TEMUKA LETTER.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 28, 10 April 1891, Page 15

TEMUKA LETTER.

(From an Occasional Correspondent.) Temuka, April 6, 1891. As I intimated in my previous letter, the services in Holy Week were

very impressive. Tbe Holy sacrifice of Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Fauvel at 10 o'clock, the congregation being large. The principal altar, that of the Blessed Virgin, and the statuary were draped, giving the beautiful church a very solema appearance. Tbe cboir had been carefully trained for these solemnities by the Rev. Father Aubry, and their efforts were exceptionally good. Webbe's Mass in G was rendered, and at the offertory tbe " O Salutaris." After Mass a solemn procession of tbe Blessed Sacrament took place. It was formed at the altar, and was headed by a beautiful silk banner (che work of the Sisters), on which was tbe p.cture of the Saviour of Mankind instituting tbe Blessed S-icrameat. Next c^me ithe children, the boys wearing a broad red sash and the girls in white, each carrying a lighted candle. These were folowed by the altar boys (two carrying the large candlestick-) and Father Aubry. |The Rev. Father Fauvel, under the elaborate canopy (a'so worked by Ithe Sisters), carried by four boys, came next, bearing the Blessed ISacrament. The procession marched along the passage towards the Idoor, around the vacant space at the end of the church, and to the laltar of Repose, the chcir peeling forth " Pange Lingua." When the laltar was leached "TantumErgo" was sung. The Altar of Repos Iwas most beautiful to behold St. Joseph's altar being transformed ■into it. This was the best attempt at effect I have e-ien, and it is Kifncult for an unskilled pen to describe it when that of a cannoisseur ■srtquired. It was tbe combined work of the Fathers Fau»el and ikubry and the Sister?. The altar was about 18ft. by 10ft. The Hnche in which stands the statue of St. Joseph, was obscured by whi'e material, and from tbe top to the bottom of the altar hung elaborate lace curtains, and on these were artistic sprays of roses. The whole was surmounted by a long string of roses of different shades (of Bourse artificial), made into an oval shape. This was set ftff to perfection by the beautiful gilt edging of the vestry wall. Kielow were made five steps, on which were innumerable candles. ■Jetween each candlestick (which for the most part were silvered BIaES, which gave tte whole a sparkling appearance) were vases, Bon tain ing roses and other species of flowers, natural and artificialHlach side of the altar stood the branch candlesticks, and around the Hltar. on the floor, wa9 a largo profusion of flowers in pots and in and some evergreens. On this ravishing alt»r, which waß beBond describing, tbe Sacred Host resttd until the following day. The Mttendance of adorers (ladies in the day and gen'l "men at night, a g as the Sisters) during the exposition was most edifying. In the the altar, wuh its lights and flowers, looked really ravishing. tbe artis's muat be complimented on their skill.

The Good Friday services commenced at nine o'clock. Father Fiuvcl again officiating. Everything was carried out with great dncot am. During the Adoration of (he Gross the choir sang " O Come and Mourn." These services being completed, a procession was again formed, and the Bleesed Sacrament was carried from the Altar of Rppose to the High Altar, the choir singing " Vexilla Regis. " The Mass of the Pre-Sanctified was then celebrated, lhe ceremonies i<£ this memorable day concluded with the Way of the Cross.

On the Feast of Easter the Church was transformed from its sorrc wful appearance to one which is seldom seen in the churches of the colony. Everything looked perfect. High Mass was sung by the Rev. Father Fauvel at 10 o'clock, and preached a concise and practical sermon on the Feast. The choir on this occasion excelled all its previous exertions ; their renditions, to say the least, were excellent, and reflected unqualified praise on their teacher, Father Aubiy.

Before Mass tbe " Resurrection Hymn " and " Vici Aqaam " was sung. The " Kyrie " and " Gloria " were from Est's Mass, ♦* Credo " from Winter's Mass, and " Sanctus" and " Agnus Dei " from Bordese's Mass. Before the Gospel " O Filii et Filiae " was rendered. The Offert.ry piece was one of Labat de Serene's elaborate compositions*

" Regina Coeli, Laetare." This was given in three parts, and the effect was really splendid. Two voluntaries were also rendered, and after Mass a " Grand March "by the famous composer Haydn. In the evening Solemn Vespers were sung. At the Benediction the choir saug the " O Salutaris'' and " Tan turn Ergo " from St. Mary's Service. The " Litany " was from the Parochial Hymn Book, a very able composition iv four parts by Father Police, and this was very effective. The " Regina Coeli " wan again rendered with equal success. Miss Quinn presided at the organ at both services, and contributed sub* stantially to the choir's success.

The neat little church of St. Mary's, Pleasant Point, on Easter Sunday was not surpassed by its neighbouring churches for beauty. In time it will be a very near approach in design to that of the famous church of St. Joseph, which is being visited weekly by tourists from all parts of the colony. Two lateral altaiß have just been erected in the above church, and the coup de grace on these handsome additions is the work of the Sisters of the Kerry town Convent. It is in the shape of some specimens of the painter's of a unique design. On a splendidly-done ground-work of marble on the front of the altar erected to the honour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is some fine work. At the four corners are painted red passion flowers, while ia the centre tbe letter "M " is encircled with a wreath of lilies. On the front of St. Joseph's altar the letter " J " is artistically encircled in golden leaf. The altars, with their rare lace and artificial flowers present a very nice appearance, and the work just mentioned is a credit to the Sisters, and only substantiates what is said about them, that they are skilled in every art. The decorations on the day in question were supplemented by evergreens and natural flowers, which unquestionably contributed to the beautiful spectacle. High Mass was celebrated at 10 o'clock by the Rev. Father Aubry, who has the charge of this portion of the palish, the church being crowded. The choir's contributions on this occasion were of an exceptional merit. Webb's Maps in G, with the exception of tbe " Kyrie," which was Est's, was rendered, with great effect, as well as the Easter Hymn, " Regina Cccli, L^etare." Father Aubry is putting forth laudable (Sorts to clear this chuich of debt. It will be remembered that when I last spokeion this subject I mentioned it was amounting to £200. On the Sunday in question Father Aubry collected about £120 of this amount, and has a good many promises. This reflects credit on the rev. gentleman's energy, as well as on the good will of Mb people. Father Aubry has every confidence of totally wiping out the debt shortly.

On Sunday a special Easter sermon was preached in the Roman Catholic Church Geraldine by the Rev. Father Treacy. The main and eide altars were decorated with flowers. The Mieea Cantata and Webb's Mbbs in G were eung, the Offertory being " Regina C«li L;etare." The rev. gentleman took for his text the words "Ve f oeek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He is risen ; He ia not here; behold the place where they laid him." — Mark xvi., 6. He preached an appropriate and eloquent sermon, pointing out that the resurrection of Christ was the ground and foundation iof our Faith, and also a symbol of our resurrection from a life of sin to a life in Christ, and that we should all rise again. At the conclusion of the eermoQ the Benedicion of tbe Blessed Sacrament was celebrated. Notwithstanding that the morning was damp there was a large congregation. The hymns bad been very carefully practised by the choir, and added greatly to the enjoyment of the service. Mrs. Willoughby presided at the organ I beg to acknowledge a donation of £2 from A. B. G. Rhodes, Eeq , M.H.R., the fourth annual gift towards tha school treat. A dramatic and musical entertainment will be held on the 30th insr, for the purpose of purchasing a cow organ tor the church. Of tbie I will have more to say in a future letter.