DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 32, 10 August 1899, Page 6

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

(.From our own correspondent.)

August 7. The Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais, V.G., and the Very Rev. Canon Franklin, gave very appropriate addresses at the annual meeting of the local Children's Aid Society, held on Tuesday evening last in the Art Gallery. The Rev. Father Bowern arrived back on Tuesday last, after his recent trip to Australia, much benefited in health, and returned to Cteraldine on the following day. The Very Rev. Canon Franklin, who relieved him, is at prestmt residing at the presbytery, Barbadoee street. Mr. J. P. Young, well known in Catholic circles, and who besides acting as librarian of the parochial library has always taken an active interest in church matters, has received the appointment of travelling representative to the United Fire and Marine Insurance Company, a position in which hie numerous friends will wish him a large measure of success. At the Pro-Cathedral on Sunday last the Most Blessed Sacrament wa* exposed for the veneration of the faithful from the High Mass until Vespers. After Vespers the Very Rev. Canon Franklin preached an impressive discourse on ' Faith ' and the ' Divine Presence.' At the conclusion of the sermon Miss Kathleen Hickling, of Pollard's Opera Company, gave a fine rendering of Gounod's ' Aye Maria' with violin obligato by the Rev. Father Richards. There was a crowded congregation. An enjoyable and highly successful social was held on Friday evening last in the Druids' Hall, Hornby, in aid of the funds of the local Catholic Church. The music was supplied by Mr. W. Doherty, and songs were given by Miss Cntts, Mr. .1. Falvey and Master Blake. Refreshments were provided by the congregation. Mrs. Tully and Miss M. Poff. assisted by several friends, organised and carried out the affair. A number of visitors went out there from town. A similar gathering is pioposed to be held at Prebbleton at an early date. In the recreation grounds of the Mount Magdala Asylum, and in Clow proximity to the main building, a beautiful little oratory has been erected, containing a miniature fac-simile of the grotto of Ltrardes, wherein has been placed a fine statue of Our Blessed Lady. The statue is a gift from the institution at Abbotsford. and the oratory affords the ' children ' a retreat where at any time they may enter for rest or meditation. The chapel of the institution, too, has been further improved by the addition of side altars dedicated to the Sacred Heart and Our Blessed Lady.