DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 24, 13 June 1907, Page 14

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent.) June 9. Sir Joseph Ward cabled last Sunday from Colombo as follows to Mr. P. J. Nerheny :—' Deepest sympathy sad death your 'daughter from Lady Ward and self.— Ward.' At St. Benedict's on last Monday evening a presentation of a beautiful gold-mounted qigar-case was made to Mr. Geo. Rice, sacristan at St. Benedict's, by the altar boys. Master John Sheehan made the presentation, and Mr. Rice feelingly replied. A farewell social was tendered last Wednesday nieht by the members of the Marist Bros. Old Boys' Association to Mr. E. Casey, who has left Auckland for Greymouth. A large number of members attended at the club rooms, Pitt sfcieet, and musical items were given by Messrs. T. Gusscolt, P. Clarke, J. Shanley, J. McKenna, O. Phitcrard, W. Dewan, F. Simpson, J. Lonergan, and Rev. Father Kehoe. During the evening speeches eulogistic of Mr. Casey were delivered 'by Key. Bro. George, Rev. Father Holbrook, and Messrs. W. Darby, and J. - Furlong, and Rev. Bro. George presented Mr. Casey with a diploma Which had been awarded him in a late oratorical competition. The function was was a very successful one, the arrangements being carried out by Messrs. W. Kemble, sen., sec, and Mr. J. Oliver and Mr. T. Holbrook, assisted by a committee of lady friends. Bro. E. Casey, who represented the Auckland branch at the late Hibernian Conference in Auckland, anil who won high encomiums from his brother delegates from the south, left yesterday for Greymouth, where he had been transferred by the Railway Department. On Tuesday evening last, at the meeting of the local branch, he was presented with -a. beautiful writ-ing-case by the president, Bro. T. Pound, on behalf of the oiiicers and members of the branch. In making the presentation the president said that though Bro. 'Casey had spent but two years in Auckland, yet he had, by his ability, earnestness, and industry, earned for himself the esteem and admiration of our people here. Bros. P. J. Nerheny, D. Flynn, and M. J. Sheahan added their tribute of praise to Bro. Casey. In reply, Bro. Casey said he was too overcome to adequately express his feelings of gratitude towards his brother Hibernians in Auckland. Two years ago he landed here a total stranger, and now he was leaving with the keenest regret. The friends he had made here he would never forget, and no matter where his duties may call hira he would always turn with a longing to Auckland, and to his numerous friends there. From his heart he thanked them. At the early Masses on the Sunday witMn the Octave of Corpus Christi there were a large number of communicants, including the members of the confraternities of the Children of Mary, and the Guard of Honor. At the 11 o'clock Mass the Bishop was present in the sanctuary. High Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Farthing, Rev. Father Holbrook being deacon, and Rev. Father Murphy subdeacon. The Bishop delivered a fine discourse, and pointed out the origin of the great festival they were commemorating. The choir rendered •'MillaruTs Mass' in fine style, under the baton oi Mr. P. F. Hiscocks. After Mass the devotion of the Forty Hours' Adoration was begun. Benediction followed, and throughout the afternoon and night great numbers visited the church. At Vespers the church was crowded. After Vespers thirty aspirants were received into the Guard of Honor. His Lordship preached on the feast of Corpus Christi, and told of its origin. His Lordship exhorted all to practise devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. He particularly invited the young people to tievote themselves to it, when ' they would find in their lives much improvement. In this Colony it was to be deplored that in our youth there was a lack of respect towards parents and old people. In our commercial " relations a want of honesty of purpose was discerned, for proof of this turn to the records of our courts. Now if men and women would only turn to the Blessed Sacrament, and practise devotion to it, how much better would the world be. Pontifical Benediction followed. The high' altar presented a most teautiful sight, and on those who decorated it too much praise cannot be bestowed. The devotions continued throughout Monday, and in the even'ng Rev. Father Murphy preached on the Blessed Sacrament. On Tuesday morning the devotion was closed. High Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Zana, Rev. Father Murphy beine; deacon, Rev. Father Farthing subdeacon, and Rev. Father Holbrook master of ceremonies. His - Lordship, the Bishop was again present.