Diocese of Auckland.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 38, 21 January 1898, Page 31

Diocese of Auckland.

The feast of Christmas was celebrated with great solemnity at St. Francis Xavier's Church, Whangarei, where a parish was established only five months ago. The good ladies of the congregation had the little chapel neatly and tastefully decorated. At the eight o'clock Mass a very impressive ceremony took place, when several children made their first Communion. At the eleven o'clock Mass, the choir, under the able conductorship of the choirmaster, Mr. Smiers, sang

•' Fuer Natus." the '• Gradual," " Offertory," and " Communion " from the Mass of Singenbergen for three voices, in a manner which left nothing to be desired. In the evening Vespers were chanted at which nothing was omitted, all was done as prescribed by rubrics and the pronunciation of the Latin was most correct and clear ; in fact, the conductor must be congratulated on his great success.

Whangarei is a little township in the North of Auckland, and the district is an extensive one. The Catholics are few and scattered. Throughout the district there are a number of Maories to whom the piiest will have to attend. The erection of a new parish means a great deal of labour and trouble. Although we have a nice

little chapel a priest's residence is wanted, the cost of which will be about £300, and though not able to collect much amongst his own flock, Father Smiers will be obliged to call upon the charity of others. Perhaps the readers of this little epistle, remembering the words of our Divine Lord : '" Give, and it shall be given to you," might, in honour of St. Francis Xavier, assist me in this difficulty. Donations, however small, will be received with the greatest thanks by the Rev. Father Smiers, Missionary Apostolic, Whangarei, North of Auckland. All donations will be published. Thanking you, dear Mr. Editor, — I remain, yours sincerely in Christ, J. W. Smiers.