DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 3 February 1916, Page 24

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.}

January 31. Good progress is being made with the erection, of the magnificent marble altar in the Cathedral, and the entire work is expected to be completed well in advance of the pending important ceremonies.

St. Bede's Collegiate School re-opens on Monday, February 14, and it is earnestly hoped that the number of pupils presenting themselves for the new scholastic year will answer a largely increased roll call, and thus encourage the devoted Marist Fathers in the splendid work they are doing in this city in the advanced education of our Catholic youth.

A first meeting of the Catholic Red Cross Society for the new year, was held in the Hibernian Hall on last Sunday afternoon. Mr. M. Grimes (vice-chairman) presided, and amongst those present were Mrs. J. C. Palmer (president of the ladies' section), and a number of her fellow-workers. Blocks of the greater Christchurch area previously outlined were allotted to those willing to assist in collecting regular periodical payments, and all were urged to keep the movement well in the forefront, so that the Catholic record in the good and necessary work would compare more than

favorably with the efforts of other denominations. An acknowledgment was made of the receipt of £4O 3s from the pupils of the Sisters of the Missions (Sacred Heart College), resulting from the Christmas entertainment given in the Convent School, Lower High street, and £l3 8s from St. Mary's Convent pupils, Colombo street, derived from the sale of sweets etc., at an entertainment prior to the Christmas vacation.

The executive committee in connection with the reception of his Excellency, the Most Rev. Archbishop Cerretti, Apostolic Delegate, was held in the episcopal residence on last Monday evening. The Very Rev. Dean Hills, S.M., presided. The Very Rev. FatherPrice, Adm., was also present. It was decided to issue tickets for admission to the Cathedral for the episcopal consecration ceremonies, on Sunday, February 27, allotting seats to the adult Catholics of the city and vicinity to the number of 2000. Of these, 250 provide special places for Cathedral regular seat-holders, and 250 are reserved for representatives of each parish in the diocese. A number of matters of detail were arranged and the following order of ceremonies was adopted:— Saturday, February 26.—Arrival of his Excellency at Lyttelton by the Maori, and met by the reception committee. 7.30 a.m.—His Excellency to be met at Christchurch Railway Station. Procession to episcopal residence along route lined by school children from all Catholic schools. 8 a.m.—Mass in Cathedral celebrated by his Excellency at which the children of the combined Catholic schools will render music.

Sunday, February 27.—8.45 a.m.Procession from episcopal residence. 9 a.m.Mass. Consecration of Right Rev. Dr. Brodie by the Apostolic Delegate. Ceremonies commencing at 9 a.m. prompt. Occasional sermon by the Very Rev. Dean Power, rector of Hawera. Admission to Cathedral by ticket only, to be obtained at the episcopal residence, St. Mary's presbytery, Manchester street, and at Mr. O'Connor's Catholic book depot, Barbadoes street. 3 p.m.—Opening of new main building of Lewisham Hospital, Bealey avenue, by his Excellency the Apostolic Delegate. 7 p.m.—Cathedral, devotions. Presentation of addresses and testimonials from the clergy, laity, and Hibernian Society to his Lordship Bishop Brodie. His Lordship's reply. Pontifical Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Monday, February 28.—7.15 p.m.—Procession from the episcopal residence. 8 p.m.—Theatre Royal. Public welcome to his Excellency the Apostolic Delegate. Presentation of addresses from the clergy and laity. His Excellency's reply. Selections by combined Catholic choirs.

Tuesday, February 29.—3 p.m.—Ceremonial opening of new wing of Mount Magdala Institute, at which his Excellency the Apostolic Delegate will preside. Tiraaru (From our own correspondent.) January 31. The priests of the parish returned on Friday from Christchurch, where they had been making their annual retreat. 1, The schools of the parish have resumed work. The opening ceremonies were attended by Very Rev. Dean Tubman, who gave the children some kindly words of encouragement and advice. His Excellency Archbishop Cerretti passed through Timaru on Saturday by the second express from the south. Whilst the train was at the station he was welcomed by Very Rev. Dean Tubman and the locaj clergy, and by some of the members of the congregation. After a few weeks' interval for the holidays the ladies of the Catholic Patriotic Society have again resumed their weekly sewing meetings in the workroom of the convent technical school. On Tuesday evenings also, the young ladies of Mrs. Loughnan's Red Cross Guild meet in the same place, and much,

useful work is accomplished for. the benefit of the wounded soldiers.