Oamaru

New Zealand Tablet, 9 January 1913, Page 19

Oamaru

(From our own correspondent.) : ' r December 31.. A crowded congregation was present at St. Patrick’s Basilica on Tuesday night, when the Christmas festival was ushered in by the celebration of midnight Mass. Right Rev. ; Mgr. Mackay, Y.G., was the celebrant, being assisted by Rev. Fathers Farthing and Lynch. A brief but touching sermon, appropriate to the festival was preached by the Monsignor. The singing of Gounod’s Mass added another success to those already achieved by the choir under 'the able direction of Mr. Mountfort, and Monsignor Mackay i in the course of his sermon, took the' opportunity of giving expression to his own and the congregation’s gratitude to the conductor and members of the choir for the painstaking efforts of which the devotional rendering of the music gave evidence. Miss X. Hannon presided at the organ in her usually capable manner. The altar was very tastefully decorated. The Masses celebrated subsequently were all well attended, the midnight Mass the choir were entertained at supper at the presbytery, when occasion was taken to make a presentation to the conductor on behalf of the choir and friends, this taking the form of a beautiful epergne and handsome silver and oak tray. Monsignor Mackay made the presentation, and congratulatory speeches were made. Mr. Mountfort suitably replied.