DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume 27, Issue 21, 27 May 1909, Page 813

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From Our Own Correspondent.) May 24. The Rev. Father Dahdah, pastor of the Marounite rite, is at present on a periodical visit to the Syrian members of his flock in this city. The balance sheet in connection with the late All Seasons Carnival is- ready for presentation at a meeting to be convened on the return of the secretary, Mr. E. O'Connor. * The committee having in hand the presentation of a testimonial to the church secretary, Mr. E. O'Connor, met on Sunday afternoon in the Bishop's House. The Very Rev. Father Price, Adm., presided. Satisfactory progress was reported. A final meeting is convened for next Sunday afternoon at the boys' school, at which all the former pupils of Mr. O'Connor are expected to attend* Muchu interest is being manifested in the approaching illustrated lecture on Ireland by his Lordship the Bishop, under the auspices of the Hibernian Society. The proceeds of the lecture" are, I understand, to be devoted to the requirements of the schools, which, apart from the excellence of the lecture and the splendid views to be exhibited, should act as an incentive in securing a crowded audience. The Rev. Father O'Connell, S.M., has been conducting a series of missions in the Nelson district, spending a week each in Waimea West, Takaka, and Wakefield". Later he was joined by the Rev. Father Kimbell, S.M., and together they conducted a week's mission in the town of Nelson. From Nelson the missionaries go to the West Coast, where they will resume their labors throughout the parish of Ahaura. His many friends throughout the Dominion will regret ihe fact, that the Very Rev. Father Price, Adm., acting on expert medical advice, is obliged to relinquish duty for a time, - and take a complete rest. It is the intention of Father Price to -join the Manapouri at Wellington this week en route to the Islands and California. On his return he will probably come by way of Japan, spending some little time in the East, being away altogether about five or six months.

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The Sisters of Nazareth acknowledge additional subscriptions of about £50 towards the building fund of the new Nazareth House. The Sisters have recently entered into occupation of the • dwelling house at the ' Grove,' Sydenham, near the site of the -permanent house now in course of erection, to. which they have removed the women inmates, thus giving more room for the orphans at their other temporary residence, Ferry Road. A chapel has been ' fitted up at the ' Grove ' house and was inaugurated on last Saturday morning hy his Lordship the Bishop celebrating Mass therein. The children sang at Mass, and his Lordship spoke appropriately of/ the important occasion, referring to the commencement of the new building some time ago, and the' advance step now being taken by the Sisters being actually on the spot. Before dispersing from the meeting on last Sunday afternoon the members present of the O'Connor testimonial committee unanimously passed a vote of sympathy with, the Very Rev. Father Price on the cause of his relinquishing duty for a time, with fervent hopes for his speedy return in renewed health and vigor to his administrative labors, in which he has displayed such conspicuous ability. A warm welcome was promised him, together with every assistance possible in his future undertakings. In reply Father Price heartily thanked the committee for their expression of goodwill and sympathy. He regretted exceedingly being obliged to rest for awhile, but fully anticipated completely recovering his health within a few months. When back again his utmost effort / would be devoted to improving the schools, and with the assistance of those workers who had so well aided him since coming to Christchurch, he had no fear of anything marring the best results.