Karamu

New Zealand Tablet, 21 May 1914, Page 27

Karamu

(From an occasional correspondent.)

The scattered settlers of this fertile district, situated twelve miles south-west of Hamilton, but a part

of, the parish of Te Awamutu, were exceptionally favored recently by the visit of Rev.' Father McCarthy, S.M., for the purpose of .conducting, a mission. Mr. Moroney erected h. large marquee on his grounds, capable of accommodating nearly 100 people, and her© from Tuesday, April 28, to Monday, May 4, the Catholics from a radius of ten miles around assembled every morning and , evening, grateful for the privilege of assisting at Mass and Benediction, and of listening to the explanation of the mysteries of our holy faith so ably given" by the zealous missioned There was something, unique about this mission. First of all, it was a new experience for many of us to witness the Holy Sacrifice offered under canvas ; and again, as Father McCarthy remarked, there was a feature about the mission that brought us back to the infant days of the Church. It was this: Thanks to the generosity of the Moroney family, after Mass and evening devotions, all partook of the good things provided by our host and hostesses sometimes we numbered over fifty, but numbers were no consideration. There was abundance for all, and we heartily endorse the words of the missioner when he declared that he had yet to find within the ranks of New Zealand Catholics a family more devoted to the affairs of the Church, or more hospitable to priests than Mr. Moroney ' The people of Whatawhata took full advantage of the mission, though not a part of the parish, being attached to Hamilton. Owing to the result of the mission, the Catholics of that district, to the number of over fifty, have decided to subscribe for the erection of a church, and arrange with the Dean for Mass at least once a month. It was with delight we learned that a bazaar is to be held in Te Awamutu to provide funds for the erection of a convent ; also that arrangements are well in hand to start branches of the H.A.C.B. Society in Ohaupo and Te Awamutu. Father McCarthy left on Tuesday to conduct missions in Canterbury. He received an enthusiastic send-off from the grateful people of Karamu.