DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 4, 23 January 1902, Page 5

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own correspondent). January 20. The Yen. Archdeacon Devoy, S.M , Provincial, arrived in Christchurch on Tuesday last to be present at the retreat of the clergy. The Countess of Ranfurly has granted her patronage to Mr. John Joyce, a respected Catholic citizen, of Bligh'a Road, Papanui, aa landscape gardener and nurseryman. Among visitors to Christchurch and Hanmer Springs last week was Mrs. McDonnell, of G-reymouth, mother of the Rev. Father McDonnell of this city. An important meeting of the Pro-Cathedral School Committee ia convened for next Sunday afternoon, at which his Lordship the Bishop is to preside. There are about seventy Catholic members of the Eighth Contingent encamped on the Addington show grounds. They were visited on Wednesday by the Very Rev. Dean Foley. The Sisters of the Good Shepherd acknowledge contributions to the Christmas treat fund of tne inmates of Mount Magdala Asylum from a number of business firms and friends of the institution. A long Bpell of exceedingly warm, dry weather is being experienced throughout Canterbury, proving of immense benefit to the harvesting interests. It is said that a season such as the ' present, so far as the cocksfoot grass-seeding industry is concerned, has not existed for many years. I According to announcement made on Sunday the retreat of the diocesan clergy will terminate to-day (Monday). There will be a procession to the altar of the Blessed Virgin, where an act of consecration will be mader followed by one to St. Joseph. Mass will be then celebrated, after which the dioceßan synod will be held. At 9 o'clock on Tuesday morning a solemn Requiem Masß will be celebrated for the repose of the souls of the late Very Rev. Fathers

Cntr mings, Chervier and Chataigner, of the Society of Mary, and other deceased priests of the dio ese. The committee, in connection with the forthcoming baz ar in nid of St. Mary's Presbytery b'lilding fund, have secured the Ci.lossenm, a large building formerly known as the Palace Skating Rnk and more recently used as a boot factory, for the event. The hi ilding is being repai.ited and d cora'ed and thoroughly renovated f< r the occasion. An executive committee, consisting of the Rev. Fathi r Mrirnune (chairman , Messrs. J. C. Chaae, A. J. Malley, Vr.idtord. Kiailey, R. Bevmdge and W. H. Corriean (secretary), ha-t he. n foi.'iiel. The ba/air wi Ibe known »a the 'Coronation Carnival ' ,iinl is to be opened about the middle of May. Tlic v.ni.mi .-nh-i^inriiiM^os in connection with the St. Patrick's Pay <eM)iition met on Mo iday evening last in the parochial li'nart , ,ii>ri i kirns icifl a large amount of business. At the sports' com nut c meeting, presided over by Mr. L. Harley, a long programme, ooLupris'uyr wrr~t'ing, wood-chopping, bagpipe music, fire brigade cuuip ti Lions, cycle and running races for cash and amateur competitors, was dawn up fo- submission to the executive. It is proposed to include a Sheffield Handicap of three distances for cash runners, the prize-money to be £10 first, £4 second, and £1 third. The amateur running races include a mile handicap, in which W. F. Simpson will be asked to make an attempt to lower the Australasian record for that distance. Pontific al Vespers were sung in the Pro-Cathedral on Sunday, his Lordship the Bishop officiating. The deacons at the throne were the Very Rev. Deanß Foley and Carew. The Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais was assistant priest, and Very Rev. Father Bowers master of ceremonies. The preacher was the Very Rev. Father Treand, M.S.H , who delivered a beautiful and touching diecourse from the words of the Psalmist, ' What shall I return to the Lord for what He has given me.' His Lordship the Bishop imparted the episcopal blessing, and thanked tbe very rev. preacher for the splendid sermon just listened to, and expressed his appreciation of the noble and generou« part taken by the diocesan clergy in the worK of erecting the new cathedral. He referred to the state of the diocese at the present time, with the greatly-increased number of clergy, and its position when the first retreat was held here. Of the clergy now gathered around the altar, at least five he thought received ordination at his (the Bishop's) hands. With regard to the Cathedral he must say that the way it was going up was wonderful if not marvellous, he was almost going to say miraculous, but miracles were not wrought in precisely this manner, or, at all eventd, at this time. As far as one could safely look ahead, however, he would say that the noble structure would be completed and opened in the time stated when the foundation stone was laid, that is three years from this event. Catholic members of the Eighth Contingent, now in camp at the Addington show grounds, paraied ou Sunday list and marched t ) the Pro-Orithedral ia time to attend the <J 30 o'clock Miss. The Very Rev. Vicar-General was Celebrant and after reading the epi&tle and gos-pel of the day, delivered an impres-ive address to the assembled troopers, Dear Friends and brethren, snid the Very Rev. preacher, you are about to leave these shores for far distant South Africa to fight for your country and oppo-e the wrong doing of designing and crafty men. It is a noble, a glorious thing to fight for one's country, and shed one's bl' od in her service. Remember, as loyal and devoted soldiers of the British Empire, all eyes are upon you. Go forth, to oppose the enemy in the name of the Colony, but never forget you are also soldiers of Jesus Christ. Your boul is the fortress you have to depend upon in the battle of eternity — a fortress with towers and ramparts, walls strongly guarded, w-liilst from dis-tance to distance are placed (figuratively) guns to defend you from the attacks of the enemy. There, too, is the flagstaff from which waves ever the watchword of Jesus Christ 'No surrender.' The King of the fortress is Christ our Lord, and during the entire lifetime of man this fort is surrounded by an army crying ' surrender,' ' surrender,' ' surrender I' To Jesus Christ you were each consecrated when a child, and on arrival in South Africa, besides the Boers you will be confronted with three powerful enemies — the world, the demon, and the flesh. Reject any overtures and avoid all occasions when you might be induced to neglect your religious duties. Be brave, couragejus and ready to die at any time free from guilt of mortal sin. A traitor — one who holds communications with the enemy — is most of all to be dreaded in time of war. Be not a traitor to Christ. Be rot a traitor in your heart by entertaining evil inclinations, and giving way to worldly passions, unworthy alike of a follower of Christ, and soldier of the great British Empire. On mounting guard, when grasping rifle or holding sword, remember always the password. Remember, that any moment you may be struck dead and with the password of ' Jesuß, Saviour' on your lipa the gates of Paradise will be opened wide for you. When going into battle be it evr r uppermost in your thoughts the simple prayer — ' My Jesus defend me, Holy Mary My Mother and guardian angel defend me.' Yours shall be the palm of victory, and should you dia for your country your memo»y will "be immortalifced before God and man.