LEESTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IX, Issue 429, 1 July 1881, Page 15

L E E S T O N.

June 28, 1881. On Sunday, 26th instant, a large number of children received their first Communion. Notwithstanding the severity of the weather the Church was crowded. There were several other communicants too, as the Easter time for approaching Holy Communion was drawing to a close. The Rev. J. C. Chervier, previous to the children receiving Holy Communion gave them a beautiful and clear instruction upon the Blessed Sacrament, proving to them in plain and most conclusive language that they were goin? to receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ with His soul and divinity. He took for his text those beautiful words, " This is my body," " this is my blood." The Rev. Father also interrogated the young communicants on the principal mysteries of their religion, they answered all questions correctly, distinctly, and within the hearing of the congregation. Next followed their Acts of Faith, Love, Adoration, and Desire, and after Communion an Act of Thanksgiving. Immediately after the Mass the Rev. Father announced to his congregation that he would give them twenty minutes intermission, after which he would expect to see them all in the church again. This pause was given for the purpose of allowing the children, who were fasting, time for some refreshment. This being over, the children repeated their baptismal vows, after which we had Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. In conclusion the Rev. Father, before dismissing the young communicants, advised them to love God and keep His commandments, avoid evil and do good ; and above all never to forget tteir devotion to the Blessed Mother of God, "the help of Christians." Mr. John Pope, of Ly ttelton, presided at the harmonium assisted by the choir from New Headford. Mr. Pope and his choir performed their parts in a pleasing and becoming manner, and the thanks of this congregation are due to them. In fine, it was a glorious day for the Catholics of this district, and one that will leave blessings behind it and sweet thoughts that will long remain green in our memories. Thanks be to God and to our zealons and indefatigable pastor. Thiggin Thu.