ARCHBISHOP REDWOOD IN NAPIER.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 12, 6 January 1893, Page 7

ARCHBISHOP REDWOOD IN NAPIER.

(From an occasional Correspondent.)

Napier, December 19, 1892. LAST Tuesday his Grace Archbishop Redwood presided at the break-ing-up of the Sacred Heart High School and Girls' Native College, and delivered a short address to the pupils. At the former school a splendid instrumental and vocal programme was gone through.

Later on in the week his Grace, accompanied by the Rev Father Grogan, proceeded to Wairoa, where thirteen persons were confirmed. Yesterday the Archbishop was present at St Mary's Church, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. His Grace celebrated 7 o'clock Mass, and administered Confirmation. Before giving the Sacrament he pointed out to the children the disposition they should be in. The Archbishop confirmed about one hundred and thirty-two persons, children, and adults, amongst the latter being nearly a dozen converts. It was a very pretty sight to see such a large number of young girls, attired in wreaths and veils, approaching the commnnion rails. The boys wore saßhes. All the arrangements were carried out under the supervision of the Rev Father Grogan, who is to be congratulated for the manner in which he accomplished his task, not a hitch occuring. A word of praise is also due to the Sisters, At second Mass (10.80) there was another large attendance. Prior to Mass commencing Father Grogan read the following address to Archbishop Redwood :—: — "To his Grace the Most Rev Dr Redwood, Archbishop of Wellington . •' My Lord Archbishop,— For some time past we have been looking forward with pleasure to the favour of your Grace's visit to this parish, because we know it is the visit of our spiritual father, our beloved Archbishop— the representative of the Holy Father, the supreme Pope and Vicar of Jesus Christ — and with hearts full of joy we ofier your Grace to-day a hearty cead millefailthe — ten thousand welcomes, Though we are aware the primary obj»ct of your Grace's visit is to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to a number of the younger members of this congregation, yet we feel convinced it will be productive of much fruit to the parish in general, because of the nice counsels and the divine truths your Grace puts so forcibly before us on such occasions. Let us pray that this fruit may remain, for we need not remind your Grace that never before in our timt was it more necessary, as never before were the children of Holy Church, especially the young, exposed to a more insidious and widespread assault from evil-designing men, who employ every means in their power to deDy and blot out, if possible, all thoughts of the higher destiny of man, and in this way the cockles of the latter part of the nineteenth century have reached a fruitful soil. " Your Grace will feel pleasure, however, to hear that this parish is in a fairly healthy condition. Our schools are more numerous and efficient than at any previous time, and the preparations for the commencement of of onr new church are so far advanced that we hop*

to hare the pleasure after a few months of inciting yonr Grace to return to Napier to lay the foundation-stone. " Lastly, my lord Archbishop, whilst we sincerely thank your Grace for the favour you confer on us to-day, we pray our Divine Lord to grant you the strength necessary for tha fulfilment of your pacred duties in the arch-diocese, and asking your grace for ourselves and our children. "We beg to remain, my lord Archbishop, your moat faithful children. " December 18, 1892." His Lordship thanked them very much for the kind address which had just been read to him. lie waß very bappy to hear that their parish was in a satisfactory state. Their parish had always had a good reputation. He was also glad to hear their schools were in a flourishing condition. Nothing was so important as a good Catholic education, and they could rot be too grateful to the male and female teachers who devoted their time to the teaching of the children. He (the Archbishop) would see them again soon, as he would have to lay the foundation-stone of their ndw church. He had the happiness that morning to confirm a great many of their children, aod he hoped it would enable them to live up to their faith and that having done so they might enjoy God for ever, which was a blessing he wished them all. Solemn High Mass was then celebrated by Eev Father Grogan. Father Dougherty being deacon and Mr Sullivan sub-deacon.— " From the rising of the sun until the setting thereof My name is great among the Gentiles, and in every place there is a sacrifice."— From these words the Archbishop delivered a forcible discourse on the sacrifice of the Mass, comparing it with the sacrifice of the cross. He strongly urged his hearers never to miss Mass when they had an opportunity of attending, as it was the greatest act of praise they could give their Divine Redeemer. In the evening at Vespers and Benediction there was a numerous attendance, a number of people belonging to other denominations also attending. The four Tlnda brothers kindly playtd several items in their well-known artistic style. Miss Bowes sang " O Salutaris," accompanied by the brothers. The Archbishop again preached, taking for his text the words : " Without faith it is impossible to please God."