DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 1 October 1908, Page 13

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) September 28. The quarterly meeting of St. Patrick's branch of the H.A.C.B. Society was held in the Hibernian Hall on last Monday "evening. The president (Bro. JR. P. O'Shaughnessey) occupied the chair, and -fifty members were present. Two members were initiated, and three proposed for membership. Reference was made -by the president, the Rev. Father O'Hare (chaplain), and Brothers J. Power and F. J.- Doolan to an enjoyable social gathering held in the Alexandra Hall on the 17th inst., which was largely attended by members and their friends, in celebration of the anniversary of the branch. In a report of the recent visitation of Bishop Grimes to the Cheviot Settlement, during which he was attended by the Rev. Father Richards, pastor' of the North Canterbury, district, when his Lordship administered' the • Sacrament of Confirmation in the * Church of St. - Joseph, the Cheviot News . slates : — ' There were " very large, congregations on each occasion, and the church had •'"been prettily decorated with -"evergreens by members of the congregation. The choir, conducted by "Mr. D. Haughey, rendered suitable selections during the ceremonies, and Miss E. Haughey was organist. At Mass his Lordship delivered a telling address, Hie beauty of which was its ~ simplicity. The smallest

child could' understand, and store up every word that was uttered, and it was equally appreciated by the congregation generally. In the evening his Lordship again preached, and gave Benediction of the .Blessed Sacrament.' ' The Very Rev. Father Regnault, S.M., Provincial, -ys at present on a visit to St. Mary's, Christchurch North. It is pleasing to notice that our respected fellow Catholic citizen, Mr. J. Meagher, has been elected a member of -the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. The first anniversary of Dominion Day was celebrated, in Christchurch by a military display in Cranmer Square. Saturday being an unsuitable day, /there was no cessation of ' business, "and no holiday was- observed apart from the various State departments. ' . . A Solemn Triduum in honor of the Blessed Sacrament is to commence in the Cathedral on Friday morning, and conclude on next Sunday evening. On Friday evening the Rev. Father Hyland (Rangiora) is to preach, Rev. Father Bell, S.M. (Mount Magdala), on Saturday, and Rev. Father Cooney (Lyttelton) on Sunday. Bishop Grimes has a method of solving the liquor problem which others would do well to follow (states the Cheviot News). On Sunday night, while renewing, their baptismal vows, his Lordship took the opportunity of impressing upon the young people the importance of temperance, and extracted from each of them a solemn promise that until they reached the mature age of twenty- one they would abstain from all alcoholic liquors. If a child abstains from alcoholic beverages until he or she reaches the age of manhood and womanhood, there is not much clanger of tHem taking to it later on. The annual retreat for the children attending the schools of the Sisters of the Missions, extending from last Tuesday evening to Saturday morning, was conducted by the Rev. Father Kimbell, S.M. In the convent chapel Mass was celebrated each morning, followed by a mission instruction eminently suited to the young mind, and essentially useful and practical, the services being closed with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament each evening. After the 8 o'clock Mass on, Saturday morning the Papal blessing was imparted. The Rev. Father Kimbell left on Saturday for Timaru, where he will be similarly engaged during the present week. (From an occasional correspondent.) At a meeting of the Christchurch Catholic Club on Wednesday last a presentation was made to Mr. J. L. Leydon, who has been transferred from the Railway Stores Department at Addington to Westport. Mr. R. Beveridge made the presentation, which took the form of a travelling rug, and expressed regret at the club losing such a valuable member. Mr. Leydon has filled the position of secretary for twelve months, and latterly" held the office of vice-president. He was also secretary of the Athletic Club. Mr. Leydon carries with him the good wishes of the club members, with whom he has made himself so popular.