OTAKI MAORI MISSION

New Zealand Tablet, 15 July 1909, Page 1094

OTAKI MAORI MISSION

(From an occasional correspondent.) June 26. For some years past strenuous efforts have been made by our missionary clergy to lift tip the Native race and provide it with all the means of redemption that our holy Church has at her disposal. In August, 1908, a fair number of Maori girls were assembled tdgether on our ' marae ' to receive a special training and be made the first members of an association of Children, of Mary, devoted to the purification of Maori life. Encouraged by the success that rewarded this initial attempt, we have since that date notably increased the membership of the association. Acting on the same principle, we convened on June 6 a general meeting of young men and catechists in order to give" them a more uniform training and fit them for the battle of life. Never in the whole history of the Catholic Church in New Zealand, so far as this archdiocese is concerned, has there been such a representative gathering as the one now at an end. From the Bay of Plenty in the far north to Kaikoura in the South Island, nearly every tribe had , sent its contingent, catecliists, influential men and chiefs of the highest rank being present in large r numbers. Amongst these we may mention? Wiki Taitoko (daughter . of Major Kemp), Te Heuheu Tukino, of Taupo, Erena to Ara, of Te Awahuri, Matene Kahuariki, of Kaikoura, Te Piwa, of Hastings. Mr. J. R. McDonald, of Levin, always willing and ready to help us in all our undertakings for the benefit of the Maori race, spared neither time nor trouble to secure the success of the meeting. From a clerical point of view, our Otaki staff was reinforced by Rev. Fathers Maillard and Vibaud, the latter being accompanied by a deputation of the Wanganui tribes. Later ( n in the week his Grace the Archbishop and Dean Regnault, Provincial of the Society of Mary, were present at the final solemnities. The meeting began on Sunday, June 6, after Mass. Previous to this, the Muanpoko tribe had taken the management of our ' marae/ and together with our Otaki Cath'olio ' Natives had extended a warm welcome to all our visiting guests. Many of the speeches delivered on these occasions would be worth recording. Every speaker praised the idea that was being carried out, by such gatherings, and expressed the wish that they should be repeated from time to time. In his introductory remarks with regard to the object of the meeting, Father Cognet explained that a programme of instructions had been arranged by his confreres (Fathers Melu and Delacli) and himself, covering the essential truths of our holy faith, the meaning of the most important ceremonies of the Church, and the line of conduct which the Maori young men, and especially the catechists, should be prepared to follow. This programme was successfully carried out during the week, three or four instructions being delivered every day. The intervals were filled up by singing, innocent recreations, etc. Throughout the whole meeting the most perfect order and discipline prevailed, and no complaint whatsoever was heard. On Thursday, June 10, a rather sad event marred the joy and fervor of- our flock. One of our best young men belonging to the Hawke's Bay district, who had come here too soon after a severe attack of pleurisy, had a relapse, and, in spite of all the care bestowed on him at the local hospit.il, passed away, duly and perfectly prepared. Ordinarily in such cases anyone acquainted with the Maori customs would have expected our meeting to collapse and be turned into a. tangi. * But, no ! After giving due expression to their grief, the assembled tribes unanimously decided to go oa with our programme, and to, keep the remains of their departed friend' for the last day of the meeting. On Wednesday afternoon^ and, also on the following days, the Confessional was scarcely ever left empty. Altogether 283 Confessions and 257 Communions were recorded during the week. In addition to these satisfactory figures, there were three marriages, sixteen Baptisms, and 107 Confirmations as the outcome of our gathering. Should we not. conclude that our efforts as well as the generosity of our benefactors have not been in vain? On Thursday, at noon, a hearty reception, with display of green boughs, hakas, and congratulatory speeches, was extended to Dean Regnault, S.M., who made a very felicitous reply. The same ceremony was repeated on Saturday at noon, when his Grace Archbishop Redwood arrived. Speeches of greeting were delivered by Messrs. J. R. McDonald, Te Heuheu Tukino, Te Piwa,, and Matene KahuariEi, as representatives of the different tribes present. His Grace, for whom Father Cognet acted as inter- . in acknowledging the hearty welcome given him, expressed his extreme pleasure at being with them that day and witnessing such a large and representative gathering of Catholic Natives. He trusted the good they had de-

