REEFTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 45, 9 March 1894, Page 31

REEFTON.

(From an occasional Correspondent.)

February 21, 1894. Btbntw have been the reverse of interesting here during the past few months, The epidemics — iDfluenza and impecuniousnese — have made the residents of Reef ton low in health and low in spirits. Christmas and New Year have passed away like a tale that is told and not a very pleasant tale either. People seem to have exhausted all their energy in one supreme and spasmodic effort during the late electoral contest, and when the campaign was over and victory assured a reaction set in, a callapse took place, and everybody bas remained in a state of comatose limpness erer since. The Sisters of Mercy seem to be proof against the contagion of sloth and apathy that afiects the rest of the population. Actuated ever by an unflagging energy, always zealous for the advancement of religion, and for increasing, extending, and multiplying their communities, they have now succeeded in establishing a branch of their Order in Weatport. The superioress of the Reefton convent, accompanied by six Sisters, left for Westport about the end of January, and the new convent, a commodious and comfortable building, was formally opened at the latter place under the most encouraging auspices, the first week in February. Bey Father Galerne, a young French priest newly ordained, has been appointed to the curacy of Reefton, and entered on his new duties about a fortnight ago— diligent, pioua, meditative, and retiring, it requires no seer to prophesy that tbe youog curate will soon become a favourite. Quite a sensation was created here recently, by the arrival of the Bey Father Briand, who had come to pay a farewell visit, being on his way to Sydney, where he is to remain for 12 monthß for the benefit of his health. When it became known that Father Briand was to arrive by the evening train, the members of the choir, accompanied by several of the leading Catholics repaired to the railway station in a special conveyance to meet him. Father Briand waß then driven to the presbytery, which, during his stay was literally besieged with visitors. In fact, bo cordial and warm was the reception generally accorded the rev gentleman, that one would imagine he had been absent from Beefton for 11 years instead of 11 months ; it speak" volumes for his personal popularity. Prior to Father Briands departure, he was entertained at a social by the Bey Father RolUod, who did the hoßoars in a most suave and hospitable manner. There were about 30 guests present, including choir members (past and prestnt), and other privileged friends. Rev Father Rolland, who as host occupied the chair, proposed "Our Quest," which toast was drank with musical honours, Rev Father Briand appropriately replying. Several songs and choruses were given during the evening, and altogether a most enjoyable time was spent, the party breaking up about half- past 11 p.m. The Altar Society have a big undertaking on hand now to defray the cost and erection of a statue of the Sacred Heart, which has been newly imported;from France. The statue is a beautiful one life sise, and of choice, and exquisite design. It has been placed in a niche of Gothic shape, over the high altar, where it appeals to tbe devotion of every Catholic, and certainly adds greatly to tbe interior embellishment of the church, or rather of the sanctuary This parish being specially dedicated to the Sacred Heart, last Bunday week, February 11th, was set apart for the ceremony of the benediction of the statne. Advantage was taken of the ftev Father Briand'a presence in our midst to invest the occasion with all the solemnity possible. Special music had been assiduously practiced by the choir, under the leadership of Mr Lynch, with the most satisfactory results, In the moraing at half-past eleven Farmer's Mass was Eung, the various bolob being excellently rendered, Miss Shanks particularly distinguishing herself. This young lady possesses a voice of considerable compass, iexibility and sweetness, which, with practice Bnd cultivation will need only to be heard in order to be appreciated. It being the first Sunday in Lent, Bey Father Briand preached on the Gospel of the day —"The Temptation in the Wilderness "—that Gospel which, perhaps, more than all the others, admits of such grand and realistic elaboration, such vivid word painting. Needless to say that the Bubject was skilfully treated, although time permitted bat a mere shadowy outline of tbe sublime theme. At Vespers, in spite of the inclement weather, an unusually large congregation assembled to witness the benediction of tbe Sacied Heart statue. The high altar and niche were profusely decorated with flowers and candles and the daziling glow of light and colour, softened by the haze of tbe ascending incense— (through the miat of which the Btatne seemed to be animated with life) produced a strange and impressive effect. The ceremony of the benediction was performed by Bey Father Bolland, assisted by Rev Father Briand whose discourse on thiß occasion was delivered with a characteristic verve and earnestness indicative of deep feeling. The Bubject was " Charity," that true charity, which, emanating solely and entirely from the Sacred Heart of Jesus it to be found only in the Catholic Church, of which Jesus Chriat is tbe founier, and which, through that Church, and through

her only, is shed abroad over all tbe world. Many people, outside the one true Church have charity — that could not be denied— bat if it is the real divine charity, it must proceed from only one divine source, from the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and as long as that Heart beats within the bosom of God's Church, so long will the burning fire of charity cast forth its rays therefrom, revivifying and regenerating mankind, nnd permeating through all the grades of society, through all the nations of tbe earth. In conclusion Rev Father Briand exhorted the congregation to act always in conformity with the teachings of their Cbarcb as propounded to them by its pastors, and besought thprc also to co-operate especmliy in every possible way with their own venerable pastor, the Rev Father Rolland, who had made so many sacrifices for them, and who had done so much to propagate amongst them a sincere and deep-rooted devotion to the Sacred Heart .