HAS TINGS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVI, Issue 24, 20 October 1898, Page 19

HAS TINGS.

(From an occasional correspondent.) On Sunday, September 25, immediately after Vespers, two very handsome statues were unveiled and blessed in th-Sa-sred Heart Church, Hastings. One represents the Angel of the Annunciation heralding the Lord's first coming, the other the Angel of the last Trumpet announcing the second coining of the Son of Man. On this occasion the Rev. Father Smyth, S.M , preached an instructive and interesting sermon on the ministry of the angels The following Sunday, October 2, the ever touching and impressive ceremony of the first Holy Communion Look place in the name church. The sacred edifice, was beautifully decorated for the occasion by the zealous Sisters of St. Joseph of Ncta ueth. Twemyfive children approached the holy table. This Mass was celebrated by the Rector, Father Smith, who addressed a f ew^touehing words to the children. After Mass the children and some priests were entertained at breakfast by the Sisters. At 11 o'clock there was Solemn High Mass, at which the Forty Hours' Devotion commenced. The Very Rev. Father Devoy, V.G., Wellington, was celebrant, Rev. Father Huault (Meanee) deacon, and Rev. Father Leger sub-deacon, the Rector being master of ceremonies. After Mass an outdoor procession was formed of the school children, sodalities, Hibernian Society, congregation in general with their respective banners, altar boys with torches and lamps, and, lastly, the sacred ministers. In the evening at 7 o'clock there was Rosary, Solemn Vespers, sung by Rev. Father Huault, after which an eloquent sermon on the Blessed Eucharist was preached by the Very Rev. Father Devoy, V.Gk The preacher dealt exhaustively with the various proofs of the Real Presence, and brought to a close an able and powerful discourse by a touching appeal to the young communicants, who were then about to renew their baptismal vows. An appropriate hymn was then sung by the Sisters and children, and the First Communicants renewed their promises. On Monday morning Masses were celebrated at 6, 7, and 9 •'clock. In the evening at 7.30 devotions, same as Sunday were held ; and after solemn Vespers, which were sung by the Very Rev. Dr. Pestre, S.M., Rev. Dr. Kennedy (Meanee) preached an excellent aermon on the love of the Sacred Heart. On Tuesday morning the early Masses were as on Monday, and at 9 o'clock there was Solemn High Mass. The Very Rev. Dr. Pestre, S.M., was celebrant ; Rev. Father Binsfeld (Meanee). deacon ; and Rev. Father Smyth, sub-deacon, the Very Rev. Father Devoy being present in the sanctuary. On this occasion the procession was around the inside of the church only. On both days the music was selected from Wozart'H ami Winter's Masses, and the choir was under the baton of Mr. J. H. Loughnan.