DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 41, 8 October 1903, Page 5

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) October 5.

On Sunday last, feast of the Holy Rosary, the annual diocesan collection in aid of charitable institutions was made, the Magdalen Asylum, Mount Magdala being, as heretofore, the subject of appeal. Speaking at the Hibernian dinner the secretary, Bro. Sellars, mentioned the fact regarding one of the Brothers present, Bro. T. O'Connell, who was not only one of the first members of the local branch, but was proud to have as members of the H.A.C.B. Society all his sons, five in number, including the Rev. Father John O'Connell, who was there amongst them that evening wearing his P.P. collar. The proper way, said the Hon. Bro. Beehan, for a member to celebrate his entrance into the H.A.C.B.S. is by inducing at least one other to join. Consistent adherence to the rules ensures better men and better citizens. He explained the working of the Friendly Societies' dispensary in Auckland, together with its advantages, and in reference to the connection of the clergy with the Society, said priests and people together can accomplish everything.

The Hon. W. Beehan, M.L.C., and Mrs. Beehan were on a visit to Christchurch during the week, and were the guests, during their stay, of Mr. Power, at the Masonic Hoter> Accompanied by Mr. F. J. Doolan, president of the H.A.C.B. Society, the visitors called at the episcopal residence, inspected the Bishop's museum of rare and interesting -abjects, and- were shown over the new Cathedral under the guidance of Mr. J. A. Hickmott, clerk of works, and expressed great admiration of the magnificent building. After being entertained by the Very Rev. Vicar-G-eneral, calls were made on various prominent Catholic citizens, including Mr. IE. O'Connor, at his Catholic Book Depot. When at Lyttelton, on their return to Wellington, Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Beehan dined with the Rev. Father Cooney at St. Joseph's presbytery. During the banquet at the Hibernian Hall last Tuesday evening, P.P. Bros. J. McOormick and D. Edmonds were invested by the District President with handsome past presidents' collars. Addressing the recipients, the Hon. Bro. Beehan said it was a pleasant duty to meet the two Brothers. It was always a pleasure to recognise worth, especially in those who had filled the different offices in the branch from the lowest to the highest, and that their services had gained esteem was shown here by the gift from their fellow-members. Bro. McCormick expressed his grateful appreciation of the gift, its value being enhanced by his investiture of it by the D.P. Bro. Edmonds also suitably replied. The ' New Zealand Tablet ' came in for some remarkably favorable expressions of opinion by many prominent speakers' at the Hibernian gathering last week, including the Very Rev. Vicar-General and other clergy present. The Rev. Dean Foley, in proposing the Press said all Catholics should have the paper in their homes. To them it was the chief vehicle of information and instruction, able, fearless, and honest, and he was pleased at the opportunity of bearing testimony thereto. The devotion of the Forty Hours' Adoration was commenced on Sunday in the Pro-Cathedral. Pontifical High Mass was celebrated by his Lordship, the Very Rev Vicar-General being assistant-priest, the Very Rev. Dean Foley deacon, and Key. Father O'Connell sub-deacon. The Bishop addressed the congregation, and at the conclusion oi Mass there was a procession of the Blessed Sacrament. Pot plants, palms, and banners, adorned the sanctuary and precincts. The music was Gounod's ' Messe Solennelle,' capably rendered by the choir under the conductorship of Mr. H. H. Loughnan, with Miss Kate Young at the organ. His Lordship the Bishop pontificated at Solemn Vespers, attended by the Very Rev. Dean Foley and Rev. father Price as deacon and sub-deacon respectively, the Very Rev. Vicar-General was assistantpriest, and Rev. Father O'Connell being master of ceremonies. The Bishop preached to a crowded congregation on the Holy Rosary, after which the choir sang the ' Te Deum ' in thanksgiving for the election of the Sovereign Pontiff, Pope Pius X. A profusion of floral decorations adorned the high altar, which was brilliantly illuminated On Monday at nine o'clock there is to be a Missa Cantata, and on Tuesday at the same hour the Mass of Deposition. His Lordship the Bishop returned from Hanmcr during the week, being accompanied at the Sanatorium by the Rev. Father Price. On arrival there, with much kindly forethought, a room was immediately set apart and prepared at the ' Lodge ' for the celebration of Mass. On the following Sunday the beautiful public hall, erected by Mr. D. Rutherford, who takes a deep interest in the district, was placed at the Bishop's disposal, and arranged by Mr. Millikin for the celebration of the. Holy Sacrifice. An altar was erected and beautifully adorned by Mrs. M. Lance, and the Misses White. The Bishop celebrated Mass at 10 o'clock, a#d preached on the day's Gospel to a good congregation, the greater portion of which was non-Catholic. An excellent site, in a prominent part of the township was lately secured for a church which tihe Bishop and the zealous and energetic rector of the district (Rev. Father Price) are anxious to see erected in the near future, indeed, this is one of the conditions imposed on the acquisition of the property, apart from wlhich the want of a church is deeply felt by the many Catholic visitors to the health-giving resort. Several other denominations are already established at Ilanmer, and the reproaoh Catholics are at present laboring under should be speedily removed. The collections already made at Mass there have been set aside as the nucleus of a_ building fund, to w.hich tbje Rev. Father Price trusts to very soon sufficiently supplement to enable the work being proceeded with. Since May 1, when Greater Christchjurch was formed, buildings have been erected in the city to the value of £186,300. By far the greater part of the sum represents buildings in the outer area.