Diocesan News

New Zealand Tablet, 17 March 1910, Page 413

Diocesan News

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON (From our own correspondent.) - March 12. There was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Mary’s Church, Boulcott street, on Sunday from the last Mass till Vespers. Messrs. J. J. Devine, J. E. Fitzgerald, M. J. Reardon, and Dr. E. Borghetti have been nominated as candidates for seats on the new Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. The election will take place next Wednesday. Electors in the Wellington City, Karori, and Miramar area are entitled to record their votes. x The Wellington Catholic Club’s cricket team journeyed to Porirua on Saturday afternoon to play the local team, and, after a very exciting and close finish, they were defeated by 2 runs. The Catholic Club compiled 91 and Porirua 93 runs. For the losers J. McGrath made 25, Warne 23, and Leydon 12. Warne bowled splendidly, securing four wickets for 19. On Tuesday evening at St. Mary’s presbytery a meeting of the ladies and gentlemen who took part in the recent social gathering in aid- of the funds of the St. Vincent de Paul Society was held, when the balance sheet was read, showing a credit of £95, which has been placed to the funds of the Particular Council for the benefit of any of the Conferences who are in want of money. = On Monday night at the Sailors’ Rest there was a large audience of seafaring men and their friends, win. thoroughly enjoyed the concert which was given under the auspices of the St. Patrick’s Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The programme submitted was highly appreciated, items being contributed by Misses E. Bowden, A. and M. Frith, Hamilton, Nugent, Wilson, and Messrs. J. Baird, F. Cooze, H. Elmore, J. Lansdowne, M. O’Kane, E. Walshe, and L. Wilson. The accompaniments .were played by Misses Bowden, Duprey, and Frith.: ' ' At the usual weekly meeting of the St. Vincent’s Guild, held on Friday evening in St. Patrick’s Hall, there was a' full attendance of boys. Three new members gave in their names for enrolment. A Rugby, football club has been formed, the following being appointed as officers: —Secretary, Master W. Srirageour; managing committee, Masters J. Coleman, T. Devine, J. Devlin, E. Jepson, and T. McGrath (coach). Mr. Louis Sievers and Master ArthurSievers won the medal fdr swimming (50 yards) at Te Aro Baths in the match among the boys. On Sunday, March 6, the members of the men’s branch of the Sacred Heart Association and the St. Aloysius’ Boys’ Club approached the Holy Table at 7.30 o’clock Mass. There was a very large , gathering, including 63 boys belonging to the club. In the evening the Rev. Father Byrne, of Brisbane, gave an instructive sermon on the works of charity a Catholic should undertake. He said that he was very much impressed with the number of men and boys who received Holy Communion in the morning, the sight being a very edifying one. Anyone could judge the conditions, of the district by seeing such a gathering. An interesting ceremony took place at the last monthly meeting of the Particular Council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society held in St. Mary’s presbytery, Boulcott street, when the presidents of the various Conferences received each a relic. These relics were given the president of the Superior Council (Bro. L. F. Hey don) last year at the jubilee celebrations in Rome, for the presidents of the St. Vincent de Paul Conferences in Australasia. There were present Very Rev. Father O’Shea, S.M., V.G., Rev. Fathers Clancy and Venning, and all the presidents. and vicepresidents of the city. Conferences. Very Rev. Father O’Shea (spiritual director of the Particular Council) explained in a few words the teaching of the Church on relics. A special meeting was held at Mr. D. Burke’s residence, Brooklyn, last Wednesday night to found a Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in that district. The members of the Particular Council and also Very Rev. Father O’Shea, S.M., V.G., and Rev. Father C. J. Venning, S.M.,- were present. The objects of the'society were explained by Fathers O’Shea and Venning. This Conference commences with an active membership of ten. Very Rev. • Father O’Shea was elected a member of honor, while Father Venning is the spiritual director. The following are the officers of the newly-formed Conference: —President, Mr. L. T. Reichel; vice-president, Mr. T. Fouhy; secretary, Mr. Jas. Monahan; treasurer, Mr. John Thorburn. It is with sincere regret that I have to record the death of . Mr. Eugene Patrick McArdle, eldest son of the late Mr. Owen McArdle, which took place at his mother’s residence, Onslow terrace, Wellington, on March 6, at the age of 24 years The deceased had been in poor health tor the past year. He was educated at St. Patrick’s College; afterwards studied dentistry, completing his course at Philadelphia, U.S.A., returning to Wellington two years ago. He was a most exemplary Catholic, being a member of the

