ST. BEDE’S COLLEGE

New Zealand Tablet, 23 July 1914, Page 49

ST. BEDE’S COLLEGE

A PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT. Another step forward to promote the advance of the project of a Catholic boarding college for boys of tho South Island was taken this week in the appointment of the Rev. Father Quinn, S.M.,Ao collect funds tor the purpose of beginning building operations (writes our Christchurch correspondent, "wilting under date July 13). It will he remembered that a property of over 30 acres was purchased some short time ago at Papanui, Christchurch, for this purpose, and it is hoped that* as a result of the appeal that is being made, building operations may be commenced next year. The object of Father Quinn’s mission is to visit every parish in the diocese of Christchurch to collect money for this work, lie purposes doing South Canterbury first, starting at Waimate on Sunday, July 12. When it is realised that up to the present there is no hoarding school for the purpose of higher general education for our Catholic boys, existing in the South Island, it will be seen that a work of this nature is of very pressing urgency. The school question is the most important question that Catholics in New' Zealand at the present time. It is in order' to safeguard the faith of our children that we Catholics have made so many sacrifices in the past, in order to provide our own schools where our little ones may be instructed amid Catholic surroundings and in a Catholic atmosphere. The Church has ever shown a most tender care in the instruction of her children, and Catholics of New Zealand in common with Catholics throughout tho world have realised that their children in the most impressionable years of their lives must not only be taught tho truths of religion and trained to religious practices, but must also bo safeguarded, in the teaching, from any influence or example that tends to weaken or destroy their faith or in any way diminish their love of religion. Hence the reason why our Catholic primary schools are to be found so numerous throughout the land. The same reasons also obtain for the existence of Catholic high schools or colleges, where our sons and daughters . may receive that higher education that is necessary, if they wish to go through life on an equality with their fellow-citizens, for whom the State has so abundantly provided in the matter of higher education. Hence it is hoped that the establishment of a boys’ boarding school in Christchurch will appeal to all by reason of its necessity and urgency. As this is a huge undertaking, for which we can hope for no help at all from the State, it is hoped that the friends and well-wishers of such a noble obrect will rally round the Marist Fathers and help them very soon to place in Christchurch a college most up to date in every way. In the case of those who would wish to help this good work, and whom Father Quinn will not be able to see, any subscriptions forwarded to the Very Rev. C. Graham, S.M., .M.A., Rector of St. Bede’s, Ferry road, Christchurch, will bo gratefully acknowledged.

Ashburton (From an occasional correspondent.) v July 13. The Very Rev. Father Roche, C.SS.R., has been engaged during the week in giving a retreat to the bisters of Notre Fame des Missions. On Saturday the Rev. Father left for Christchurch, to open a retreat for the members of the archconfraternity of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Ihe following is a list of pupils presented by the Sisters of Notre Dame des Missions, all of whom were successful in passing Rudiments of Music, in tho Royal College of Music examinations: — Dorothy C. Cullen, 1)2 ; Ellen Ilanrahan, 87: Anna Bradley, 84 Olive Christie, 81; Ella Langley, 76 ; Dorothy Brown, 67. Gore (From an occasional correspondent.) July 13. At the .lull-yearly meeting of tho local branch 'of the H.A.C.B. Society Bro. E. Kelleher presided over a veiy large attendance of sisters and brothers. The following officers were elected for the ensuing term: - Past-president, Bro. Ed. Kelleher; president, Bro. J. E. Quirk : vice-president, Bro. B. Kelly ; secretary, Bro. M. G. Francis: treasurer, Bro. A. P. Hoffman; warden* Bro. E. F. McGowan: guardian. Pro. 11. F. Sullivan ; sick visitors Gore, Sister E. Ford and Bros M. Sexton and F. J. Mutton : Mataura, Bro. D. McGowan; assistant secretary, Pro. J. F. Mallon ; auditors, Bros. H. F. Sullivan and B. Kelly : delegates to the Catholic Federation, Bros. J. E. Quirk (president), and M. A. Neill, P.P. Bro. Ed. Kelleher, P.P., installed tho new officers. After the conclusion of the meeting, Bro. Ed. Kelleher, .P., invited all to partake of supper, which he had kindly provided. Supper over, a, presentation of a. past-president certificate was made to Bro. M. A. O Neill, retiring P.P. Sister Ford and Bro. A. 11. Smith contributed songs, which were much appreciated. The meeting terminated with expressions of good fellowship to Bro. Kclleher, P.P., for the pleasant evening spent, which it was hoped would be /the forerunner of many in the near future. Bluff (From an occasional correspondent.) Increased activity, if that be possible, is being thrown into the preparation for St. Teresa’s benefit bazaar, now that the date, August 5, has been fixed for tho opening. Many beautiful articles are being exhibited in shop windows and elsewhere, and wary indeed would lie a visitor to the .Bluff who would escape the many zealous promoters, who arc anxious to add to their lists of ticket-holders, competitors, and other victims. There is every hope that the bazaar ill place the Catholics in the enviable position of having a handsome, well-furnished school for their children, entirely free from debt.