THE ARCHBISHOH OF WELLINGTON AT BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXII, Issue 22, 27 September 1895, Page 29

THE ARCHBISHOH OF WELLINGTON AT BLENHEIM.

The Mission conducted by his Grace, the Archbishop of Wellington throughout the scattered portions of his diocese, in the Westland, I Nelson and Marlborough districts, opened in Blenheim at St Mary's Church, Maxwell Road, on Sunday, September 8, at 11 o'clock Mass, and closed on Sunday, Beptemb2r 15th after Vespers. Throughout the week large numbers came from near and far, to take part in the mission, and tha Very Rev Father Mahony arrived from Nelson on Tuesday, to assist his Grace the Archbishop. A solemn requiem Mass was celebrated at nine o'clock on Friday morning, the Very Rev Father M.acNamara being the celebrant. His Grace tha Archbishop wjs also present in the sanctuary, and preachei an eloquent sermon to a large congregation, taking his text from the Book of Macabees — " It is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead." The music for the Requiem Mas 9 was taken from Webbe's Missa de Profunctis (Gregorian), and chanted by the choir in a creditable manner. The first Mass on Sunday morning was celebrated by his Grace the Archbishop, assisted by Father Docherty, when a large number approached Holy Communion, The Rev Father Mabony celebra'ed a second Mass immediately after the conclusion of the first. At eleven o'clock Solemn High M%9s was celebrated, the Very Rev Father McNamara being the celebran*, the Very Rev Father Mahony, deacon, and Father Djcherty, sub-leacon. His Grtoe preached the sermon, which was an exhortation of devotion to the Sacred Hcrti and was listened to with rapt attention by a large congregation. The choir under Mr Len Redwood (conductor') , and Miss WcCabe (tenler) rendered Farmer's Mass in B Fiat creditably, and were assisted by friends. Ah an off rtory Mrs Cranston, Mis 9 Redwood and Mr L. Redwood sang Merctdante'a lovely tiio " Avp Verutn,' and an orchestra, Messrs Graham (cornet), P. Burton, (Horn) T. Keating (Euphonium) and F. Hale, (cello). In iheafternoDn the sacred edifice was again crowded, this time to assist in ihe confirmation 8 rvica, when 65 boys and 56 girls were confirmed. In the eveniog at Vespers, ano her large congregation sssf mbled, in fact, the church was filled to the doors, numbers being unable to find sitting accommodation. His Grace the Archbishop again preachei the sermon. He said the result of the mission was extremely pleasing to himse f and to his co-adjutors. His Grace reminded his hearers of the opening text of the mission, •• Behold now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of Balvation," and then proceeded to summarise the whole mission. He referred to tbe universal Society of the Sacred Heart, and mentioned that the Bociety now numbered 20 000,000 soulp, and wbb spreading throughout tbe whole world like wild fire. His Grace concluded a brilliant and touching Eermon by cxhortirg his hearers to keep in the state of santifying grace, which, he said, seemed to him like a ga'lant ship, freighted with a precious cargo, steering its way amongst shoals, quicksands, and sunken rocks until at last it anchored in its sweet haven of rest for all eternity. The Papal benediction was then given, after which Benedicticn of the Most Bleesed Sacrament was aho giver. Mrs Cranston sang with great expression an " Aye Maria," c<tfnß° 3e d by Mr Sydney Hoben, of Naphr. Its one great fault is tcHit being written in English it mikes bard work of the words tor the singer, though tha music i 9 pretty. Steinfortb's " O Silutaris," was nicely sung by Mrs Craastoi, Messrs Rilwoid ani Barton, and " Tantum B go "(Rossini'O by Miss Clare and Mr Redwood. The arduous duties of tbe organist, Miss M'Cabp, were carried out in a painstaking manner, and are deserving; of special men ion. On the whole, yesterday's services were a brilliant conclusion to a successful

mission, and will live in the memory of the Oatbolio community for many a long day.