St. Mary's Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Wellington. A Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Sacred Heart Basilica on Tuesday, after which the remains were taken to the Karori-Cemetery for interment. The funeral procession was largely attended. '., • The committee of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, which are to be held under the auspices of the combined Hibernian Societies and the Wellington Catholic Club; are striving hard to make the year's celebrations a great success. There will be a picnic and sports gathering at the Very Rev. Father Lane's grounds, Lower Hutt, on St. Patrick's Day (March 17). A special train will leave Te Aro station at 9.40 a.m. Amusement will be provided for young and old. The Garrison Band will be in attendance, and will play a selection of Irish national*'airs during the day. In the evening an Irish national concert will take place in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, at which the best local talent will assist. A novelty in the programme will be the introduction of ancient Irish pipes and the old national costume of the piper. A very pleasant and enjoyable evening can be looked forward to. The completion of the celebration will take the form of an amateur athletic gathering on the Basin Reserve on Saturday, March 19. The list of passes at the Trinity College theoretical examination held in December last has just been received from London by the local secretary. The percentages are high, and show an improvement on those of the previous examination. They are as follow: —Intermediate 74, Junior 77, Preparatory 88. Ten convent pupils were successful. The particulars as far as they concern our convent pupils are as follow —lntermediate division Pass, Agnes Golder (Petone Convent), 74. Junior division (honors): Pauline Brown (Otaki Convent), -92; Queenie Cameron (Petone Convent), 83; pass—William Coles (Petone Convent, 60. Preparatory division: Phyllis Connolly (Petone Convent), 100 ; Maggie Wildsmith (Petone Convent), 100; Nellie Neazor (Petone Convent), 92; Doris McMeekan (Otaki Convent), 92; Gwenith Baxter (Petone Convent), 87. There being a tie in the Preparatory division for the prize given for highest marks it was allotted, according to custom, to the younger of the two candidates—Phyllis Connolly (Petone Convent), 100. - • •

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our ram correspondent.) ■' . ' March 14. His Lordship the Bishop is expected to return from the North Island next week. Several additional subscriptions have been received in aid of the Cathedral fund, which now totals just upon £264 for the anniversary celebration special collection. Two Sisters of Nazareth arrived from London last week to reinforce those of the Order in Christchurch, preparatory to entering into occupation of the new Nazareth House building. , The following candidates from the Convent of Mercy, Lyttelton, -have passed the theoretical examination in music, held in December, in connection with Trinity College, London: Junior division Honors: Beatrice Ironside, 99 marks John Ironside, 97; Leslie Carter, 96 Vera Ryan, 94; Barbara Duff, 93. Preparatory —Distinction : Lulu Hannay, 90 marks. The following candidates from the Convent of Mercy, Colombo street, Christchurch, have passed the theoretical examination held in December in connection with Trinity College of Music, London: —Senior division—Jane Donnelly and Johanna Moroney. Intermediate division—Honors Dorothy Trolove and Maisie Conolly. Pass: Hannah Ryan. Junior division Honors: Phyllis Hollow, Evelyn Couzins, Marjorie Young, and Vera Wilson. Preparatory division—Distinction: Winnie Barcock, Anna Patrick, Mildred Trolove, and Violet Bargrove. The periodical report of St. Joseph’s Conference, Lyttelton (Mission to Catholic Seamen), prepared for inclusion in the general report of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for 1909, affords interesting information as to the nature and extent of the really effective work accomplished during the past twelve months by the Brothers of St. Vincent de Paul at the port. Fifty-seven steamers and two sailing vessels were visited, on which 416 Catholic seamen were met. Magazines and periodicals to the number of 850 were distributed, besides numbers of prayer-books, rosaries, scapulars, etc. The membership of the Conference has increased during the year, the new members successfully imitating the zeal and energy of the pioneer Brothers. The want of a meeting hall is keenly felt by the Brothers; the fund for the erection of such is but slowly accumulating. The devoted workers hope, however,, that some generous benefactors will come forward and enable the project to be completed. . The various services in connection with the mission now being conducted in the Cathedral by the Redemptorist Fathers,; are very largely attended. Each evening the teaching and doctrines of the Church on selected subjects are lucidly explained. There was an exceedingly large congregation on last Thursday evening, when one of the special • solemnities of the mission— in r honor of the

