CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume 26, Issue 349, 26 December 1879, Page 15

CHRISTCHURCH.

A MEMORABLE DAY. Monday the Bth inst. being the Feast of the Immaculate Conception was chosen as the day on which the children of the required age in the parish, should make their first communion. Rev. Father Devoj-, Spiritual Director of the Sunday schools, had been incessant in his endeavours to prepare the little ones for this great act of their lives, and judging from the large number (130) who were presented on that morning his labours had not been in vain. The Feast, though not one of obligation, was generally observed as such by the people. There were three Masses during the day, and benediction during the evening. At the children's Mass, which took place at 9.30 a.m., the Church was crowded, there being at least 600 boys and girls belonging to the schools, and more than twice as many adults. The girls, (under the care of their devoted and self-sacrificing teachers, the Sisters) were all neatly attired, especially those approaching Holy Communion, who wore white robes decked with wreaths and veils. The boys, too, were in their holiday garb ; the privileged ones wearing rosettes, white gloves and ties. Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Devoy, the childmi wnginjr suitable hymns, and Professor Hughes accompanying on the grand organ. After the Gospel the good priest who had already done so much towards preparing these children, addressed them for the last time previous to their receiving. The words ot his text weie, '" Suffer the little childien to come to me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." That he succeeded in interesting them with the preference shown innocent little ones by our Lord when he made uso of these words was most evident. The rev. Father recapitulated, as it were, his previous instructions to them ; and whilst not frightening or perplexing them in the least, he nevertheless forcibly impressed upon their young minds the stupendous favour about to be bestowed on them by Jesus Christ in giving Himself to them as their spiritual food. He was evidently much affected himself, whilst discoursing on the great love of God for mankind. His words had a remarkable effect upou the whole cougregation, many of whom were moved to tears. That his words were thoroughly understood by the children was evident from their subsequent demeanour. Their devout attention dur-

ing the Holy Sacrifice, and the quiet and orderly manner in which one and all approached the Communion rails were most edifying, and the cause of very favourable comment by those who witnessed them. One Protestant gentleman of culture, who has been a frequenter of Catholic Churches in the Old Country, and all through the Australian Colonies, during the last quarter of a century, was heard to say that he never witnessed such order and discipline amongst children, and. regretted thut such a sight was not seen by his Protestant friends. The Rev. Father Ginaty, with his usual consideration for little ones, provided the communicants with a sumptuous breakfast. He too felt happy and properly so, for as all fathers rejoice at seeing their children happy, so did he, being their spiritual father, at seeing so many innocent faces around him. After breakfast the children were let play in the school ground, and spent the time till near 2 o'clock in innocent arr.nsements. Two o'clock found the children again in the Church, in order to renew their baptismal vows. The Rev. Father Devoy, for the second time that day addressed them, taking for his text : " I will make with you an eternal alliance." He reminded them of the promise made by their sponsers at baptism, and traced minutely their progress from then to the present time, when, having sense and reason capable of understanding the instructions necessary, before knowing well the Catholic Faith, they were about being called upon to seal that promise by their own words in the presence of our Lord. After a long and instructive sermon, he, assisted by the Rev. Fathers Ginaty and Gruenholz, led the children to the foot of the altar, where they repeated the words usually said on this occasion. A similar order to that carried out in the morning was observed. This memorable event concluded with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, the children chanting the usual hymns, after which they were dismissed to their homes, evidently happy in soul and body. In the evening there was devotion, at which the greater portion of the parish was present. A sermon of the Rev. Father Ginaty on the humility of the Blessed Virgin, was followed by Benediction. A considerable addition to the ranks of the Children of Mary was made during the day, as could be observed by the large attendance of members at the evening devotion. " The Guard of Honour " was also well represented. I believe the Fjast of the Immaculate Conception, 1879, will long be remembered in Christchurch, and with God's help will, owing to the becoming manner in which it was celebrated, draw down blessings on this already favoured parish of Christchurch. Before closing, permit me to say that the children's annual school treat takes place on St. Stephen's Day, 26th inst., at the Racecourse. A more suitable place could not be secured in all Canterbury, the trains run to the ground. The committee consider themselves very fortunate, and desire to tender their best thanks to the Canterbury Jockey Club. Provision has been made to take parents and others who may care to accompany the children, so that an opportunity is given to partake of a grand Catholic excursion. It is expected that young and old will meet at the church on the morning of that day about 10 a.m., where a procession will be formed en route to the railway. The brass band of the H.A.C.B. Society will accompany the excursionists.