DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

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

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) , January 4. The Rev. Father Lowham, C.SS.R., is at present engaged conducting the retreat here of the 1 Marist Brothers of the South -Island. . ■ ' ■ Reference was made by his Lordship the Bishop in the Cathedral on ounday to the disastrous earthquake in Italy and the appalling loss of human life. Our prayers should mingle (he said) with those of the whole Catholic world for the many thousands who are the victims of death, and also for the suffering survivors. i Prizes were distributed prior to the Christmas vacation by his Lordship the Bishop, attended by the Cathedral clergy, to the children of the Catholic schools at Halswell, Addington, and Woolston, all of which are conducted by the Sisters of the -Missions, fouitable .entertainments ■in each instance were given, and many of the parents and friends of the children were present. In connection with St. Anne's Church and School at Wbolston a successful entertainment was given recently in the local Oddfellows' Hall by the Dresden Concert Party, consisting of some of our best-known, amateur vocalists , and musicians, under the direction of Mr. R. A. Home,

manager of the> Dresden Piano Company, who also' acted as accompanist. Masses were celebrated in the Cathedral on New. Year's Day at 6, 7.30, and 9 o'clock. At the last Mass, Yj - Was largel y attended, the Very Rev. Father Price, Adm., who was celebrant, in addressing the .congregation with regard to the year just closed and to that just opening, most heartily wishecl each and everyone every blessing and happiness; There was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Cathedral on Sunday, last from the 11 o'.clock Mass until Vespers. In the evening the Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy, S.M., Rector of the Meanee Ecclesiastical Seminary, preached an instructive^ discourse from the text, 'He hath done all thing's well,' to a large congregation. There was also the usual procession, followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.