Blessed Virgin—was observed. The Rev. Father, Hunt, C.SS.R., was preacher, and, from the text, ‘ Behold thy Mother,’ delivered an eloquent and strikingly impressive sermon on Devotion to the Blessed Virgin as taught in the Bible.’ He very clearly defined c devotion ’as practised in the Catholic Church, and explained how, it differs from adoration. He concluded with a touching exhortation to, and consecration of, the great congregation to the Blessed Mother of God.' A special altar was arranged in the sanctuary, brilliantly illuminated, and tastefully adorned,' upon which was enthroned a representation of * Our Lady of Perpetual Succor.’ The spiritual results of the mission were made manifest at the early Masses during the week, and amply demonstrated at the seven - o’clock Mass in the Cathedral on last Sunday, the number thronging to the Holy Table being a sight not likely to be soon forgotten. A pleasing feature was the large gathering of the men, the H.A.C.B. Society, Catholic Club, and other organisations being strongly represented. The celebrant of the Mass, the Rev. Father Hunt, C.SS.R., was assisted by the Rev. Father Whelan, C.SS.R., in giving Communion. Extra seating for several hundred persons was prepared for Sunday evening, and even this failed to entirely come up to requirements, many having to be accommodated in the sanctuary. The Rev. Father Hunt, C.SS.R., was preacher, and, from the text contained in the second Epistle of St. Paul to Timothy, IV., 7: ‘I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,’ delivered a splendid discourse on Catholic faith. HIBERNIAN SOCIETY. .In honor of the feast of St. Patrick, a record number of members of St. Patrick’s branch of the H.A.C.B. Society, Christchurch, in regalia, approached the Holy Table in a body at the Cathedral at the seven o’clock Mass on Sunday last.-, The Rev. Father Hunt, C.SS.R., was celebrant, and in the-course of a brief address expressed appreciation of the spectacle afforded that morning. Speaking in regard to the Hibernian Society, his remarks were principally directed towards Catholic men outside the ranks of the society, whose spiritual and temporal interests' would be very greatly enhanced by becoming associated with their brothers in religion in fraternal union with so admirable a benefit society. All members of the Catholic Club would find it to their advantage to join, and he would also suggest the formation of a ladies’ branch. After Mass the members were formed in procession and marched up High street to Freeman’s Cafe for breakfast. Bro. Grimes, 8.P., presided, and seated on his right was the Rev, Father Hunt, C.SS.R., and on his left the Very Rev. Father Price, Adm. (branch chaplain). At the , conclusion of breakfast the president read an apology from his Lordship Bishop Grimes, who regretted his inability, through absence from the city, of attending and be thus afforded an opportunity of personally thanking the members for their numerous services to the Church and religion, and assistance to the Bishop and clergy. Though absent, he would be present with them on so auspicious an occasion in spirit and desire. Bro. Grimes heartily welcomed the clergy and other representatives, expressing appreciation of the kindly feeling always existing between them; all were gratified at the excellent manner in which the members had turned out that morning, thus encouraging the hope for a similar celebration next year. . Bro. R. O’Shaughnessy, P.P., in proposing the toast of the ‘ Bishop and Clergy,’ spoke at length of the kindly interest manifested consistently by his Lordship the Bishop, and the real practical assistance given by the clergy as chaplains in connection with the branch. Their present strength was 250 members, showing an increase of 100 during the past year or so. Much of this success must be attributed to the influence of the clergy, who, like, the Redemptorist Fathers, lost no opportunity of advocating the advantages of membership. He spoke also" of the admirable work being done in the Cathedral parish by the Very Rev. Administrator, and also for the branch as its present chaplain. The Very Rev. Father Price returned thanks on behalf of the Bishop and clergy. He deemed it a great honor (he said) to be associated with the society, which could always count on his sincere support. He was half an Irishman by birth and wholly one by sentiment and sympathy. Any small service he had so far been enabled to perform for them had more than been repaid by the hearty response "and support of the Hibernians to any appeal from him. He expressed the hope that the society would gain still greater strength during the next few years. Such an influential body was of incalculable benefit to the Church and the greatest help the priests. .. . The Rev. Father Hunt, C.SS.R., said it gave him much pleasure to acknowledge on behalf of the Redemptorist Fathers the kind sentiments given expression to. He congratulated the society on the manifestation of faith and piety given that morning. He congratulated the Bishop and clergy of Christchurch also on the splendid body of ardent workers to be found in the society, and, working together, it was easy to understand what they were capable of bringing about in various ways in their respective spheres. He (Father Hunt) had been for seventeen and more years advocating the claims of the H.A.C.B. Society, arid had no reason to regret it. Individual personal effort was the best possible means to attain the society’s ultimate

