CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VIII, Issue 416, 1 April 1881, Page 15

CHRISTCHURCH.

fFrom our own Correspondent.) MA.BCH 28, 1881. The twenty-fifth of March was kept as a day of great devotion in the parish of Christchurch. The Masses and Vespers were well attended, the altars being richly decorated. The number of communicants on that day, as well as on last Sunday, was most edifying. The members of the Hibernian Society mustered strongly, there being about sixty in regalia, who approached Holy Communion. If there is one thing more than another which is necessary to keep this body together, it is the great work of approaching in a body, periodically, the table of the Lord. la this way they show a good example and draw with them men who are negligent of their duties in this respect. It was most gratifying to see so large a number attired in the lich regelia of the Order, and it is to be hoped that a larger number will be seen the next time. Our new Convent here is making favourable progress. The brick and stonework was commenced a week ago, and it is to be hoped that the good Sisters will be able to take shelter there ere the cold and wet season sets in — but it will greatly depend on those good people who promised help keeping their word. Assistance is now needed, and as the Sisters have little or no means of making their wants known, your readers, I hope, will excuse this allusion of mine to their present indigence. The Most Rev. Dr. Lanigan, Lord Bishop of Goulbum, accompanied, by his secretary, the very Rev. Father Dunne, visited Christchurch last week, and during his stay was the guest of our hospitable and indefatigable parish -priest. He visited all the schools and satisfied himself as to their efficiency in various branches. He expressed himself highly pleased both with the number of pupils and the accommodation provided, especially, as he remarked, when Catholics received no Government aid. He addressed the pupils in each school a rew kind words, explained to them the difference between the education given in. these schools and that given in Government ones, and encouraged them to persevere in their studies and never to forget their final end, which was for God. I understand he was highly pleased with this city and surroundings, which were shown him by the parish priest, and. after Mass yesterday he told the congregation then present how delighted he was to see the large number of people who approached Holy Communion. He arrived fiom Ireland per s.s. Norfolk, and leaves here to-morrow for his destination. He is accompanied by three priests and several postulants for the Convent. The Most Rev. Dr. Redwood, Lord Bishop of the Diocese, is expected here some day during this week. On Sunday night the parish priest addressed an immense congregation, when he announced the return of His Lordship. He referred to his visit to the Holy See, the faith cf Catholics and the character of the Popes, who were the successors of Oar Lord Himself. It is intended to give the Bishop a ritual reception. The ceremony is to take place in the Church, where as many of the congregation as it cam hold wilL be present. I shall furnish you with, an account of it £or your next issue. In my last I stated that the pupils of both boys' schools here have had two games of cricket, resulting in each winning a game, though the play was in favour of the pupils of the High school. The settling match, was played on the 25th inst.. when eleven of the best in each school were chosen to decide the contest, The captain of St. Loo's won the toss and put his men in, -who were disposed of for 53 runes. The pupils of St. Patrick's followed and were disposed of for 27. St. Leo's again took the bat and scored 35, making a total of 88. It seems this high score did not frighten in the least the others, who, as real sons of St. Patrick, disliked a beating and so were determined to win, which they did with, only 8 wickets, they having 3 wickets to spare. The season so far is in favour of St. Patrick's school.