DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 12 August 1915, Page 27

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) = ,'.":..''■-. '■■'.'. "'".'-'. .;; . .August^). /''?-.'- Mr. James O'Malley and family, after many years' residence at Otira, have removed to Christchurch, where they intend to reside permanently. A retreat for the Sisters of Nazareth was commenced at Nazareth House on last Friday evening, and" is being conducted by the Rev. Father Herring, S.M. (Marist Missioner). The retreat is to conclude' on Sunday, August 15. In connection with the observance of . declaration day at Sumner, the Rev. Father Seward was selected to second the principal patriotic resolution, which was moved by the Mayor. In the course of some appropriate remarks, Father Seward stated that -in' July, before the war, he had been in France and had heard nothing then of anything betokening war. The news had come to him on his journey to New Zealand. The Pope had done all he could to secure peace, but the power which declared might was right must be defeated. Participating in the observance of declaration day at Lytteltou, and addressing the public gathering; the Rev. Father P. J. Cooney said to-day it .was deeds, not words, that would count. It was a great thing to know that justice was on the side of the Allies, and that it was a fight for freedom. The war had shown remarkable unity amongst the many distant parts of the Empire, and he was sure all would see it through. 1 The fight was one of determination, and people here should ask themselves: ' What have I done to help the cause?' If they could find no reply, then they should examine their conscience. Bro. J. Curry (president) occupied the chair at the fortnightly meeting of St. Patrick's branch" of the R.A.C.B. Society, held in ' the Hibernian Hall on Monday evening. There was a large attendance of members, including Rev. Father Long (chaplain). Sick pay, amounting to £ll 13s 4cl, was passed for payment. Three candidates were initiated, and five proposed for membership. Bro. J. Flannelly (secretary) read the balance sheet of the hall committee for the quarter ended July 31, which was adopted. After the conclusion of the business a smoke social was held. Items were contributed by Messrs. E. Wall, W. Minehan, J. Sweeney, and E. A. Rodgers. The Rev. Mother Boniface, of the Nursing Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, Lewisham Hospital, Bea'ley avenue, has letters from Malta with • regard to the Sisters' hospital there, and the Australian and New Zealand wounded who are being tended in it, of whom Lieutenant Carrington, son of Dean Carrington of this city, was one. The Malta Rev. Mother writes: ' The island is full of wounded, a large number of whom are Australians and New Zealanderssuch fine men, but their wounds are dreadful, and increased in seriousness by the long journey on the transports. Many of the wounds , are septic owing to pieces of clothing, equipment., etc., being driven into them by the shells. We have both officers and men at present, and the Governor of the island, who is very appreciative of the Sisters' work, wants, us to take 100, which we are doing. . Besides having these wounded, we are giving ambulance and first aid classes to the volunteer nurses.' A meeting of ladies interested in promoting the annual concert in aid of the Sisters of Nazareth's work in this city was held in Nazareth House last week. Lady Clifford presided, and a good number of representative Christchurch" ladies were present. Mrs. J. C. Palmer made a short speech, explaining the object

of the gathering, pointing out that a special effort was needed to make the concert a record success, as, in common with other charities, Nazareth House had suffered considerably as a result of the war. Every householder knew what a difference the war had made in household commodities, and could sympathise with the problems of the Sisters, who had to provide for ■a large household of over 220, and do it on a depleted income. It had been decided to hold a concert on October 11, and all should unite in their endeavors to make it a record success. Those present then formed themselves into a committee, with Lady. Clifford as president and Mrs. Barrett as honorary secretary, and tickets were distributed amongst those who undertook to sell them. Sunday last was observed in the Cathedral as a day of intercession for peace. At the half-past nine o'clock Mass, which was very largely attended by visitors to the city, the Very Rev. Father Price, Adm., was celebrant, and gave a comprehensive, but comparatively brief, discourse on the causes, effects, and trend of the terrible warfare now devastating the greater portion of Europe. A military Mass was celebrated at eleven o'clock, at which the Marist School Cadets attended, several assisting in the sanctuary. The saluting of the military-clad sanctuary boys and bugle call at the Elevation added to the impressivencss of the occasion. The Very Rev. Father Price was again celebrant, and delivered a- particularly fine patriotic address. There was a crowded congregation. The sermon was fully reported in this (Monday) morning's newspapers. At the conclusion of this Mass there was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a procession, during which the choir sang the ' Miserere.' There was solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament after Vespers. Dr. Morkane has resumed the practice of his profession in this city as a specialist in diseases of women.