DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVI, Issue 2, 13 May 1898, Page 3

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

(From a Coromandel correspondent.) A MOST successful mission of three weeks was brought to a close in Easter week in Coromandel and out districts by Roy. Father Ginaty. It began in St. Colman's on Passion Sunday, and from beginning to close the Rev. Father was listened to with rapt attention. His opening discourse at once impressed the congregation. The subject, " The import tnce of salvation," he handled in such a masterly style that his auditors would wish to hear him again, and all were sorry when the conclusion sent the vast congregation to their home to discuss what they had heard. The early morning drew the sleepy Coroinandelites from their beds. The Angelus at G a.m. gave notice to the residents that punctuality was one of Father Ginaty's favourite virtues. Faithfully his auditors attended morning and evening, in spite of inconveniences and domestic discomforts in many cases. '"No matter, we must hear Father Ginaty, we never heard his like before," were the words spoken over and over again. Every creed was represented, all eager to hear him. On Sunday it was deemed necessary to move into St. George's Hall to give the people an opportunity of assisting at the conclusion of the mission in Coromandel proper. On Saturday the change was made, and a very pretty church was arranged by willing hands, everyone doing their utmost to assist. It was well into the small hours before the misaioner left the confessional, and scant was his rest in order to resume again, so that no one might be deprived of the life-giving bread the eager crowds seemed so anxious to receive. Hundreds approached the sacred table — such a sight waa not seen before. A t the Mass, Father Ginaty announced to the people the laying of the foundation stone of the Coromandel District Hospital, which is under the care of the Sisters of Mer, y, the first in the Southern Hemisphere the Sisters have. He reminded those present of their duty to pay respect to the Sisters by attending in numbers. He told them the Sisters were giving their lives for the cause. Although enjoying the gift of uninterrupted health, still he knew what sickness was during his many years of missionary life. Exposition

of the Most Holy Sacrament began after the 1 1 o'clock Mass, which waa celebrated by Father Egan ; previously the palms were blessed and distributed. In the evening, every portion of the St. George's Hall was packed, and the rev. preacher had full scope for his oratorial powers, the raised platform giving him great command. The closing discourse will be long remembered as a grand piece of oratory. Again he made a happy allusion to the hospital, asking the congregation, when he was giving out the Rosary, to offer the fourth decade of •' The carrying of the cross" in union with those suffering on their beds of pain in the hospital wards, that God would give them grace to carry their cross in union with Christ carrying his cross, as they on that day had begun a now hospital. At the conclusion of the sermon he gave the Papal ble&smg, first thanking those who had in every way assisted in making the mission such a success. On Monday he left for Opitinui, where he effected much good, suppressing many evils which needed remedy. On Thursday he visited Rautunn, thenco to Mercury Bay, Whangapuna, returning to Coroinandel to meet the steamer on Friday. He was due in Otahuhu last Sunday. All through the district collections were made for the Magdalen Asylum, Christchurch. This institution is Father Ginaty's life work, and many an unfortunate will bless the noble priest who has so generoubly given his energies and talents to such a noble cause. (From our own correspondent.) Auckland, May 9. Bishop Lenihan left last week for Lower Waikato in continuation of his Episcopal visitations, and returned yesterday. He leaves on Thursday for Helensville and the surrounding 1 districts. The St. Benedict's Young Men's Club have established in connection therewith a literary branch. It is a step in the right direction, as the development of the brain is as necessary, if not more so, as the development of the muscles. Hibernians throughout the Colony will deeply regrot to learn that the district-secretary, Patrick Kearney, is seriously ill. The doctors entertain but small hopes of his recovery. Father Luck is having an extended holiday for the benefit nf his health. It is reported that one of the city priests takes his parish at Kihikihi. The men's branch of the Sacred Heart Cathedral propose holding a social in aid of the funds some time this month. Father Brodie presided at a meeting of the Altar Society Benedicts last week, and referred to the useful work the Society was doing. The members of the Education Board waited on the Corporation recently and solicited a site for the proposed technical school. In the course of the interview derogatory remarks were made regarding the question of granting subsidies to private schools. Father Taunuzel, parish priest at Opotiki died at St. Patrick's presbytery early on Monday morning last. He was attended through his illness by an old family nurse who came with him from France. Fathers Croke and Buckley attended him during his illness. The body was laid in state at the cathedral, which was draped. The services for the dead were held by Father Buckley on Monday night. The choir lent assistance and a large congregation was present. The funeral took place on Tuesday, the priests of the surrounding parishes beiny present. Ttie death of Father Taunuzel is deeply lamented by a large circle oi friends, and particularly by his late parishioner. The May devotions in the ciry churches are being largely attended. The altars of Our Lady, o-pooiully at St. Benedict's 1 , are beautifully decorated.