Diocese of Christchurch.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 38, 15 January 1897, Page 8

Diocese of Christchurch.

(From our own correspondent.) PORT LYTTELTON. On Wednesday last the ceremony of the profession of two Sisters of Mercy took place in the Catholic Church, Port Lyttelton The church was very effectively decorated for the occasion, and the two ladies who took the veil assumed the names of Sister Columba and Ssister Xavier. The Right Rev. Dr. Grimes conducted the service. and delivered an impressive and eloquent address. The Rev Dr Watters, of Wellington, and the Rev. Fathers Aubrey, Salvador. Moore and Galerne were present. The music was very well rendered by the choir of the church, Miss O'Brien acting as organist. Miss Venie Flower sang Gounod's ': Aye Maria " exceedingly well. There was a large congregation present. PAROCHIAL. On Saturday last the Very Rev. Father Aubrey returned to this city from Temuka. where he has conducted the annual spiritual retreat of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The Rev. Father O Connor, who for some time back has been very unwell, passed through this city on Friday last on his way to Wellington. It is to be hoped that this slight change of air and place will have a good effect on him. and that he will return to Canterbury much unproved in health. The Very Rev. Father O'Donnell. of Ashburton, also visited the city during the week. On Saturday last the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes left for Kaiapoi and Rangiora. where he officiated on Sunday last at the morning and evening services. A WEDDING. On Wednesday last an interesting wedding took place at St. Mary's. The contracting parties were Miss Maggie Green of this city, late of Southbrook. and Mr. James Hight, 8.A., French and German master in the Grammar School and College. Auckland. The Vicar-General said the Xuptial Mass, and performed the marriage ceremony. The best man was Mr. David Hight, a brother of the bridegroom, and the bride was given away by Mr. B. Flynn of the Ashley district. The bride wore, besides the usual wreath and veil, a beautiful cream-silk brocade dress richly trimmed, and the two bridesmaids, Miss M. Green (a sister of the bride) and Miss M. Hight (a sister of the bridegroom), were attired in handsome cream dresses and hats to match. When the ceremony was over the nuptial party drove to the residence of the bride's mother, Mrs. S. Green, in Belmont terrace, when a very enjoyable wedding breakfast took place. Among those present at the repast were the Rev. Father Marnane, also the Vicar-General, who proposed the health of the bride and bridegroom, which toast was duly honoured. On Saturday evening last the newly-married couple left for their future home in the city of Auckland. The wedding presents were very handsome and useful. 6T MARY'S. On Thursday week a grand entertainment will be given for parochial purposes in St. Mary's Hall. Mr. J. Finley, now on vacation from St. Patrick College, Wellington, is getting up a very varied and attractive programme. Mr. Finley's capabilities in connection with what he is now organising are well known, and doubtless the entertainment will be a great success.