DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 2, 8 January 1903, Page 5

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

(From our own correspondent.) December 31. Christmas was celebrated in the city churches in a manner befitting thiß great festival. Masses were begun at an early hour, and on the authority of his Lordship the Bishop no less than 14 priests in the oity each celebrated three Masses — 42 Masses — which fact should bring down a blessing from God upon our people. At St. Patrick's the early Masses commencing at 6.30 were said by Rev. Father Patterson, Adm., who rose from a sick bed to perform his sacred duties, and was compelled to return to his room again. Rev. Father Fitzgerald Baid tDe 9 o'clock and following Maesep, and the 11 o'clock Mass was sung by the Rev. Father Hills, S.M., Wellington, Rev. Father Holbrook being deacon and Rev. Father Buckley subdeacon. His Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Leniban occupied the throne, the assistant priests being the Rev. Father Benedict, 0.P., and Rev Father Fitzgerald, O.F.M. After the first Gospel his Lordship thanked the choir, the collectors, and those who during the year had worked so well for the honor and glory of God in the cathedral. The Bishop concluded a practical sermon by invoking God's blessing upon his people during the ooming year. The choir, under its capable choirmaster, Mr P. F. Hiscocks, rendered very efficiently Mercadante's No. 3 Mass, Mr Harry Hiscocks presiding at the organ. In the evening the oathedral was packed. His Lordship attended in the sanctuary. In lieu of the Vesper service several selections from Haydn's ' Creation ' werejrendered by the the choir the soloists being Mdlle. Lilian Tree (soprano), Monsieur Casier (tenor), and Mr Rupert Mantell (bass). The following was the programme :— Chorus ' The Heavens are telling,' trio ' Moat beautiful appear,' chorus ' The Lord is Great,' solo and chorus ' The marv'lous work,' trio ' On Thee each living soul awaits,' duet and chorus ' By Thee with bliss,' Christmas carol ' The snow lay on the ground ' (composed specially for the choir by Harry Hiscocks), offertorium 1 Adeste Fideles ' (Novello's arrangement), soprano soloist Miss Maud Donovan ; solo ' 0 Salutaris Hoßtia ' (Zelman), Miss Lena Conway ; solo ' Aye Maria ' (Mascagni), Madame Casier (with violin obligato by Mr Michael Gleeson) ; solo and chorus ' Tantum Ergo' (Rossi), finale 'Coronation March' (Harry Hisoooks). The Rev. Father Fitzgerald, after the choir had sung the 'Adeste Fideles,' delivered a brief sermon appropriate to Christmaß. Pontifical Benediction was given by his Lordship the Bishop, Rev. Father Holbrook being deacon, and Rev. Father Buckley subdeacon. The church waa nicely deoorated by Mr T. Holbrook. The congregations throughout the day and evening were exceptionally large. At St. Benedict's early Masse 9 were said by Rev. Fathers Gillan and Tormey, at which large numbers attended and approached the Holy Table. High Mass was sung at 11 o'clock by Rev. Father Furlong. The choir rendered in a very satisfactory manner Mozart's Twelfth Mass. In the evening Vespers and Benediction were given, at which Rev. Fathers Gillan, Furlong, and Tormey assisted. At the Sacred Heart Cburoh, Ponaonby, a Missa Cantata was sung by the Very Rev. Dr. Egan, 0.5.8., who also addressed the congregation upon the great festival of the Nativity. The choir, under Mr Thomas Adams, rendered in an excellent manner Gounod's 1 Messe Solennelle. The congregation in this pretty little suburban ' church was also very large. Rev. Father Fitzgerald iB now conducting the retreat of the Sisters of St. Joseph at Surry Hills Convent.