success. After suggesting practical steps in inducing others to. join, he cordially wished the society here and throughout the Dominion every prosperity. At this stage the president (Bro. Grimes) invested Bro. J. R. Hayward, P.P., and district representative, with a handsome presentation collar, and in a neat speech voiced the sentiments of appreciation and kindly regard of members towards the ’ Brother they were honoring. Bro. Hayward (he said) was president in 1897, and trustee for about eight years, . quite recently retiring from that position, in which his best business abilities were exercised. The gift was intended to be a memento of the present occasion and of past duties well performed. - - - Bro. Hayward thanked the branch most sincerely for its handsome gifts. He had (he said) tried to do his dutyVas a Catholic citizen to an admirable Catholic society, bound by other than purely monetary considerations, and was proud of the fact that what little he had accomplished was deemed worthy of their kindly recognition. Were the main body of members to back up the very efficient officers, the society would have but little to fear. The toast of the 1 H.A.C.B. Society’ was proposed by the Tablet representative. Bro. F. J. Doolan (secretary), in replying, gave an account of the founding of the society in Australia, and subsequently in New Zealand; its affiliation to kindred organisations in the limited States and Ireland rendering Hibernianism world-wide, with an impressive numerical strength. For the four years ending 1909 the local branch had paid out £682 6s 8d in sick pay, £l6O funeral allowance, and £67 16s lOd in benevolence, a grand total of £9lO 3s 6d practically given back to members, exclusive of medical attendance and medicine, which accounted for another £721 14s for the same period. Whilst T the funds had increased to the extent of £492 11s 6d now in credit to the branch, the membership roll had increased from 130 in 1906 to 220 in 1909. This referred to benefit members only, there being a considerable number of honorary members also. The toast of ‘ Kindred Catholic Societies * was proposed by Bro. Getson in a happy speech, and responded to by representatives of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Catholic Club. The thanks of the gathering were tendered to the president and officers responsible for the arranging and general success of the function. Qreymouth ■ ‘V* ■ (From our own correspondent.) March 10. The Children of Mary held their annual picnic at the Ten-mile (North Beach) last week, when they had a most enjoyable outing. < The quarterly Communion of the St. Columba Club and Hibernian Society took place at St. Patrick’s Church last Sunday morning, when upwards of 100 members of both societies approached the Holy Table. The annual general meeting of the St. Columba Catholic Club was held in the club’s rooms last Monday evening, when there was a record attendance of 73 members, and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. The president (Mr. R. C. Heffernan) extended a hearty welcome to Rev. Father McCarthy. The secretary was instructed to convey to Rev. Father Taylor (late spiritual director) the club’s appreciation of the valuable services rendered by him to the club, and regret at his departure from Greymouth. The secretary was also instructed to write to Auckland, conveying the club’s heartfelt sympathy in the loss sustained by the death of Bishop Lenihan. A committee was appointed to make arrangements for entertaining the delegates .from the various clubs of New Zealand at the conference to be held here during Easter week. The report and balance sheet, which were read and adopted, showed the finances of the club to be in a flourishing state. The assets of the club amount to £691, including a cash balance in the bank of £157 19s Bd, whilst the liabilities are nil. A feature of. the meeting was the keen competition for seats on the executive, all the seats being contested with the exception of that of secretary and vice-secretary. The following were the results of the election : President, Mr. A. F. O’Donoghue; hon. vice-president, Rev. Brother Alfred; vice-presidents, Messrs. J. W. Hannan, T. Keenan, and R. C. Heffernan; spiritual director, Rev. Father McCarthy; lion, secretary, Mr. C. A. Carmine (re-elected); vice-secretary, Mr. M. J. McGilligan (re-elected); treasurer, Mr. M. Keating librarian, Mr. B. Rasmussen; steward, Mr, Wm. Meates; committee, Messrs. A. McSherry and P. C. Heaphy. The retiring president (Mr. R. C. Heffernan) presented the gold medal which he promised at last annual meeting to the member nominating most new members during -the year. It was won by Mr. A. F. O’Donoghue, who proposed fourteen members. Judging by the enthusiasm shown at the annual meeting, the coming session promises to be the most prosperous since the formation of the club. ■

