DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 37, 14 September 1899, Page 6

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own correspondent.) September 9 At Mount Magdala Asylum very extensive additions are in course of construction, fuller particulars of which I hope to be in a position to give in the near future. The Triduum preparatory to the Consecration of the congregation to the Sacred Heart will commence in the Pro-Cathedral with High Mass on Friday next, the 15th inst., and on Sunday the Solemn Act of Consecration will take place. A meeting of ladies of the Pro-Cathedral congregation is fixed for Thursday next, the 14th inst., at the presbytery, to be presided over by his Lordship the Bishop, when important matters in connection with the projected cathedral will receive attention. On Sunday last special services were held at St. Mary's Church, Manchester street, in commemoration of the anniversary of its consecration. At High Mass Weber's Mass in G was rendered by the choir under Mr. Rossiter, Mrs. W. Cronin presiding at the organ. At the Offertory in the evening Miss M. McLaughlin sang Tozer's 4 Aye Maria.' The Rev. Father Gallais, S.M., officiated throughout the day, large congregations being the rule. An enjoyable 'At Home ' was given on Tuesday evening by the members of St. Mary's Catholic Club. The president, Mr. A. J. Malley, occupied the chair. Amongst those present were the Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais, Rev. Fathers Richards, Treacey, Higgins, and Gallais. Songs were contributed by Misses Lucy Ryan and M. McLaughlin, Messrs. J. Young, R. Beveridge, and L. Blake; piano solos by Misses Burk and C. O'Brien ; piano and violin duet by Misses L. and D. Grady ; vooal duet, Messrs. L. and F. Blake, and recitations by Messrs. Mahar and L. N. Taylor. The annual appeal for funds to assist the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, in carrying out its numerous works of charity and benevolence, was made at all the services in the Pro-Cathedral on Sunday last. At the half -past nine o'clock Mass the Rev. Father Crotty made a few brief but suitable remarks on the claims of the less fortunate to consideration, and at the High Mass the Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais, V.G., eloquently appealed, not only for the means whereby the Society's operations may be extended, but also for increased membership. Visiting the poor in their own homes was, the very rev. preacher pointed out, of the most vital importance; and this could not be done to the extent demanded in large centres unless zealously entered into by those i with leisure and means at their disposal. Owing to indisposition, the Rev. Father Goggan was prevented from occupying the pulpit at Vespers, and the liev. Father Crotty gave a fine discourse on the duty of almsgiving.