rived from the teaching received during the week would he lasting, and that they would spread it around them on reaching their homes. His Grace concluded by expressing his deep sympathy with the relatives and friends of the deceased, whose sterling generosity and piety was now his best claims to a glorious reward. In honor of his Grace's visit, and also with a view to decorating the grounds for the procession of Corpus Christi, Father Melu and his band of workers had erected an archway over the gate and decorated the path with poles and gay bunting. Viewed from the road, the ensemble of these decorations presented a very picturesque appearance. On Sunday six Masses were celebrated nearly in succession, at which many received Holy Communion. At the last Mass, celebrated by Dean Regnault, the church was crowded to overflowing; several English and Maori hymns were sung with great effect by both races alternately. Then a procession of the Blessed Sacrament was formed, and wended its way through the grounds, the monstrance being carried by his Grace, attended by Fathers Cognet and Vibaud. Messrs. J. R. McDonald and Te Heuheu Tukino bore the canopy. A halt was made at a pretty repository erected in the grotto of Pukekaraka, and from that improvised throne Benediction was given. This was the first time that the procession of Corpus Christi took place in Otaki.

It might seem a matter of surprise how we could accommodate such a number of Natives. Besides two large meeting-houses, erected years ago for our purpose, and several tents, we had also secured a large marquee (50ft x 20ft), where day after day a devoted number of waiters provided for all our needs. Very great credit is due to the Muaupoko tribe, who worked this department with such marked ability under the skilful and untiring direction of Father Dolach and Mr. McDonald. Shortly after dinner the candidates for Confirmation (107 in number) were marched into the church, where his Grace addressed them at some length,, explaining to them the meaning and the effects of the Sacrament they were about to receive. In conclusion, he exhorted them to persevere, and amongst the many shoals to avoid he warned them most especially against the reckless and easy way in which too many Maoris treat the Sacrament of Matrimony. The recent Pontifical decrees bearing on this important subject were then explained. After the conclusion of the ceremony Dean Regnault officiated at a reception of six members of the sodality of the Children of 'Mary, and at a distribution of medals and badges of the League of the Sacred Heart to over 80 men (young and old). Mr. J. R. McDonald and Mrs. Mackin_(of Wellington) acted as sponsors during the ceremony of Confirmation ; indeed, by their devotedness to tho Maori race and their kind interest in our labors they were naturally selected for these functions.

In the evening, after dusk, the hill and grounds were beautifully illuminated with Chinese lanterns. Night prayers having been recited in the open air, and the ' Aye Maris Stella ' sung by the whole crowd, Father Cognet delivered from the grotto a Maori address, in which he impressed on all present the necessity of living clean, faithful, and holy lives, following the example of the saints whose statues stood before them. Words of advice were addressed to those who were confirmed that day, to the girls who were made Children of Mary, and to the men who were now so proud •of their badges and medals. The speaker concluded his address, which was listened to with marked interest, by thanking his Grace and Dean Regnault for being present at the festivities. At night several matters affecting the welfare of the Native race anrl the furtherance of our holy religion were fully and quietly discussed, and then laid before his Grace and Dean Regnault for their favorable consideration. The publication of a Catholic Maori Bible, the re-arrangement of our Maori prayer and hymn books in an easier and more- uniform* style, the advisability of starting a Maori quarterly review, the practical support that should be extended by the Catholic Maoris to these various concerns, etc. — such were some of the matters for consideration.

On Monday morning, June 14, at 10 a.m., the remains of our deceased friend were taken to the church, where Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Vibaud, S.M., the Absolution being given by Dean Regnault. His Grace delivered a very touching and sympathetic discourse. Then the funeral cortege was formed, and, headed by Fathers Cognet and Melu, proceeded to the Catholic cemetery, where the last rites were performed. The whole of the following night was spent in farewell speeches — a distinct and important feature of every Maori meeting. This gathering will remain for a very long time in the memory of those who were privileged to take part in it. And for all those who have at heart the extension of God's kingdom amongst our Maori neighbors it should be a duty of love to help and assist such gatherings, as they are obviously excellent means for fostering the Catholic faith.