DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 15, 15 April 1909, Page 575

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(By Telegraph from our own correspondent) April 12

The Marist Brothers' Old Boys' football teams of Napier and Aiickland meet to-morrow afternoon, here in friendly contest.

The Bishop, accompanied by Rev. Father Holbrook, leaves to-night by the Wellington express to attend a mass meeting of Maoris at Tokaanu. The Bishop while absent will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation in several parishes. He expects to be absent for a fortnight. Speaking from the -pulpit on Good Friday morning his Lordship the Bishop uttered a most 'timely, and appropriate protest against the deplorable growing tendency to turn the day into one of amusement., It_was, said his" Lordship, sad to witness crowds going out to' picnics and other forms of amusement, when for all Christians it should be a day of mourning and sorrow.

The ceremonies of Holy Week at the Cathedral" were carried out with due solemnity. The Bishop, Cathedral clergy, nearly all city and suburban priests, and those within easy distance of the city attended each evening. Tenebrae was held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings. Rev. Father Edge on the Blessed Eucharist on Holy Thursday evening, and the Passion sermon was delivered .on Friday ' evening by Father Tigar. It was most edifying "on Good Friday morning to see -the vast crmyd who. went up to the altar rails to kiss the cross. The,, altar of repose presented a charming picture, with beautiful white and crimson satin drapings relieved with gold lace, in the centre of which was the emblematic pelican and the words, ' Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus.' Choicest flowers were deftly arranged. On Easter Sunday the early Masses were largely attended, and very large numbers approached the Holy Table, amongst whom "were the Children of Mary and' Guard of Honor confraternities. High Mass was celebrated at eleven o'clock by Rev. Father Wright, Rev. Fathers Holbrook and Meagher being deacon and subdeacon respectively. His Lordship the Bishop, waa present in the sanctuary, and was attended by Father Tigar. His Lordship addressed the congregation, dwelling on _ the great importance of the Resurrection and the lesson which we were to derive from it. He heartily thanked the clergy, all those who worked in ihe interests of the dnirch, and the collectors for their constant work. He .made special mention of the choirs, without which the services would have been unadorned. He could not sufficiently thank tho members of the choir, the- music rendered by them being of the highest order. In the evening tho Gathedral was crowded, when his Lordship was again present. Father Meagher preached an eloquent sermon, after which a procession of the Blessed Sacrament took place. The monstrance used was the handsome one presented by his Eminence Cardinal Moran. Pontifical .Benediction followed. The choir again rendered invaluable service. The high altar was a picture of superb -loveliness. .