Rotorua

New Zealand Tablet, 19 May 1910, Page 784

Rotorua

(By telegraph from our own correspondent.)

May 16. The reception of seven young ladies into the confraternity of Children of Mary took place at St. Michael's Church on Sunday evening. The Very Rev. Dean Lightheart officiated. A procession in the church preceded the ceremony, after which Dean Lightheart preached an imEressive sermon on the Blessed Virgin Mary. In closing is remarks he said that in looking back over a period of sixteen years of spiritual labors in Rotorua he looked upon this as a red-letter day for him, for it was the happiest and the most, comforting example of the success that was attending his spiritual work in the parish. He admonished the members to cultivate the three promises that they were about to make that eveningmodesty, charity, and purity of life —for by doing so they would be an adornment to society, make their homes happier, and make better wives and more affectionate mothers. Seven young ladies presented themselves for reception, bringing the strength of the sodality up to ten, with a like number of aspirants, who have not yet attained the age limit. The Grand Hotel was struck by lightning on Saturday, hut fortunately little damage was done. The large flagpole in front of the building was broken and hurled a considerable distance. Two employees of the R.M. Stables were thrown to the ground at the same time, and almost half of the town was thrown into darkness through damage to the transformers, and had to remain so all night.

Blenheim

(From an occasional correspondent.) The missions conducted by the Marist Fathers throughout the Blenheim parish came to a close on last Sunday. During the past seven weeks the Rev. Fathers O'Connell and Kimbell have visited the various districts and have given missions at Grassmere, Seddon, Renwicktown, Tua Marina, Picton, Havelock, and Blenheim. In each place the people attended the mission exercises with great regularity, and they gave proof of their attachment to Holy Church and to her teaching. In Blenheim, where a fortnight's mission was given, the church was crowded every evening. Each morning great numbers assisted at Holy Mass and the instructions at 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. During the first week special devotions in honor of our Blessed Lady took place, and it was a beautiful sight to see over seventy Children of Mary in blue mantles and white veils walking in procession, with four of their number carrying a statue of our Blessed Lady. In the second week special devotions in honor of the Blessed Sacrament were held, followed by a procession around the church. The members of the Hibernian Society and Children of Mary took part. The closing scene of the mission was a glorious one. On Sunday morning the entire congregation at the first Mass, numbering over six hundred, received Holy Communion, and in the evening the church was filled to overflowing, when the final sermon on Perseverance was preached and the Papal Blessing given. Fathers O'Connell and Kimbell were very earnest in their desire to promote frequent Communion, and it was gratifying to see large numbers receiving Holy Communion each morning. The Children of Mary received from Sydney a beautiful banner which was blessed and used for the first time in the processions of the mission. As a result of an appeal made to the men of Blenheim by the missionaries twenty new members were added ito the ranks of the Hibernian Society. The Rev. Father Kimbell leaves for Wanganui, where he will be joined by Father O'Connell, who is now engaged in giving a retreat to the students of Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, and both Fathers give a mission of three weeks at Wanganui.

Kaikoura

His Grace Archbishop Redwood celebrated the early Mass at the Sacred Heart Church on Sunday, May 8 (says the Kaikoura Sun). There was a large congregation, and among those who approached the Holy Table were twentytwo candidates for Confirmation. At the 10 o’clock Mass, celebrated by Rev. Father Golden, the Archbishop delivered a very fine discourse on the Blessed Virgin Mary. Before the service at 3 p.m. his Grace explained the nature and effects of the Sacrament of Confirmation. His Grace then confirmed twenty-two candidatesseventeen school children and five adults — after which followed Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The choir was in full force both at

Mass and Benediction. The singing at the latter'- service was particularly effective and pleasing. ■ -■■ ■The Society of the Children of Mary, who undertake many duties for the Church, has been augmented by the addition pi a dozen new members, who were received by the Archbishop after the last Mass. The altar was most beautifully decorated by the Sisters of the Mission. . K s ell known already that Rev. Father Golden has resigned his charge of the parish of Kaikoura, and that he wilHeave at the end of June. We learn that he himself did not want the public to know this until the last week prior to his departure, but the news came from abroad too soon and circulated all round. The Archbishop has expressed deep regret at his leaving, and was highly pleased with his administration.; Financially, the parish is in a highly satisfactory condition. Over ten years ago, when the present pastor took charge, there was a considerable debt on the beautiful church of the Sacred Heart, besides a small debt -on the Star of the Sea, on the Esplanade each of which was erected by Rev. Father E. Walsh, of happy memory. All debts have been long since wiped out many important and necessary improvements effected, and now there exists a considerable balance on the credit side in favor of the church and school and projected new convent and school buildings. This happy state of parish finances s greatly due to Mr. W. Smith's deep knowledge of bookkeeping, tor he has done this great service during many years past It goes without saying that it is also the result of the well-known generosity of the people at large. It is fortunate for Rev. Father Golden's successor that he will nnd a considerable balance on the right side. ; His Grace spoke very feelingly last Sunday of the late deceased M 1 mentlolllu S some fine qualities of the

Nelson (From our own correspondent.) i x? he ,? ev " Fathe -, r Clancy ha been on a visit here,' and at the Masses on Sunday referred to the sad and unexpected death of King Edward VII. Rev. Father Clancy left for the West Coast on Wednesday morning on his mission in connection with the St Mary's Orphanage, Stoke. Sincere regret was felt here on Sunday evening when the sad news was made known of the death of Miss Theresa bandbrook, of Wellington, sister of Mother Benignus, of Nelson. —R.I.P. .' I regret to report the sudden death of Mr. James Henry at the early age of 29 years. The remains were interred in the Wakefield Cemetery on Friday. Rev Father Mahony officiated at the graveside.R.l.P. m i ? ev " ™ athe i r Mallon y recently returned from a visit to lakaka, Motueka, and some of the most distant parts of the parish. In Takaka a movement is on foot to remove the church nearer to the town, as its present situation is not convenient. The friends of the Rev. Father Finnerty will be sorry to learn that he has been laid up for some time with u rather severe attack of sciatica contracted while visiting the remote parts of the parish, including the Wangapeka and Sherry districts. - ■

Ashburton (From our own correspondent.) At the 9 o'clock Mass at the Church of the Holy Name on Sunday last the Very Rev. Dean O'Donnell read the circular fetter issued by his Lordship Bishop Grimes with reference to the late King. Mr. T. M. Brophy presided at the usual weekly meeting of the Catholic Young Men's Club on Tuesday evening last. A motion was carried, the members standing expressive of the club's regret at the loss sustained by the' Empire by the death .of King Edward VII. A debate, ' Should the Government offer more favorable facilities than at present offered to suitable immigrants?' was the programme for the evening. Mr. Frank Pritchard championed the affirmative, whilst Mr. F. K. Cooper led for the negative side of the question. An interesting debate eventuated in a verdict by a small majority for the negative party.

Hokitika May 9. The new billiard table for St. Mary's Catholic Club has been fitted up in the club's room. The table is a highclass one, and probably one of the finest in the district There was a large -attendance of members at the rooms on Monday evening last, when the initial game was played between Rev. Father Ainsworth and Mr. J. Downey. The second of a series of euchre tournaments "held under the auspices of St. Mary's Club, was held on' Tuesday evening, May 3. About sixty players took part in the tournament, which proved highly enjoyable. The gentleman's prize was won by Mr. P. Favery, and the lady's by Miss Bock. Dainty refreshments were supplied by the ladies' committee. J