DIOCESE OF DUNEDIN

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 22, 3 June 1909, Page 863

DIOCESE OF DUNEDIN

The opening of a branch of the H.A.C.B. Society that was to have taken place in Otautau last month, was postponed. The opening will take place on baiurday evening, June 5. A private letter from the Very Rev. Father O'Neill, late of Milton, conveys the information that for some time past he has been at the Redemptorist Novitiate, Dundalk, and 'that his health is much improved. The new Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor at Anderson's Bay, the foundation stone of which was laid in October, 1907, will be blessed and opened on Sunday, June 20. Cadets Lefevre and P. Devine, of the Hibernian Defence Cadets, -were recently appointed corporals of the corps, and Corporal Lay burn was promoted to the position of sergeant. On May 24 two novices — Miss Teresa Minihan (in religion Sister M. Paul), of Reefton, and Miss Kate McTavish (in religion, Sister Genevieve), of Oreti Plains — made their profession at the Convent of Mercy, South Dunedin. His Lordship the Bishop officiated, and was assisted by the Rev. Fathers O'Malley and D. O'Neill. On Sunday, the Feast of Pentecost, Pontifical High Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph's Cathedral by his Lordship the Bishop, Rev. Dr. Cleary being assistant priest, Rev. Father Corcoran deacon, Rev. Li Daly (Holy Cross College) subdeacon, and Rev. Father Coffey, Adm., master of ceremonies. The sermon on the day's festival was preached by the Rev. Father Coffey. - x

The St. Patrick's Young Men's Social and Literary Club, South Dunedin, held its weekly meeting •in ot. Patrick's Schoolroom on Monday evening. A large attendance of members spent an enjoyable evening at cards an'l other games. The proceedings were brought to a close with a few musical items contributed, by Mr. F. Perkins (pianoforte solo), and Messrs. W. Tonar, *J. McDonald, and W. Walsh (songs).A number of ladies are now actively engaged in making preparations for a sale of work which is to be held in the North-East Valley some time next month. The proceeds of the sale will be devoted towards the reduction of the debt incurred by tho erection of a new room at the Sacred Heart School. The collection taken up on Sunday at St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Sacred Heart Church, and St. Patrick's Basilica, South Dunedin, in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, was very satisfactory. At the Cathedral and North-East Valley a sum of about £50 was received, and the amounted collected in South Dunedin brought the total to over £60. An interesting debate on the gift of the Dreadnought by the New Zealand Government was held in St. Joseph's Hall on Friday evening by the members of St. Joseph's Men's Club. Mr. T. Hussey, in support of the Government's action, had the assistance of Messrs. T. Deehan, W. P. Rodgers, and H. Poppelwell, while Mr. E. W. Spain, who opposed, was supported by Dr. Hastings, Messrs. Jos. Sims, and J. Brown. The, debating was of a high standard ,and some excellent speeches were made, the audience following the arguments with close attention throughout. On a vote being taken, the majority declared in favor of the Government's action. Rev. Father Coffey, who presided, criticised the speeches of members at the conclusion of the debate, and pointed out the faults that were noticeable in some of the speeches. At the Convent of Our Lady of Mercy, South Dunedin, there took place on Sunday last a memorable event. To close the month of May devotions the privilege was granted to hold a procession of the Blessed Sacrament in the convent grounds. Before the procession banners were hung about the grounds, and an altar, surmounted by a statue of the Immaculate Conception, was erected. The Children of Mary in regalia and aspirants arranged themselves around the altar, v/hich was beautifully decorated with flowers and lighted candles. The Rosary was then recited, and before the Rev. Father O'Neill brought the Blessed Sacrament from the Convent Chapel the Litany of the Blessed Virgin was sung. The procession was formed by the Children, of Mary, aspirants, school children, acolytes, and flower girls, who walked before the Blessed Sacrament. The canopy was carried by four gentlemen of the parish. As the procession moved around the convent, the members, of the Sodality sang the ' Pange Lingua.' . After returning to the altar, the Rev. Father- O'Neill gave Benediction of the -Blessed Sacrament. The ceremony was beautiful and impressive. The rows of blue-clad clients of Mary beneath the unclouded sky, and the sweet strains of the hymns appealed to the mind as well as to the soul, and made more touching the Benediction service, ever so dear to Catholic hearts.