Invercargill . (From our own; correspondent.) . The Very Rev. Father O’Sullivan delivered his second lecture m the Victoria Hall on Thursday, the 10th inst. ine hall was packed to the doors, and the interesting and instructive lecture on ' Palestine r was thoroughly enjoyed by the large audience.. -tp* ;■- -•• . The members of the local branch of the Hibernian Society will approach the Holy - Table in a body . on Sunday next. By kind permission. of the Dominican Sisters, a breakfast will be provided after Mass in St. Joseph’s Schoolroom. . . - _ _ The annual meeting of the Athletic Football Club was held last week, there being a fair attendance. The report and balance sheet proved the club to be in a very flourishing condition, and prospects are bright . for the coming season. ■, • Mr. A. R. Wills, conductor of the Hibernian Band, received a right royal welcome on Saturday night on his return from the Trentham and Christchurch rifle meetings. Mr. Wills won the South /Island Championship at Christchurch, for , which he was awarded the Championship Belt. Other ;■ prizes included £23 10s cash, the Rhodes Cup, a rug presented by the Kaiapoi Woollen Company, a gold medal, and a rifle presented by the Defence Department. Mr. L. W. J. Morton, assistant Town - Clerk, who has been a . very prominent member of all the Catholic . societies in Invercargill for a great number of years, leaves for the North Island to-day on account of ill-health. Great regret is expressed on all sides at the necessity of Mr. Morton’s departure, he having to resign his position after fourteen years of faithful service. He has been the recipient of several presentations and expressions of goodwill, and he takes with him the best wishes of the whole of the community of Invercargill. DiOCLSE OF AUCKLAND (By Telegraph from our own correspondent.) March 14. , The Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan returned last Friday from Wellington, where he had.been on a short visit. Mr. J. Nerheny, City Councillor, is a candidate for the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, elected upon the municipal franchise. "He is one of the four candates selected by the Citizens’ League, and has good prospects of election. Rev. Fathers Holbrook and Wright at all the Masses and Vespers at the Cathedral yesterday announced the presence in the city of , the Tablet representative (Mr. Moriarty), and earnestly urged every family to have in their homes that splendid Catholic paper. Very Rev. Father Buckley leaves next Wednesday to catch the Vancouver mail boat at Fiji, by which he goes Home. Nobody has better earned a respite from his labors than Father Buckley. For the fifteen years . since his ordination here Father Buckley .has been totally absorbed in his work, and his many friends hope that he will Wave a pleasant trip and an enjoyable holiday in the Old Country. / The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations actually begun here yesterday, when the Auckland branch of the Hibernian Society, with the district officers, and several members from the Onehunga branch, received Holy Communion at the Cathedral at the 9 o’clock Mass. They occupied the front seats, before the large statue of St. Patrick, which was beautifully decorated. One of the largest musters for years took place. Rev. Father Holbrook welcomed the members, whom he addressed as ‘my brother Hibernians. He exhorted every eligible man in the community to join the society. After Mass the officers and members marched in procession to the Hibernian Hall, where the ladies of the Sancta Maria branch had prepared breakfast, over -which the president presided, supported by Rev Father Holbrook (chaplain) and the district president (Brother Nerheny). Speeches were made by the above-named brothers and Mr. Cartan (president of Onehunga branch), the Hon. Brother Beehan, and Messrs. Flynn (2) and Sheahan. Three important suggestions were made—namely, ‘to free our WooJs, to establish a Hibernian scholarship at the Sacred Heart College, and to erect a memorial window in the Cathedral to the late Bishop. In the evening the panegyric of _ St. Patrick was preached at the Cathedral by Rev. Fath Holbrook, when the Hibernians attended, occupying the front seats. The preacher delivered am eloquent discourse, treating of Ireland under pagan rule, the advent and the glorious achievement of the National Apostle, and the in delible mark made upon the Irish people, which defied effacement through long centuries of persecutions, trials etc. They should cherish the memory of Ireland, condole with her in her sufferings and sorrows, rejoice with her in prosperity and happiness, and always impress on the minds of the rising generation love for the noble and devoted race from which they had sprung.- All honop was due to those societies which place im the forefront those principles, particularly the Hibernians. That night, with millions of our race, in every country throughout the world, we hold up our hands in prayer and in defence of faith »nd fatherland, and from our hearts exclaim, God save Ireland.*