DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 8, 23 February 1899, Page 3

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own correspondent.) February 20 t. i^ At *£? , weekl y meeting of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, held on \\ ednesday evening, the 15th inst., his Lordship the Bishop made his first visit since his return. The president, Bro E O Connor, on behalf of the Society, welcomed his Lordship, and in doing so expressed the member^' appreciation of the untiring interested always manifested by his Lordship in the cause of chanty and the work of St. Vincent de Paul societies. He deplored the loss sustained by the widely lamented death of the late spiritual director, the Very Rev. Father Cumraings, one of whose last acts before leaving the city was a visit to the conference, when he made a handsome donation to the funds. In the present spiritual director, the revered Vicar-General, was found, however, one who was indefatigable in works of charity, one whose zeal in affairs of the parish inspired members with great energy, and encouraged them in all their undertakings. His Lordship, in reply, expressed gratitude for the reception accorded him. He exhorted the mem bers to {• onerously and nobly devote themselves to the poor, whom our Lord foretold' we should have always with us.' He was pleased to see the old members s-till ab their poht, and expressed satisfaction at others joining their ranks. From time to time, whilst in Dublin, lie had the great privilege of taking part in a large gathering, composed of members, of conferences in the important archdiocese, lie thought it a duty to tell them there of the Society in Christchurch. While feeling deeply with them in the loss sustained by the death of their late spiritual director, he was pleased to know the bitterness of their sorrow was somewhat alleviated by the appointment of a successor who was so devoted to their work. St. Aloysius Hall was crowded on the evening of the 1 Ith on the occasion of a dramatic performance, under the patronage of his Lordship the Bi-hop, in aid of the hall fund. A drama in three acts, entitled, ' A Man of Honour.' vas placed upon the stage, with every consideration for detail strictly observed. The audience had every reason to be pleased with the entertainment, as for amateurs the acting throughout was of a very high order. To Mrs. J. Ivess, under whose supervision and instruction the performers were coached, great credit is due, and alwo for providing the stage furnishing free of cost. The acting of the Misses Ivess was very good indeed, and was marked by accurate elocution and gracefulness of bearing. Miss Lizzie Ivess as ' Letty Green' was especially good. The others who took part were Messrs. M. Finlay, J McAuliffe, W. and L. Norton Taylor, J. Murray, H. Leatham, R JlcGillicuddy and M. McNamara. An orchestra was provided under the direction of Mr. ,1. Daniels. His Lordship the Bishop, the Vicar-General and other members of the clergy were present. At St. Mary'b, Manchester street, a solemn requiem Mass was on Tuesday the 1 Ith inst. offered for the repose of the soul of the late Vicar-General, the Very Rev. Father Cummings, S.M. Mass was celebrated in the presence oi a large congregation by the Very Rev lather Le Menant des Chesnais. S.M. , V.G., with the Rev. Father Marnane, S.M., as deacon, and the Rev. Father Grotty, sub-deacon There were present in the sanctuary his Lordship Dr. Grimes Very Rev. Or. Pestre (provincial), the Rev. Fathers Chervior, Chastagnon (.og»in. Foley, Gmaty, Aubny. Price. King, Fay, and Cooney. His Lordship preached an eloquent sermon referring in a very touching manner to the many &ood qualities of the decoded priest, who had so endeared himself to his people. Suitable music for the occasion was impressively rendered by the choir. The Catholics of Lyttelton held their annual picnic on Monday the l;?th inst., at I'urau, one of the pretty bays across the harbour Ihes.s. '.John Anderson ' conveyed the party, which was a fairly numerous one. The weather being peifeut. and the objects of interest numerous and picturesque, the excursionists thoroughly enjoyed the outing. The Rev. Father Salvador, with the able

assistance of some of his parishioners, did all that was necessary in materially adding to the success and enjoyment of the gathering The Rev. Father Deby has been transferred to Ahaura, takinocharge of that parish in place of the Rev. Father Gallais, S.M., who is doing temporary duty in Greymouth, relieving the Rev Father £ a !? Wl ,, T The Rev - Father Gallai 9 eventually to assist the Rev. lather Marnane at St. Mary's, Manchester street. The Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais, SM , V G accompanied by the Rev. Father Goggin. S.M., left town last week for a bnet holiday at the Hanmer Plains Sanatorium. *v S n Un I day evenin £ las t bis Lordship the Bishop'comwenced, in the Pro-Oatnedral, a series of fine discourses on Prayer There was a crowded congregation. The series will be continued on succeeding Sunday evenings during L»nt. A procession in honour of our Blessed Lady preceded Benediction.