WESTPORT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume 40, Issue 40, 1 October 1903, Page 4

WESTPORT.

(From our own correspondent.) September 22. His Grace Archbishop Redwood arrived in Westport by the ' Mapourika ' on Friday, the 18th inst. The fallowing pupils of the local Convent of Mercy wore successful in passing the theoretical examinations in connection with the Trinity College :— Misses Winnie Struthers, 98 (distinction) ; Lily Stitt, 83 (distinction)Amy Locke, 79 (pass) ; Gertrude Scott, 78 (pass). The pretty little church at Charleston, which is dedicated to Ireland's patron saint, has recently been renovated, and in exterior and interior appearance the sacred edifice is now greatly improved. The committee who have been so successful in accomplishing this very necessary work, are entitled to great praise for the energetic manner in which they worked for so laudable an object The quarterly meeting of St. Canice's branch, of the H.A.C.B. Society was held in St. Canice's Schoolroom on September 16. The president, Bro. T. Enright, occupying the chair. After the ordinary business was transacted, an appeal from the Sisters of Mercy to the branch was considered. The new convent, which is a magnificent structure of very considerable dimensions, having been completed, it is the earnest wish of the Sisters of Mercy that the grounds should present an appearance somewhat in keeping with the handsome building. The Rev. Mother Superior therefore wrote ,to the local branch of the H.A.C.B. Society asking jf the members would be willing to render any assistance towards this very urgent requirement. It is most gratifying to record that the Society has responded generously to the good Sisters' appeal, as the members have undertaken to carry out the laying out of the grounds. The Society is to be highly complimented on their prompt action, and it may be confidently anticipated that the work will be a lasting credit to all concerned. The Inspector recently conducted the examination of the children attending St. Canice's School. It is pleasing to note that the examination .was entirely satisfactory, a high • average being maintained in i the different standards. Mr. Strachan was much pleased with the work done, and complimented the good Sisters thereon. The Sisters of Mercy are to be congratulated on their success. The Rev. Father Malloy, ,who takes a keen and kindly interest in the welfare of the children, thoughtfully presented five handsome silver medals for general proficiency. The following pupils were successful in obtaining the medals presented :— Masters Alfred Cullen, James Flynn, James McGlone, Frank Ryan, and James Forman. During the course of his eloquent sermon at St. Canice's Church last Sunday morning, his Grace the Archbishop, in referring to the new convent of Mercy, said, ' it was not only an ornament to the town, but a credit to the devoted Sisters of Mercy, and the Catholic body of Westport. 1 His Grace also highly eulogised the good Sisters for their zeal, piety and charity and the sacrifices they made in the cause of education. The great importance of giving our Catholic children a religious education was strongly impressed upon the congregation by the Archbishop at St. Canice's Church last Sunday morning. His Grace said that it was absolutely necessary that the young should be well grounded in the holy Faith, especially at the present time when society was impregnated with infidelity.

His Grace Archbishop Redwood, who is now making a visitation to (this part of the Archdiocese, celebrated the first Mass at St. Canice's Church yesterday morning. A very large number of children (including 40 first communicants), who were candidates for Confirmation, the Holy Table. At ithe 11 o'clock Mass the Yen. . Archpriest Walsne was the celebrant, his Grace the Archbishop being,present in the sanctuary. After Mass his Grace gave a clear, forcible, and very instructive address on the Sacrament of Confirmation to the children about to be confirmed. His Grace then administered the Sacrament to 110 children, the girls, attired in white dresses with' wreaths and veils/ to match, presented a pleasing and most edifying sight, while the boys were conspicuous in their neat white sashes. x Mrs. Simon stood sponsor for the girls, and Mr. H. McConnell for the boys. After Confirmation his Grace made a powerful » and eloquent appeal to the congregation to contribute generously to the building fund of the beautiful new convent of the Sisters of Mercy, The Archbishop made special reference to the great sacrifices made by the devoted ladies in the cause of education, and here it may be stated that at l.the recent examination conducted by the Inspector of Schools, that gentleman paid a very high tribute of, appreciation to the work done in the Sisters' school at Westport.

In the evening his Grace preached an eloquent and scholarly discourse on prayer, and also gave Benediction of the Most Holy Sacrament. The Rev. Father Malloy recited the rosary, and gave out the hymns for congregational singing. Considering the inclement weather that prevailed the congregations both morning and evening were exceptionally large.

His Grace, accompanied by the Rev. Father Malloy, left Westport for Addison's Flat on Monday afternoon, for the purpose of holding a Confirmation service on Tuesday, , During the present week the Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered in Charleston and Denniston, and on Sunday next his Grace will visit Millerton to solemnly bless and dedicate the new CatJholic church recently erected in that township.

Next Thursday afternoon his Grace will perform the ceremony of blessing the beautiful new convent of the Sisters of Mercy. A number of visiting clergy will assist at the ceremony. „

Though somewhat aged in appearance since his last visit to the Coast, his Grace retains those exceptional gifts of oratory which have made his name famed in other lands, and that magnetic charm of manner combined with earnestness and rare eloquence are still prominent characteristics of the distinguished Prelate who is now visiting this portion of his extensive archdiocese.