CONFIRMATION SERVICE AT PAEROA.

New Zealand Tablet, Issue 44, 8 March 1895, Page 9

CONFIRMATION SERVICE AT PAEROA.

(Ohinemuri Gazette, February 18.)

Last Sunday Bishop Luck held Confirmation service at the Catholic church, Paeroa, There was a large number of candidates of both pcxes, and the church was crowded on th» occasion. On entering tba church, Bishop Luck w»s presented with the following address, which was read by Mr T. Lawless on behalf of the Catholic residents of the district :—: — To his Lordship, John Edmund Luck, 0.5.8, Bishop of Auckland.

May it please your Lordship,— We the undersigned members of the Committee, on b -half the dthohcsof the Omcemuri district desire on this, the pastoral visit amongst us, to accord to you a most earnest and heartfelt welcome. We desire to more emphasize our appreciation o? this visit on account of the present UDSitisfactory state of your Lorjship's health, and of the fact that the demands on your time must lead us to expect but occasional visits in this portion of your dioceae. It is a sourcj of sincere regret to us to learo of your Lordship's recent indisposition, and we your dutiful childien ( unite iv praying that Gad tne great Ruler and Governor of all, may soon restore to you your wonted health and energy aid that you may long be ppartd to a)minis*erto our spiritual wants with that zeal, devotion, aui ability which we all so fully recogaise, and which for the past eleven years have added lus re to toe religion we profess^ Ia conclusion, we desire to avail ourselves of this opportunity of expressing our gratification at the energy and earncs ness displayed by our beloved pastor, Father Hickett, during hie brief administration of this parish. We beg to subscribe ourselves your Lordship's moist dutiful children. (Here follow the signatures )

After the conclusion of the addiess, tue Bishop, accompanied by Father Hackott and acolytes, proceeded to the throne erected within the sanctu-iry, t'nd there delivered his address in reply. lie congratulated the people on the era of prosperity in which the Oainemuri district had tnteri-d owing to the development of the gold-mining industry, which was daily yu-ldmg such splen lid returns tie hoped hoped they would not unmindful of their spiritual iuierests, but ever keep before their minds the great woik of silvatmn. Having thanked them turthvir kind address mil the good wished cunve>ed to him therein, the Bishop a&bumtd hia place on thu thitne, and Mass was celebrated by Father Hackett. The siuging of the b«.»js and gulfl attending the Sunday Bchool was a special fea'ure during the service ; Miss Lawless presided at the organ wi h her well know i ability.

After the Mass the Bisaop, vested in the robes of this (.ffice, proceeded with the Confirmation sti»ice. The boys weuiiug red badges, anl the girls dressed in white, rearing wreaths and vdls, advanced in prucesHion and knelt within the sancuary, where th^y were confirmed, and afterwards addressed by the Buhop ou the duties which were imposed on them that day. They were to contend like soldiers of Christ against '' ttu* world, the flesh, and tbe devil," Mr Lawleaa and Miss Lawless actevi aa sponsors for those coLfumed,

In the evenirig, at 7 o'clock, there was a very large congregation present, when Father Hackett preached on the '' Bt rnal f^te of the soul." The Benediction was then given. The musical portion of the evening seivice, was taken by the largo choir, and an effe tory piece, "He wipes the tear from every eye," was well rendered by Mr Stackpole.

Mrs Justin Huntley McCarthy (nee SLwi • 'iai-y Lcftaa), who hai been a member of Mr Agustin D<ily'a company iii America, htß bal a difference witta the manager, and is 1 -aving the dramatic attgeto return to the '' vanc-ty ' etagt.