BISHOP GRIMES AT GERALDINE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 37, 14 September 1899, Page 19

BISHOP GRIMES AT GERALDINE.

(From a correspondent.)

His Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes and the Very Rev. Dean Foley opened a week's mission at St. Mary's Church, Geraldine, on Sunday week. After Mass the Missionary Rector, the Rev. Father Bowera, presented his Lordship with an address on behalf of the Catholics of the district, who expressed their pleasure at his visit, and hoped that success would crown Mb efforts to erect a Cathedral in the capital city of his diocese. The address was signed by Father Bowers, and Messrs. Andrew Lysaght, William Earl, Kyran Brophy, Jeremiah Connolly, and William Fitzpatrick. In the course of his address to the congregation his Lordship said he was satisfied the time was net far distant when the Cathedral would be built at Christchurch, and it was hardly necessary to repeat that this building would be really a parish church for every one in the diocese. Every priest, every man, woman, and child would have a right to look upon the Cathedral as the mistress church of the diocese, where the great events took place, such as consecrations, ordination of priests, retreat of the clergy, etc. It was also well that the people should have a place where they could go in great numbers. The expression of the Holy Father the Pope was quite sufficient to cause his Lordship to act in the matter,- even if he had not the actual wants of the place to urge him to it. The Holy Father assured him by word of mouth that God would bless their efforts, and crown them with success, and the Holy Father had given a special blessing to all those who helped the work. His Holiness had also written to him (his Lordship) since he left Europe that in addition to the beautiful cameo he bad presented him witb, he wished expressly to have his Came heading the Cathedral subscription list with £100. It was not a large sum to come from a sovereign, but they had to consider the limited resources at his disposal, and the value was greatly enhanced when they considered that this was the first diocese in New Zealand to be the recipient of any favour of the kind from the Holy Father. Jt was an earnest of his Holiness's own good will towards them, and a source of greit encouragement. He was glad to say that the appeal in New Zealand had so far been most liberally responded to, especially on the Wt st Coast. When the idea was first suggested in Christchurch it surprised everybody — even non-Catholic friends — to see the liberal spirit in which the matter was taken up. The services during the week were largely attended. On the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin 43 children made their First Communion, after which there was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until night. On Sunday morning, the 10th, the Sacrament of Confirmation was administered to 70 children. and adults. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings speoial devotions were held in connection with the consecration of the faithful to the Sacred Heart. The church was crowded on Sunday evening. After I a most impressive sermon by his Lordship the Bishop, the Papal Blessing was given followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, the consecration of the congregation to the Saored Heart and the renewal of Baptismal vows. * Before- beginning his sermon his Lordship announced that the sum of £371 13s had been subscribed during the day towards the Cathedral building fund.