DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 6 November 1913, Page 25

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) November 3. Masses were celebrated in the Cathedral on the Feast of All Saints, beginning at 6 o'clock. They were largely attended, as were also the devotions in the evening. ,

There was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from the 11 o’clock Mass in the. Cathedral on Sunday

until after Vespers, when there was the usual procession and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Having the opportunity recently of visiting Mount Magdala, i once more experienced the pleasure that awaits the interested caller, and the cordial welcome invariably extended. The institution, in its quiet seclusion, surrounded with plantations, clothed in the fresh green foliage of the early spring, with its wide stretching lawns, neatly kept flower plots, and blooming shrubbery, has an atmosphere of peaceful quiet which almost makes one envious and disposed to ■ draw comparisons with city life, much , to the disadvantage of the dusty, noisy, and strenuous conditions of the latter. Accompaned by the Rev. Mother Superior, I was shown the beautiful Gothic chapel (or, more correctly, church), which is the admiration of all who behold it. Certainly there is nothing approaching it—of its class — the Dominion. In the cloisters I was shown a splendid enlarged photograph of the late Dean Ginaty. It appeared so life-like" as if he were still watching over the community he loved so well. I was assured that the great hearted Dean is missed, sadly missed, and will be so even beyond the life-time of the present generation. And now to the Sacred Heart Orphanage, where school is in progress, all applying themselves strenuously to their tasks in daily expectation of the visit of the Board of Education inspector. Here are to be seen the wee mite of about two years and the sixth standard girl. How well behaved, cheerful, and contented the seventy-seven orphans are. I was shown some of the work done by the childrenbeautiful writing, artistic tracing, model drawing—all the perfection of neatness. Recitations were given, choruses sung, every item showing evidence of that exceptional training given by the' scholarly and devoted Sisters. Here we have the reason, once again, strikingly manifest, why Catholic institutions are always a success. All is done for the glory of God, the charity of His Divine Son everywhere pervading. I could not leave without renewing the acquaintance of the kind and cultured Father Bell, who appears as hale and happy as in the old days of the Literary Society, when he was the centre, and drew around him a little company of workers whose affection for him will never wane. As chaplain, he has the work of almost a parish, and has his whole heart in it, and to all appearances is fit for many more years' toil in the interests of his Divine Master. Christchurch North November 3. The mission conducted by the Rev. Father Herring, S.M., at Hornby during the past week was brought to a close yesterday afternoon. The very large number who approached the Holy Table was an evidence of the success of the mission. The mission at Papanui opened at 7 o'clock on Sunday evening, when the church was packed, there being a very large congregation. On Tuesday evening last the first meeting of the ladies' branch of the archconfraternity of the Blessed Sacrament took place, there being a very large number present. The Very Rev. Dean Hills, S.M., V.G., explained the devotion, and remarked on the need of frequent Communion and daily visits to the church. The members were divided into different circles, each with a prefect at its head. On Thursday evening last a meeiing was held in Ozanam Lodge with the object of forming a branch of the Hibernian Society in St. Mary's parish, Very Rev. Dean Hills, S.M., V.G., presiding. There was a good attendance. Dean Hills said he was pleased to see so many present, which spoke well for the prospects of file branch. Bros. M. Grimes (secretary) and L. Haughey, of St. Patrick's branch (Cathedral parish), were present, and explained tho objects and benefits to be derived by joining a benefit society, especially a Catholic one. It was unanimously decided to form a branch. The district executive in Auckland has been

communicated ■with. When the necessary papers come to hand a further canvass for intending members will be made. *