VISIT OF THE BISHOP OF CHRISTCHURCH TO SHAND'S TRACK.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVI, Issue 29, 9 November 1888, Page 7

VISIT OF THE BISHOP OF CHRISTCHURCH TO SHAND'S TRACK.

This neat little church, which is situated amongst a thriving and agricultural population, surrounded by several rows of large bluegum trees, giving it a most pleasing aspect, was founded by their most zealous pa9tor, Key. Father Ohervier, a pioneer well known in the early days to many an old colonist when railroads and churches were not in existence. On Sunday, October 21, it seemed rather lively, being the occasion of his Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes' visit to administer Confirmation. He drove out that morning from Christchnrch, being a pleasant drive, only about twelve miles distant, accompanied by a priest whoae name I could not ascertain. Tne church was crowded, and I noticed a good many people of different persuasions present who came to hear his Lordship. Some of them, I believe, would feel rather disappointed, as his Lordship did not give a very long sermon. He must have felt very exhausted over exertions in duty, having had to give Confirmation at Temuka on the Sunday previous. Bat the sermon was very good|and to the purpose, most touching on the children, aad any aged person could leara a lesson from it. Father Chervier celebrated last Mass, and as soon as it was over his Lordship preached an eloquent sermon, taking his text from Matt, xxii., 15, 21. At that time the Pharisees went and consulted amongst themselves how to ensnare Jesus in his speech, asking was it lawful to give tribute to Ci»sar or not. But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said :—": — " Why do you tempt me, ye hypoc rites ? Show me the coin of the tribute," and they offered him a penny, and Jesus said to them :—": — " Whoae image aud snperßcription is this ? " They say to Him, Cseiar's. Then He saith to them :—": — " Render, therefore, to Caesar the things that are Cse«ar's, and to God the things that are God's." His Lordship exhorted the people very eloquently to imitate the example of Christ and to reuded to God tne things that are God's. Then he alluded to the Sacrament he was about to administer by quoting an instance of our Blessed Lord when the people rebuked the children forcrowdiug round Him, saying :— " Suffer tnoae little ones to come unto Me, for suota is the Kingdom of Heaven." He next dwelt on the efficacy of the Sacrament ot Confirmation showing how necessary it was for oar salvation, how weak and trembling the disciples were, how they shut themselves upjin dread of the Jews, till our Lord sent the Paraclete to them ; and whtn they were filled with tt-3 Spirit of the Holy Ghost, how they went forth teaching all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. And behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world." (Matt, xxviii., 18, 20.)

He next examined the children presented for Confirmation very scrupulously, aad I must say the very prompt answering and the decorum they presented reflected great credit on their venerable pastor, who took so much pains in their preparation. After Confirmation, he enrolled nearly all in tbe church in the Society of the Sacred Heart, which brought this most pleasing ceremony to a termination.