DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 19 August 1915, Page 35

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(By telegraph, from our own correspondent.) August 16. The Feast of the Assumption was celebrated in the city churches with befitting solemnities. The early Masses were largely attended?, large numbers receiving Holy Communion at the Cathedral. The confraternities of the Guard of Honor and Children of Mary, in regalia, sang appropriate hymns, particularly ‘ Our Lady of Lourdes,’ which they sang before the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, which occupied a foremost position in the sanctuary, and was nicely decorated. In the evening Rev. Father Dunphy preached a most instructive sermon on the Blessed Virgin. A procession followed, the statue of our Blessed Mother being borne through the aisles. At St. Benedict’s special services were held on Sunday. The high altar presented a magnificent spectacle, being ablaze with electric lights. Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan preached at the 11 o’clock Mass, and Right Rev. Mgr. Brodie in the evening. The procession in the morning was augmented by the girls and boys, who received their First Communion, together with the Children of Mary. This morning the 'Masses were well attended, and the church was visited throughout the day. Rev. Father O’Doherty, of Huntly, will preach to-night. The devotion of the Forty Flours’ Adoration concludes to-morrow morning. All the services were most impressive, the decorations of the altars being carried out with great taste. At the last meeting of the district executive of the Hibernian Society a sum of £BO was passed for reassurance of members on active service. Over 100 members are reported to have enlisted, while it is thought several have gone to the front without having reported themselves to the ; branch secretaries, particularly in the earlier stages of enlistment. Now organised efforts are being put forth to reach the men before they leave the Dominion. It is strange the apathy displayed by many of the members towards making this wise provision against casualties, seeing

that their contributions are being paid for those financial at the date of departure, during their absence abroad. Re-assurance on their account is being effected in order to protect the funeral fund from the possibility of the great loss which may occur through excessive mortality. The unity scheme is now under earnest consideration, and ere long will be submitted to branches for their approval or otherwise. This matter should be well in hand and ready for the final committee stage within the next three months.