WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 22, 28 September 1894, Page 19

WELLINGTON.

(From an occasional Correspondent.)

Last Sunday at St Mary of the Angels about 50 girls attending the convent schools in the Te Aro parish, and about 40 boys attending the Marist Brothers' school, made their first Communion. For months past the Sisters and Brothers spared no pains in preparing the young aspirants. And as the time approached Bey Father Goggan gave them special instruction ending by a retreat of three days. The Rev Father, with his usual zeal left nothing undone that they might well understand the importance of making a good first Communion. And when tha morning cama they showed by their edifying conduct that they uaderstood the happiness which was so soon to be theirs. Mass was cetebrated at 7 30. by the Bey Father Goggan, who preached an instructive and touching sermon for the occasion. The little church was crowded by the parents and friends of the happy ones. The altar waa beautifully decorated and the Bight was truly beautiful and edifying when the gills, in white dresses and veils, and the boys, wearing white sashes and rosettes, approached the altar to receive fjr the first time into their young hearts the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Oar Lord Jesus Christ. A choir of girls sang appropria'e hymns during tke Mas&i accompanied by Miss McDonall on the organ. After thanksgiving the first communicants repaired to St Patrick's Hall, where a very nice bre»kfßst was prepared for them, and it is needless to say that they did justice to the good things. During the Sunday school in St Joseph's church on the same day at 3 o'clock, the first Communion children renewed their baptismal vows, Father Goggan gave them a nice instruction and the ceremonies were brougnt to a close by Benedic'ion of the Moat Blessed Sacrament.

The monthly reunion of tho League of the Cross was held iv St Patrick's Hall on Thursday nigh l -, the 20 h inst. The president, (Rev Fuher Goggan) was in the chair, and there was a very large attendance of members and their friends. Miss Kearsley played a pianoforte solo ; songs were sung by Misses Gallaghar, Sullivan, and Driscoll, Messrs Griffon and Platis, and Master McCarthy, and Miss McDonald and Mr Platts sang a duet. A very pleasant evening was brought to a close with a farce " Grandmother's QhosV by mem* bers of the League, which provoked roars of laughter. The Bey Father Goggan, who leftnexc day for Sydney for the benefit of his health, was presented with a purse of sovereigns as a mark of the appreciation in which he is held by the residents of Te Aro parish and the members of th« League of the Cross, of which he is president. Mr J. J. Devine, vice-presi lent of the L°agae, made the presentation, and in a few well chosen words spoke of the devoted manner in which Father Goggan has laboured in the parish, and the affection and regard in which he is held by the whole of the parishioneri. Father Goggan, who received the purse amid loud applause, thanked the parishioners for their present, and expressed the pleasure he felt at doing all that lay in his power for their welfare. The Bey Father will be away till the beginning of November. He has the good

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