CATHOLIC MISSION IN WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 233, 19 October 1877, Page 7

CATHOLIC MISSION IN WELLINGTON.

The first Catholic Mission, which has ever been given to the people of Wellington, was opened on Sunday, the 23rd September, after eleven o'clock Mass, at St. Mary's Cathedral, by the Rev. Father Hennebery, a missionary who has spent upwards of twenty -five years in similar labours all through the United States, and along the Pacific Coast of America. He had come to New Zealand by the last mail steamer from 'Frisco, having been invited to the diocese by His Lordship Dr. Redwood, who takes such a zealous interest in those committed to his care, well knowing what beneficial results would follow a mission preached by such a holy man, and one having such experience in the vineyard of missionary labours in America. The opening sermon was occupied in describing the institution and object of missions, of the many graces which are bestowed during the time of a mission, and the happy results which accrue to those who faithfully observe the conditions. While describing his experience in America with regard to missions, he illustrated his remarks with numerous anecdote?, which occasionally stirred the risible faculties of the congregation to roars of laughter. The next moment he had the minds of the audience enthralled with emotion, while tears glistened in their eyes, as lie pictured in pathetic language the sad and calamitous doom that had . 'befallen those whose apathy and indifference had caused them not to attend his missions. He spoke for about two hours and a half in a most eloquent manner, and in an impassioned peroration exhorted the congregation then present, and all the Catholics of this city, not to fail to avail themselves of the glorious mission which they were then entering upon, and which if attended to in a proper and devout manner, would carry with it the most beneficial results, and be tlie means of doing incalculable good to the whole city. At the conclusion of his discourse, which "was listened to with rapt attention, he made known the arrangements which had been made regarding the mission services. There wero to be three services daily with a sermon at each, and at two of which at least they were supposed to attend. The first service was to commence at half-past five in the morning, at which those engaged in labour during the day wore to be piesent. The next service was at nine o'clock for those unable to attend the early one. In the evening at seven o'clock, the service commenced with instructions on the mysteries of the Rosary, tlaen the Rosary itself, followed by a sermon, and then Benediction, of the Blessed Sacrament. The morning services were well attended, and in the evening the Cathedral was literally crowded to overflow-ing — seats having to be placed along the aisles and .within the rails of the three altars, and still there was not room for those who crowded in, many being unable to get further than the aisle door. Tho people of both parishes were veiy punctual in their attendance at the different services ; while others came long distances from the couutry to be present at the morning and evening exercises. During the first week of the mission, special sermons were preached for the different states of the parishioners. The married ladies had their instructions on Tuesday, regarding their spiritual and

domestic duties, at which no others were permitted to be present. Next morning the unmarried ladies and girls over twelve were treated to some salutary advice respecting their domestic and social position in life, and admonished against the growing evils of modern society. Dress and personal adornment were severely censured as occupying too great a portion of the mind and time of the young ladies of the present day ; and it was shown to them that these things, when dispensed with, did not in the slightest degree lessen the respect that should be paid towards the members of the fair sex, but, on the contrary, exalted their virtues, and placed them higher in the minds of sensible men. On Thursday morning, at five o'clock, the manned men of both parishes were present, to hear the instructions to be given them appertaining to their position in the family and society, and the numerous duties that devolve upon them as heads of the household circle. On the following morning, the unmarried men and boys over twelve years of age, attended in large numbers at the like early hour, to receive the instructions which should be given them in relation to their stage of life, and their spiritual and temporal welfare, The rev. lecturer dwelt at groat length on the glorious time of youth —the spring of life —when men start out on the great voyage of life, and enter on that short journey which is but a pilgrimage to eternal life in a better world. He told them how pleasing in the sight of God was youth pure and undefiled, and how much God loved youthful persons. He counselled them against tho many temptations and evils that beset them in their path through life, and exhorted them not to follow in the footsteps of those, who exert all their strength and nature, in endeavouring to make a " mark" in this life, without any thoughts of the next. By being sober, honest, industrious, and God-fearing they would spend their days usefully and happily here, and would enjoy everlasting felicity hereafter. At the evening exercises, the sermons, which occasionally extended over two hours in delivery, were on the most important subjects connected with the teachings of doctrine of the Catholic Church. In several of his discourses, he treated on the subject of secular education, denouncing it in the strongest and most emphatic language, proclaiming it to be the forerunner of a deluge of infidelity, to pour over that country which established by law such a nefarious system. He took the present case of America as an illustration of what purely secular education, without the knowledge of God and religion, will effect wherever it is established. The present deplorable condition of America he said, had resulted from the purely secular system of education, established there about twenty-five years ago, by which God and religion were banished from the school, and the knowledge of the child; and there are thereby now produced 20,000,000 of infidels who not fearing God or eternal punishment, give themselves up to every conceivable system of crime and public robbery. On Sunday, the 30th —the commencement of the second week of the Mission—after High Mass, Father Hennebeiy delivered a most eloquent and impressive sermon on " Drunkenness," and the disastrous effects to the family and society that follow in its train. With the eloquence and persuasive earnestness of a Father Mathew, he exhorted them to discountenance the glowing evil of intemperance, which was sweeping like a second deluge over all civilised countries ; and to join in the great cause which was spreading forth its might in every land to stem this evil tide. He said that at tlie conclusion of all his addresses on this subject, he always asks his audience to stand up and take the pledge from him, he added, " I now ask yours. Rise up." He paused for a moment, casting a searching glance all through the congregation. He again repeated Ms request, —" Arise, and take the pledge" —and the whole congregation as one person obeyed tho mandate. After explaining the form of the pledge —that it was neither an oath nor a vow —he desired them to hold up their right hand, and repeat the words of the pledge after him. Immediately up go 800 hands, and in a loud and distinct voice each person repeated the words. What a glorious sight! to see such a number of men, women, and children repeating in a shout that reverberated through the cathedral walls the same words which so many of their countrymen had rent the air with all over the Green Isle, when repeating them after that glorious Apostle of Temperance, the immortal Father Matthew. In the evening he repeated the same procedure, and enlisted under the temperance banner ISO persons more; and continued to do so every evening during the week, gaining additional numbers on each occasion. Perhaps the most interesting feature during the whole of the Mission, to the clergy at least was the presence at the several services, and their subsequently receiving the Sacraments, of numbers who had not entered the portals of a Catholic Church for lengthened periods. This was the ostensible end of the Mission, and it satisfied the expectations of the most sanguine. The Mission was closed on Saturday evening, 7th instant., with a most impressive ceremony, including the renewal of Baptismal vows. Hibernicus.