NEW HEADFORD, LINCOLN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue XXI, 7 April 1893, Page 20

NEW HEADFORD, LINCOLN.

Once more the feast of St Patrick has come and vanished, lsav* ing time still speeding onward. Very compltts arrangements had been made here this year to celebrate the auniversary of the Apottle of Ireland in a fitting manner, and it was a pity tbe weather was no* more favourable, as it marred to a gieat extent a holiday much looked forward to by all classes of people in this quiet community. Preparations were commenced by a nine days' novena in honour of St Patrick iv the Ohmch of the Reparation. The morning broke dull and cheerless, and rain fell at intervals during the day . Mass was celebrated at 9 and 11 o'clock, tbe Church being tastefully decorated for the occasion, eepecially the high altar, over which wag suspended a beautiful banner of St Patrick, made by the good Sisters of the Timaru Convent. At 11 o'clock the Rev Father Marnane, of St Mary's, Cbrißtchurch, preached a very able panegyric on St Patrick showing how tht great apostle found Ireland an island, and k-ft v a,n island of saints. The rev preacher took bis text from Ecclesiastics, chapter 44th, and in hi§ opening remarks proceeded t> show h >w becoming it is to honour the saints, pointing out how the Cnurcn b .s always been faithful to this duty, and advanced reasons to show why tbe Irish race loved St Patrick and held his name in such great veneration, dwelling at length on the early history, character and virtues of the great apostle, and laid particular stress on his spirit of prayer and self-sacrifice, as well as on his spirit of humility and ardent zeal for the Balvation of souls. He then reminded his hearers of the trials that attended tbe work of the saint and the Irish Church, and more especially the ravages and fury of the Danes towards the beginning of the 9ih century, and that era of persecution which the Irish Church had to withstand since the reign of Henry VIII. down to more recent times. The rev father concluded his discourse by bringing before the minds of those present how gloriously and triumphantly the Irish people had fought for their faith in spite of bitter oppression, and bow instrumental they had been in establishing tbe Catholic Church in America and in the Australian colonies. It was owing to them that the Holy See was euabled to establish bishoprics in every land where the English temgue is spoken. He also showed how the Irish brogue is as universal throughout ths civilised worl t as the E lghsh language, and wberevea the brogue is founJ there also is the Mass. In the evening a conversazione waa given in the schoolroom under the patronage of the local branch of the H.A..C.8. Society. Tbe hall was converted into a perfect fairy palace by means of flags, banners, Chinese lanterns, e!c , and reflected great credit on oar devoted pastor under whose guidance tbe transformation was carried out by a willing committee. The doors were opened at 730 and in a few minutes the room was filled to overflowing, showing the anxiety of ticket-holders to secure seats. The programme was opened by a piao forte duet by Misses Heffernan and J. Henry. Sonps were given by Misses O'Grady, M. Henley, Leathern (4), McPoelan and Hardie, and Messrs Davey, Thompson, Cunneen, Jones and Woods. The two latter supplied the comic element and succeede 1 in creating roars of mirth. Mr Wood also gave a fine exhibition of step dancing, m which he excels. Tha tableau " Rose, Thistle and Shamrock " waa rendered by amateurs. The different figures being taken by Miss Mary Burke as Erin, Miss Neilie Burke as England, and Miss Maggie O'Grady aB Scotland, tbe picture being very pretty and imposing. In " Erin the tear and the smile " Miss Mary Burke made a capital impersonation of Erin. During the evening light refreshments were banded round, which, as usual, were supplied by the good ladies of the parish. At the conclusion of the entertainment the Rev Father Foley stepped on to the stage and thanked the audience for their assistance in the celebration of St Patrick's Day, 1893, and to tbe performers who had provided such an excellent programme. The proceeds, he informed them, would form the nucleus of a fund for the purchase of a piano for the schoolroom. The quarterly summoned meeting of St Patrick's Branch, No 192, of the Hibernian Society was held on the 23rJ inst, and there was a good attendance of members, showing the increase of interest th*t is being taken in tbe branch. Bro J. Doherty presided, the P.P. chair being occupied by the esteemed chaplain, the Rev Father Foley. One candidate was initiated and two proposed for membership. It was decided to approach Holy Communion on Easter Sunday in response to the invitation of tha rev chaplain.