Blenheim

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 20, 16 May 1907, Page 13

Blenheim

(From an occasional correspondent^ May 8. A most successful mission was brought to a close at St. Mary's Uhuroh on Sunday, April 28. The mission, which was held for a fortnight, was conducted by the Rev. Fathers McDermott and Lowham, C.SS.R. The Masses and other services were attended by large congregations, a number of people coming many miles from the surrounding districts. The fervor of the people never flagged, and, despite the inclement weather experienced during the second week of, the mission, the attendance increased from day to day, a fact which must have afforded much consolation to the good missionaries a s well as to the devoted priests of the parish. A great feature of the mission, and one whioh contributed much to the devotional character of the 'ceremonies, was the congregational singing, condurt-jd by the Rev. Father Holley. in closing the mission, on Sunday evening, Father McDenmott congratulated the people on the manner in which they had attended during its course, and, in a most touching address of farewell, remarked that they might think that the priests, going to many missions, did not feel parting from congregations which h>ad,-_f.o'r a short- time, been under their care. He could only say that he felt it most keenly. His confrere, who was yoiwrg and strong, might again be amongst them 1 , bul, for himself, he felt that the sands of life were running low, anrl that never again would he have the pleasure of addressing the Catholics of Blenheim. One result of the mission, which we hope will have a lasting effect, is the new life it has infused into the Society of the Saored Heart, quite a large number being added to the members. Missions have also been given at Tua Marina, Seddon, Kenwick, and Ha>velock— out-lying portions of the parish. The mission at Picton, the last in the district, is to close next Sunday.