DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 38, 20 September 1900, Page 4

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

(From our own correspondent.) September 13. In the annual report presented to Parliament this session on the Hospital and Cnarita^e Institutions, the following appears: — 'Coromandel Hospital was visited on February 27. There were four male patient*, and four women. Sister Mary Agnes, a nurse trained in St. Vincent's Hospital. Sydney, is in charge with two attendant Sisters, a wanNman. and a cook-laundress. The hospital is bright, clean, and excellently managed. Dr. Bell is well eati«fied with the nursing skill of the Sisters, and patients speak gratefully of their general attention.' Special services were held last Sunday at St. Benedict's Church. A number of children received their First Communion at theearly Masa. After High Mass there was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, which was continued all day. In the afternoon the children renewed their baptismal vows. In the evening his Lordship the Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to about I.jO children. The large church was packed to the doors, the whole of the centre portion being occupied by the children. His Lordship after the ceremony addressed the children, and reminded them that they were now enrolled as soldiers of the Cross, and he hoped they would ever prove staunch and true. They would read in these war times of the bravery of the soldiers, let them all emulate their bravery and rally round the standard of the Cross, and they would, ever prove good Catholics and citizens. The children were prepared for their First Communion and Confirmation by Rev. Fathers (Jillan, Darby, and O'Hara, and the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Tuesday last being the ammer-.iry of the Right Hey. Dr. Lenihan s natal day his former parishioners at Parnt II entertained him in St l'.ona\cntura s Hall, which was nicely def orated and well filled On the Bishop entering the building the oi chest ra played the ' Marc lie aux: Flambeaux The choir of St. John the Baptist'^, under the able con<luctor«lnp ot Miss Annie Lorrigan. rendered the ' Magnificat' (MiUard) and • Laudato ' (Father Kehoel in good stj le, a-M--t,ed by an efficient oiehestia. Other it< ms were hong, Mi. Ton. a , i-0u,,, ' C..m.c:.r M M' v I nrri^an due) from • I a Favonta.' Rev. Father Kehoe and Miss Coleta Lorrigan ; song.- i lie v ariinal." Mi-i. HLaLi. . After 'hi iviiMcnl pro<rrimmeihe Rev. Father Kehoe on behalf ot the parishioners read an address in which they tendered his Lordship their most hearty congratulations on the forty-second anniversary of his birthday, and wished him many happy returns of the day. It was unnecessary to say how pleased they were to welcome his Lordship once more amongst them, after his return from his visit to the illustrious Pontiff who now fills the Chair of Peter. On behalf of the ladies ot the committee they begged to present, his Lordship with a little souvenir of the present occasion, and in conclusion wished their beloved Bishop a long life, success and prosperity. His Lordship, in replying, said he felt great pleasure in being in the midst of his old flock, where he had spent the happiest days of his life. He congratulated them on the manj improvements effected, notably their enlarged church and the fine choir to w hich all listened to with pleasure that night. He thanked them heartily for their kindness and remembrance ot him. Refreshments w r erc then given round, the Bishop meanwhile mixing and conversing with the people, renewing old acquaintance. The function was brought to a close with all singing ' Auld lang syne.' The Mother-Provincial of the Little Sisters of the Poor has been visiting Auckland on her periodical tour of inspection of the home-? for the aged poor under the care of the good nuns of that charitable Order. She was much pleased with the neatness and order which prevail in the institution and the contented and happy appearance of the old people. The inmates presented her with an address of welcome, and were deeply affected by the tender and comforting words of the good Mother-Provincial in her reply. The Little Sisters are anxious to acknowledge the liberal help afforded by all denominations towards the support of their charges, and offer their thanks to the charitable donors. But the Sisters are sorely hampered for the want of space, and are much distressed at having to refuse the touching appeals made to them by many worthy applicants, who wish for a quiet home where they would be cared for by the kindly-hearted Sisters, who devote their whole lives to the comforting of God's aged poor. They appeal. therefore, to the charity of the people of New Zealand for the means to build a more spacious and up-to-date Home. s 0 that they will be able to give shelter, food, clothing, and hospital accommodation to the old pioneers who, in their vigorous days, toiled and suffered many hardships. Surely, then, the younger and wealthier portion of the community will not turn a deaf ear to the appeal of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Help them to build a larger Home for poor. worn-out humanity, so that they will not be compelled to refuse admis&ion to so many heart-rending ca«es.