WANGANUI.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume X, Issue 496, 13 October 1882, Page 21

WANGANUI.

(From an occasional correspondent.) We have been lately favoured by a visit from the missionary, the Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais. He preached to large audiences in the church on Sunday, 17th September. In the morning he took for his subject " Liberty," and in the evening he discoursed on " The Christian Family." I need hardly add the treatment of his subjects was excellent. On Monday evening (18th), the eloquent Father gave the brilliant lecture on " Origin of Mao," a report of which has been already forwarded to you. On the following: Thursday the opening of a mission took place at Turakina. The mission, which was a success, finished on Sunday morning. On Monday, 25th September, the church was beautifully decorated, the altars being adorned with a large number of vases filled with fragrant flowers, candelabra, &c. It was evident a great festival was to be celebrated. And, indeed, a true feast was the occasion of the special arrangements. At eight o'clock a procession, headed by the President of the Children of Mary, entered the western door of the church. Following her were a large number of children dressed in white with veils and wreaths, and the Children of of Mary. Then came the postulants and nuns ; the procession closing with thiee young ladies who had finished their novitiate and were about to make their religious profession in the institute of St. Joseph. The Very Rev. F.ither Le Menant, assisted by Rev. Father Kirk, interrogated the do vices as to their dispositions, Sec, and then lead souae of the prayers appointed. After handing the lighted candUs to the novices, the goo i missionary addressed the large congiegation present and those about to be espoused to Jesus, in a very convincing and touching di-course of some three quarters of a hour's duration. Mass was then celebrated, the novices coming forward and making their profession just as they were about receiving Jesus Christ into their hearts in Holy Communion. When Mass was over the veils and rings for the newly professed were blessed. The Sister* who were, up to this, wearing white veils with wreaths on their heads, left the altar, and soon returned having on the brown veil and acr >wn of thorns. This crown was soon taken off by the officiating piiest, who reminded the Sisters that this should give place to the crown of eternal glory. With Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament the ceremony ended. After the ceremony the fathers and the friends of the professtd were entertained by the Sisters of St. Joseph at the convent. The young ladies professed are Sister Mary Patrick Troy, Sister Mary AJoyiius Malone, and Sister Mary Stanislaus Newcombe. The ceremonies were so impressive that many were seen in tears.