DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 31 December 1914, Page 25

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.)

December 28.

The Sisters of- Notre Dame des Missions are at* present in their annual spiritual retreat, which is being conducted by the Rev. Father Grogan, G.SS.R., at the Convent of the .Sacred Heart, Lower High street.

Additional subscriptions to the Britain and Belgian relief funds are acknowledged from Cheviot and Rangiora through his Lordship Bishop Grimes, representing further contributions made by the Catholic churches of the diocese.

Midnight Mass was celebrated by the Very Rev. Chancellor Price, Adm., at Lewisham Hospital, the same privilege being extended to the convent of the Sisters of the Missions, and the other institutions of the parish. Mass was also celebrated in all the churches of the Cathedral parish, including Sumner, Woolston, Addington, and Halswell, a boon very highly appreciated, and rendering it possible for nearly every individual of the various congregations to approach the Holy Table. The quarterly meeting of St. Patrick’s branch (No. 82) of the H.A.C.R. Society was held in the Hibernian Hall, Barbadoes street, on last Monday evening, the president (Bro. J. Griffin) presiding. There was only .a moderate attendance of members. Reports from ■various committees were received. Sick pay amounting Ito £9 10s, and other accounts totalling £77 11s 3d, were passed for payment. Nominations were received for officers, the election of whom is to take place at the half-yearly meeting, to be held on January 4. As the meeting under notice was the first held since the decease of Bro. M. Nolan, the branch was in deep mourning, and the usual prayers for the repose of the soul of the departed were offered. 1 „

Christmas week in Christchurch revealed none of the disastrous effects of the disturbing elements in the Old Countries, so far as the volume of business was concerned.' The city is crowded with visitors from all and the streets fairly teemed with animation on QjJ*ristmas Eve, especially at night, the most noticeable fact being*the almost total absence of anything approaching riotous enjoyment. With the weight of sorrow .and affliction in the world, this is essentially as it should be. Although evidently happy in the knowledge of possessing—in the mainpeace and plenty,, the dire daa'gers and necessities that have become the unlooked-for portion of so many millions in the , old lands, appeared* to be fully realised by all, and curbed any tendency to merry-making. Christmas Da v was observed with the customary solemnity in the Cathedral, the very large congregations throughout being a noticeable and edifying spectacle. Masses were celebrated continuously from an early hour, at each of which crowds of communicants approached the Holy TaWe. There was .Solemn Ponti-' fioal High Mas? at 11 o’clock. His Lordship the Bishop was celebrant. Rev. Father O’Dwyer, iS.J., assistant priest, Rev. Father Grogan* G.SS.R,, and Rev. Father Cronin deacons of honor at the throne, Rev. Fathers Long and Riordan deacon and subdeacon respectively of the Mass-, and Very Rev. Chancellor Price, Adm., master of ceremonies. The music was appropriately selected, and included the usual Christmas anthems, capably rendered by the choir, with Mr. W. Handel Thorley at the organ. An Ave Maria was bung by Mrs. Gower-Burns during the Bishop’s vesting. The high altar and sanctuary were most tastefully adorned, and with the illuminations in the evening, presented a strikingly beautiful appearance. Briefly addressing the •congregation, his Lordship extended cordial good wishes for the feptiv© seateon, and also imparted the Papal and

episcopal blessings. In the evening there were Solemn Pontifical Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, most of the clergy, (as in the'morning, assisting. v . The occasional preacher was the Rev. Father Grogan, G.SS.R'., who selected ’the text, Luke. ii. 11, treating of the Nativity. After Vespers the choir were entertained by his Lordship the Bishop and Very Rev." Administrator, in the episcopal residence, and cordially thanked for devoted service during the year.

Timaru

(From bur own correspondent.)

December 28.

The retreat for ladies which takes place every year at the Convent is to commence on Saturday evening next and ends on Thursday morning. The preacher is Rev. Father Dwyer, S.J.

Rev. Father Murphy, S.M., has left for a short holiday on .the West Coast. Rev. Father O’Farrell, who has just recently been ordained, is replacing him for a few weeks, and preached at the evening devotions on Sunday.

The half-yearly meeting of the Christchurch Diocesan Council of the Catholic Federation is to be held here on January 18. Between forty and fifty delegates are expected to be present. Arrangements are being made tor their entertainment by the officers of the Federation here.

On Christmas Day there were crowded congregations at all the services. At the early Masses large numbers approached the Holy Table, and at the evening devotions the Rev. Father Tighe, S.J., preached a powerful sermon on the feast of the day and the lessons to be derived therefrom.

Ashburton

(From our own correspondent.)

His Lordship Bishop Grimes paid his parochial visitation to the Ashburton parish some three weeks ago. A Confirmation service was conducted, when close on eighty candidates were confirmed.

The .usual quarterly meeting of the local branch of the Hibernian Society was held on Monday .of last week. Judging from the report and financial statement this society is increasing both in membership and financial stability. -

Three Masses were celebrated at the Church of the Holy Name on Christmas Day, Rev. Father O’Donnell being celebrant at all the services. The altar was appropriately decorated, and the congregation at each service was large. At each service Rev. Father O’Donnell spoke to his listeners on the great feast day they were celebrating, concluding with the usual good wishes towards his congregation.