Church of the Redemptorist Fathers, Wellington

New Zealand Tablet, 24 August 1911, Page 1631

Church of the Redemptorist Fathers, Wellington

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR

(From an occasional correspondent.) Among the sacred treasurer of St. Gerard’s, Wellington, not the least precious is a facsimile of the miraculous picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, the gift of a pious benefactor. Several months ago the sacred picture arrived from Rome, accompanied by-a brief frqm the Holy Father, granting numerous indulgences to those who pray before it for the wants of Holy Church; but it was deemed fitting to delay the solemn installation till • his Grace the Archbishop had returned from Western Australia. August 6, the Sunday within the Octave of the Feast of St. Alphonsus, was deemed a suitable occasion on which to invite his Grace to perform a labor of love in honor of Our Blessed Lady. At 10 o’clock on that day Solemn High Mass was celebrated in the presence of the Archbishop, the celebrant being Very Rev. P. P. Murray, C.SS.R.; deacon, Rev. A. Venning, S.M. ; subdeacon, Rev, C. J. Hunt, C.SS.R.; assisting the Archbishop, Rev. F. Gondringer, S.M., and Rev. F. Lynch, C.SS.R.; master of ceremonies, Rev. T. Creagh, C.SS.R. After the first Gospel the Archbishop ascended the pulpit, and having given, an interesting description of the miraculous picture, recounted in eloquent language its wonderful history during several centuries. In conclusion, his Grace exhorted his hearers to have frequent recourse to the Mother of Perpetual Succour, and especially to recommend to her intercession the ever-pressing wants of Holy Church. Immediately after Mass the Archbishop accompanied by acolytes and clergy proceeded to the Lady Chapel, the choir meanwhile chanting the ‘Magnificat.’ The sacred picture, already blessed by the Pope, , was incensed by the Archbishop, who afterwards sang the versicle and prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. An interesting and edifying ceremony was brought to a close by clergy and people joining in fervent prayers for the Pope, the Archbishop, and Holy Church.