Convent of Mercy, Lyttelton.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 20, 15 May 1902, Page 20

Convent of Mercy, Lyttelton.

On Thursday. May s, the Feast of the Ascension, the impressive ceremony of the profession of two young Indies took place in St. Joseph's Church. Lyttelton. O/i the morning m question, a visitor, looking at the iut-iile of the neat little church, woulei v quire no one to inform him that something out ot the ordinary wns about to take place. A little later this idea would be strengthened, aa whilst the choir inton's the ' Veni Creator,' a pi oce'-sion proceeds slowly into the church headed by the cross-beurer, Miss May MoConville. As soon as his Lordship the Bishop arrived at the sjnetuary he blessed the black veils and rings, after which Ma^s was celebrated by the Very Rev. Dean Foley. There were present the local Rector, Rev. Father Cooney (who acted as master of ceremonies), Very Rev. Father Le Menant ded Chesnais, V.G., Rev. Fathers Marnane, Galerne, and McDonnell. At the conclusion of the Mass his Lordship delivered an impressive sermon on the obligation and happiness of the religiou-* life, after which the no vie s were led by the Mother Superior and Mother A*-si^t<un to the toot of the altar, where they were interrogated by the Bishop. Then the mo-t solemn part of the ceremony took place, when the two novices clearly and distinctly pronounced their vows. The Right Rev. Dr. Grimes then placed the black veils on their heads and the ringa on their fingers. The newly-professed arose and sa.'d aloud, 'We are espoused to Him Whom the angels serve, and at Who-ie beauty the sun and moon stand in wonder.' The music was very nicely rendered by the choir. The young ladits who had the happiness of making their religious profession were Miss Helena Florence Thompson, Balclutha. Otago,and Misd Doha Slattery, Cioughjordan, Tipparary, Ireland.