the nature of the Synod, and congratulat- | ing the people upon the celebration of such an important event among them. The Mass was then proceeded with, and, at its close, the laity withdrew, and the church doors were closed. The Synod was then constituted, and its first session began. ! The Bishop said the customary prayers and intoned " Veni Creator," which wa3 taken up by the precentors, Fathers Luck and O'Gara, 0.5.8., and joined in by the whole body of priests. Prayer ended, the Bishop ascended the throne, and having read the Latin allocation prescribed for such occasions, he briefly addressed the assembly upon matters to be discussed during the Synod. At the close of his address the officers of the

Synod were named by the Bishop. The roll of the clergy of the diocese was then called and three were found to be absent on duty. After this, the Profession of Faith which is found in the Roman Ritual, and which is commonly called the creed of Pope Pius XIV., with additions required since the Vatican Council, was made by all the clergy, headed by the Bishop. Other regulations concerning the conduct of the clergy during the term of the Synod having been made known, the Bishop gave his blessing, and the day's proceedings terminated.