ST. PATRICK'S BASILICA, OAMARU.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 41, 18 February 1898, Page 20

ST. PATRICK'S BASILICA, OAMARU.

EMBELLISHMENT OF THE INTERIOR.

The diocese of Dunedin can boast of two churches that are, for New Zealand, almost unique of their kind. They are of the basilica style of architecture, one the beautiful edifice at Oamaru, dedicated to St. Patrick, the other at South Dunedin, als-o dedicated to Ireland's patron saint. Both churches have much in common, but that at Oamaru is larger and more costly, the magnificent row of stately pillars forming a striking feature in its architectural beauties. The Very Rev. Dean Mackay, of Oamaru, has been unremitting in his efforts to complete the splendid btructure, and the latest addition which has been made to it is a richly embossed and panelled zinc ceiling which, says the (hi warn Mail, consists of some 72 squares of zinc, about oft square, which are fixed in between the cross beams. The general appearance is that of a richly carved and decorated ceiling. Owing to the cunning curves of the decorative portions of the squares, and a judicious contrast of shades, each square has the appearance of sweeping in dome-like lines back a depth of three or four feet, the depth from the cross pieces to the base of the coffers being really only about half that distance. Five shades have been utilised in the coloring, which was undertaken by Dean Mackay, with the assistance of Father Howard and some of the best pupils at the convent school, the work beiDg admirably done in sections before erection. It would be difficult to improve on the arrangement of colours. The ceiling, besides being light while conveying the impression of massiveness, has also the advantage of being an excellent resonator, and has greatly improved the acoustic properties of the basilica. The congregation mean to push on with further embellishments, which, when completed, will, our contemporary remarks, make the basilica one of the show buildings of New Zealand.

The re-opening ceremony, which took place on Sunday last, was conducted by the Most Rev. Dr. Verdon. There was a large congregation at High Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Verdon, assisted by Father Regnault (Waimate), and Father Howard (Oamaru). The Bishop preached from the text, " Lord, I have loved the beauty of Thy House, and the place wherein Thy glory dwelleth." In the course of an eloquent discourse, his Lordship said that these words came naturally to his lips when he looked round and saw the beautiful building which the zeal of their pastor and their own generosity had combined to erect. His Lordship referred to the labours of priests and the generosity of the people in raising and beautifying those temples which they knew by faith were the abodes of the Living God. He exhorted them to labour for the fuller completion of their noble Basilica, and urged upon them the necessity of exhibiting by their attendance there a practical evidence of the faith that was in thorn.

The musical portion of the service was beautifully rendered by a strong choir, Mrs. Lynch taking the principal solos, and Mr. F. Stokes of Dunedin presiding at the organ. At night there was agaiii a very large congregation, when thei Rev. Father Moore preached an impressive sermon. At the conclusion of the service a pleasing little ceremony was enacted, his Lordship being made the recipient of a handsome and costly buggy rug, as a memento of his visit to Oamaru. In making the presentation on behalf of the Oamaru Catholics, Mr. John Cagney said that the Catholics had heard with great satisfaction from Dean Mackay the glad news of the prospective visit of the Bishop of their diocese. Bishop Verdon, when he entered upon the labours of his diocese, had cut out for himself a long and laborious programme, and the Catholic community, judging from the work he had already done, would see that he had well justifiedj ustified the decision of those who had ordained that he should cross the Tasman Sea to take up the duties of the Dunedin diocese. Though the dark clouds surrounding the death of their late beloved Bishop had heralded his coming, these had faded away. The Catholic community were grateful for his visit, and asked him to accept their small present in the spirit in which it was offered. It was of small intrinsic value, but the load of good wishes which accompanied it gave it an additional value. The speaker remarked that the addition of the beautiful ceiling to their basilica was another plume in the Dean's hat. He complimented the local clergy for the marked success of their work in the cause of religion and education, and, on behalf of the people of Oamaru. prayed that his Lordship would long be spared to guide and guard the diocese committed to his care. His Lordship, in responding, congratulated the community on their beautiful church, and was glad to find that they were making such progress. They were in good hands with their priests, and their educational facilities were excellent. They had sacrificed much in the past to educate their children properly, and must be prepared to make other sacrifices in the future, for the Catholics could not support a national system of education which was entirely secular. They recognised that their children must have a good, sound Catholic education. In this connection his Lordship paid a very high tribute of praise to the usefulness and thorough work of the nuns of the Dominican Convent, and to the very excellent work done by Mr. Duggan, who was in charge of the boys' school, and whose succesa has from time to time been chronicled in our columns.