Kaikoura

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1, 7 January 1909, Page 14

Kaikoura

(From an occasional correspondent.)

The schools conducted by the Sisters of the Mission closed for the Christmas holidays on December 18, and the Sisters left for the Mother House on the ,23rd. This 'time they took the route by coach to Cheviot, and thence by rail to Christchurch. This way has the advantage of charming scenery, and of enabling passengers to reach Christchurch by coach and train in one day. Before the Sisters left on their well-merited holidays, they erected a beautiful, crib in the Church of the Sacred Heart. . Naturally enough, this crib, with its admirable figures and artistic construction, is an object of much admiration and attraction. Only a small percentage of the people had ever before seen a crib, which of all things else is so appropriate at the Christmas season, and so impressive withal. In drawing attention to this striking • aid to Catholic faith and piety, Father Golden strongly admonished parents to bring their children to the crib so as to impress their plastic minds with the grand dogmas of religion which it so eloquently expresses. _As the Divine Babe is the central figure in the interesting group, so is He by excellence the central figure in the Christian religion. r Outside the Gospels, perhaps there are no means more calculated than the crib, with its adoring group, to impress minds with the truth and the reality of the Nativity of the Redeemer, God^made Man for man's elevation and redemption. Why the adoration of the shepherds, and the wise men? Is it not because they know' by divine revelation that the new-born Child is their Lord and Redeemer and GJod? Indeed, the crib has a special fragrance of its own, and it makes a most wholesome and lasting impression. The striking decorations of the altars and sanctuary were much enhanced by the costly candelabra just" to hand from a Melbourne firm. The decorations were admirable, reflecting much credit on the Children of Mary, who are always to the fore for such and other church purposes. In connection with this must be mentioned with honor the name of Mr. Arthur Campbell, who was responsible for very artistic work in the sanctuary and down the body of the church. Though only on a brief visit with his wife and child to Ludstone, the home of his father-in-law, he busied himself with much effect in the church of' his reception and First Communion, and of his happy marriage withal. The choir of the Sacred Heart won high praise for their excellent services on both Christmas Day and the following Sunday. It would be difficult to find a better choir in any of our smaller congregations in New , Zealand. Some of the voices are excellent. There were overflowing congregations during the Christmas holidays, and large numbers received Holy Communion. The fruits and graces of the recent mission have not yet been exhausted. May they be permanent.