DIOCESE OP CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 2 July 1914, Page 35

DIOCESE OP CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.)

Juno 29. Ihe National Provident Fund Department is reported to be making great strides in Christchurch. Hie propaganda work in this district is being conducted by Mr. J. J. O’Gorman, who, as showing the great progress made during the past six months, estimates that 1300 people have been induced to participate in the fund during that time in Christchurch alone.

On and after July 1, trains will run on the Canterbury section of the Midland Railway to Arthur’s Pass station. The terminal stations on “both sides of the Alps tunnel will thus have been reached, leaving the tunnel itself the sole remaining link to the steel track Westland and Canterbury, and all interest will henceforward be centred in this great engineering achievement. The work is stated to be progressing well in the tunnel under the contract system. Coaching on the journey between Christchurch and Grey mouth will now be reduced to a two hours’ run over the Pass and through the Gorge, and the train will ordinarily connect with the Wellington ferry boat each wav.

At the M. 8.0.8. Association Communion breaklast, Rev. Father Long (chaplain), in responding to the toast of ‘ The Bishop and Clergy,’ said it was particularly appreciable on such a day and coming from such a body. It was appropriate that on the patronal least ot the Bishop and diocese, the company had publicly proclaimed their loyalty towards their chief pastor and his assistants. The clergy were always interested in the promotion of such associations as the M.8.0.8.A., which catered for the spiritual and temporal welfare of those under their charge. It was a remarkable fact that the recent revival of interest in religion amongst the youth of France manifested itself simultaneously with the foundation by the priests of athletic clubs

The quarterly meeting of St. Patrick’s branch of the H.A.C.B. Society was held in the Hibernian Hall, Barbadoes street, on last Monday evening, Pro. 11. A. Sloan, 8.P., presiding. An invitation was received from the New Hcadford branch to its annual social, and it was decided to be represented. Invitations to attend the M. 8.0.8. Association’s annual Communion breakfast were also accepted, the president and secretary being selected to represent the branch. Fourcandidates were admitted to membership. Dr. Sandstein tendered his resignation as one of the medical attendants, which was accepted with regret. Officers and committees for the ensuing term were nominated. It was resolved that a strong letter of protest be sent to the editor of the /Vc*«, Christchurch, in regard to the slanderous statement contained in a special article contributed by Mr. Pcnncfathcr, L.L.D., which appeared in the issue of that paper of June 20, concerning the ancient order of Hibernians, and imputed to Cardinal Logue. There was a very large attendance at a most enjoyable entertainment given by the pupils of the Sisters of the Missions, • Lower High street, in honor of the feast of his Lordship the Bishop, on last Wednesday afternoon in the large parochial school. His Lordship was accompanied by the Very Rev. Chancellor Price, Adm., and a number of the resident and visiting clergy. An excellent programme was presented by the pupils, the chief item being an exceptionally well acted drama. The other items included action songs, and a varied and pleasing contribution of vocal and instrumental selections, all of which testified to the care and success of the Sisters’ teaching. At the conclusion, his Lordship the Bishop very warmly complimented the teachers and performers on their particularly meritorious efforts, after witnessing and listening to which no possible doubt could be entertained of the efficiency and devotion of the Sisters, who sacrificed all personal considerations in the interest of the children. The portrayal of the drama, ‘ Fabiola,’ was to him of impressive interest, as many of the scenes depicted in

Cardinal Wiseman’s beautiful narrative were familiar to his Lordship. With considerable indignation his Lordship spoke upon another subject, detailed reference to widen' will be made in next issue.

Sunday last, being the festival of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, patronal feast of the diocese <yul also of his Lordship the Bishop, was celebrated with befitting ceremonial in the Cathedral. For the half-past nine o'clock Mass, celebrated by the Bcv. Father Murphy, 8.A., the members of the Marist Brothers’ Old Boys’ Association, including the football teams, senior cadets, and school cadets, assembled at the school and marched to the Cathedral, where all received Holy Communion. At the Elevation, the trumpeter of the troop sounded the salute, whilst a squad of the senior cadets presented arms. From an appropriate text the Rev. Father Murphy, 8.A., specially addressed those, whose presence in a body in such large numbers was so impressive and edifying. At the conclusion of Mass, all re-formed in marching order and returned to the school building, where a large company of lady friends had the annual Communion breakfast prepared. Sir George Clifford (president of the association) presided, and a lengthy toast list was honored. There was Solemn Pontifical High Mass at eleven o’clock, a guard of honor being formed by the senior and junior cadets for his Lordship the Bishop and procession of the clergy. His Lordship the Bishop was celebrant of the Mass, the Very Rev. Father Graham, S.M., M.A., assistant priest, the Rev. Fathers Quinn, S.M., and Cronin deacons of honor at the throne, the Rev. Fathers Murphy, 8.A., and Long deacon and subdeacon respectively of the Mass, and Very Rev. Chancellor Price, Acini,, master of ceremonies. His Lordship the Bishop discoursed briefly on the subject of the day’s festival. As usual on festival occasions the high altar and sanctuary were very beautifully adorned, and in the evening illuminated. The choir, with Mr. Thorlcy at the organ, rendered the music of the Mass admirably. In the evening there were Solemn Pontifical Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, the same clergy assisting as in the morning. The occasional sermon was preached by (ho Rev. Father McCarthy, S.M., the eloquent Marist missioner, who gave a very fine discourse on the

‘ Dignity and responsibility of the episcopate,’ during which he paid a warm tribute to his Lordship the Bishop for the splendid services and achievements to Ids credit during a more than ordinarily lengthy and remarkably prolific episcopate. 11 is Lordship the Bishop was the recipient of numerous congratulations on this, his chief, festival day.

Christchurch North

June ‘J'J. Sunday, being the Feast of St. John the baptist and patronal feast of the diocese, a- very interesting discourse on the life of (he saint, was given by (lie Very Rev. Dean tills, S.M., V.G., at St. Mary’s at the 0.30 o’clock Mass. The high altar was tastefully decorated, as was the sanctuary, in honor of the feast.

At the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Dclacour, the members of the choir and their friends were entertained at a musical evening in Ozanam Lodge on Wednesday last. The lodge was prettily decorated and arranged for the occasion. The following ladies and gentlemen contributed towards the evening’s enjoyment: Misses Grady, F. Garclincr, Goggan, Cronin, K. O’Brien, Messrs. L. Blake, F. Woods, Geo. Hayward, A. J. Ormandv, and Delacour. The Very Rev. Dean Hills, S.M., was present, and greatly pleased all by his rendering of some of his favorite songs, receiving much applause. An orchestral trio, Mr. T. B. Jordan (violin), Mr. Martincngo (’cello), and Mr. Wood (piano), gave several selections. Mrs. Cronin acted as accompanist during the evening. At the conclusion the Vicar-General, in a few words, thanked Mr. and Mrs. Delacour, and hoped all had been as pleased with the evening’s gathering as he had been. Mr. L. J. Blake also spoke in complimentary terms. ' A dainty supper was provided.