Archdiocese of Wellington.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 1, 30 April 1897, Page 28

Archdiocese of Wellington.

(From our own correspondent.)

April 24. EASTER Sunday was observed with due solemnity at the Wellington churches Solemn High Mass was celebrated at eleven o'clock at St. Mary s Cathedral. The Very Rev. Father Dawson being celebrant. The music was " Cherubini's -Fourth Mass," which, it is said was the first time of its production in New Zealand, at least it was the hrst time m this city. The opening bass solo in the " Kvrie" was taken by Mr. Twiss, who also rendered others during the Mass. Ine other soloists were Miss Pender, Mrs. Mac Duff Boyd Misses Maginnity and Gibbes, and Messrs. McManaway, Laishley and JL-evers. The " O Salutaris " which was given was sung with much devotional expression by Mrs. Swift and Mr. Levers, the 'cello obligate being admirably played by Mr. Kennedy. The choir were assisted by an efficient orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. Macduff Boyd. Mr. S. Cimino conducted and Mr. Cimino, junr., presided at the organ. The choir were very successful in their interpretation of the beautiful music, especially the soloists. The high altar was very finely decorated for the solemn festival, and the attendance of worshippers at all the Masses and Vespers was very gratifying. Solemn High Mass was said at St. Mary of the Angels by the Very Rev. Father Devoy, V.G., the Rev. Father Ainsworth being deacon and Rev. Father O'Shea, sub-deacon. As usual on such festivals the high altar was tastefully set off with flowers white chrysanthemums predominating on this occasion. The choir, under the conductorship of Mr. F. J. Oakes, rendered the somewhat difficult music of Mercadante's Mass in a fairly satisfactory manner, although the absence of a sufficient number of male voices militated somewhat against the general effect. An efficient orchestra led by Mr Brown rendered valuable assistance, and Mr. Beauchamp-Platts was at the organ. There were large congregations at the Masses and Vespers. During High Mass the Rev. Father Ainsworth on behalf of the Vicar-General and the priests of the parish, wished the congregation a happy Easter, and prayed that they might have all the blessings of the holy season. The Rev. Father Mahony celebrated High Mass at St. Joseph's Church on Easter Sunday, Rev. Father Clancy and Rev. Father Herbert being deacon and sub-iieacon respectively, and Rev. Father Bower master of ceremonies. A full orchestra, led by Mr. A. Hotop supported the choir, which sang Weber's Mass in G. The soloists were Mrs. Oakes, Miss Rigg, and Messrs. Ellison and Innes At Vespers Miss T. Rigg sang the solo part in a " Regina Cocli." by Beethoven, and the choir gave a devotional rendering of '• Hrcc Dies " (Webbe) as an offertory. A quiet wedding was celebrated at St. Mary of the Angels' Church on Monday last, the contracting parties being Mr. Thomas J Vincent and Miss Lizzie Smith. Mr. J. Fitzgerald acted as best man and the Misses Daisy and Violet Best, nieces of the bride, were the bridesmaids. The nuptial knot was tied by the Rev. Father Ainsworth.

1 regret to hear that the Fathers of the ecclesiastical seminary at Meanee are serious sufferers by the flood, and that the grounds and vineyard have beon irretrievably injured.j ured. The greater part of the grape crop has been ruined, and the grounds, which were remarkable for their beauty and the care and attention bestowed on them by the Fathers, have been greatly disfigured by a deposit of mud some inches deep.