ST. PATRICK’S DOMINICAN COLLEGE, TESCHEMAKEES.

New Zealand Tablet, 18 June 1914, Page 29

ST. PATRICK’S DOMINICAN COLLEGE, TESCHEMAKEES.

On Thursday of last week his Lordship Bishop Vcrdon paid his first official visit to St. Patrick s Dominican College, Teschemakcrs, for the purpose of administering the Sacrament of Confirmation." The Bishop was attended by the Bight Kev. Mgr. Mackay and Kev. A. Farthing." Soon alter the "arrival of. the party the Bishop, wearing his episcopal robes, entered the school chapel, the choir singing the ' Vcni Creator.' Then followed an instruction on the .sacrament about to be administered.

At the conclusion of the solemn and impressive ceremony the Bishop addressed the newly confirmed, exhorting them to strong and vigorous effort in resisting temptation, laying special stress on the avoidance of bad literature, that pestilential evil of our day. He also administered the" children's temperance pledge of the League of the Cross. The ceremonies were brought to a close by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, the music being rendered by the Cecilian choir attached to the college. Later on the pupils entertained his Lordship and party at a ' matinee musicale.' The spacious dining hall was fitted up for the occasion, the pupils, wearing white, relieved by the Bishop's colors, "made a bright and attractive ensemble. The programme revealed some budding pianists and premising vocalists, part-singing being a special feature of the entertainment. ''The elocutionary items too were of a distinctive order. Towards the close, one of the senior pupils addressed the Bishop in terms of greeting and" cordial welcome; thanking his Lordship for his presence amongst them that day, and for his kindly interest in their welfare at all times.

In reply, Bishop Verdon said it gave him great pleasure to have visited St. Patrick's. He recalled the day, some two years ago, when he had solemnly blessed and opened the school ; then there were very many visitors, but few pupils: to-day, the school was" all but crowded out, so that it had become imperative to arrange for the building of additional accommodation. It was truly marvellous how rapidly the school had increased. It had run into prominence, as it were, by magic, and already success was assured. In congratulating the pupils on their performance, the Bishop said their work was admirable, and remembering how recently the school had been opened, quite beyond his expectations. The pupils of this school had already a reputation to uphold, and he hoped they fully appreciated their position. They had quite unique advantages in their surroundings—a beautiful home, spacious pleasure grounds, an excellent climate, and every incentive to self-improvement, and happiness in their work. There was no reason why this school should not in the near future become one of the principal girls' colleges in the Dominion. In conclusion, the Bishop congratulated and thanked all who had had act or part in the establishment and development of the school.

_ Having granted a full holiday to the pupils, the Episcopal party took .their leave, and so closed a very enjoyable and red-letter day in the annals of St. Patrick's.