Lawrence

New Zealand Tablet, 30 March 1916, Page 29

Lawrence

(From an occasional correspondent.) Last Sunday evening witnessed the close of a most successful mission, conducted in the Lawrence district during the previous week by the Very Rev. Father Roche, C.SS.R., Rev. Father Mangan, C.SS.R., and Rev. Father Byrne, C.SS.R. The parishioners showed their appreciation of the energy and zeal manifested on their behalf by the missioners, in a practical manner, by attending the exercises in exceptionally large numbers, though the weather was, during portion of the time, wet and stormy. The Redemptorist Fathers expressed themselves as being highly gratified at the efforts made by the people to attendin some cases at considerable inconvenience, some being obliged to drive twelve or fifteen miles. The order of the day consisted of an early Mass, followed by a short sermon for the convenience of those prevented by their occupations from being present later in the day. A second Mass was celebrated at 9 o'clock, at which a special instruction was given to the school children. The evening devotions comprised Rosary, sermon, and Benediction. • - ; A pleasing sight was witnessed on the final Sunday of the mission, when practically the whole congregation received Holy Communion in a body. The exercises were brought to a close in the evening by the Very Rev. Father Roche, the, church being crowded on the occasion. The preacher exhorted all to the practice of frequent Communion. He also paid • a graceful and well-merited tribute to the zealous and devoted parish priest, Very Rev. Mgr. O'Leary, who was, he said, in every respect, a model pastor, and an example to his flock. ~ "'.':'; Very Rev. Mgr. O'Leary then thanked the missioner for his kind references to himself, but said he did hot deserve one hundredth part of the praise bestowed. .He also stated that, though Lawrence was decreasing in population, religion was not retrogressing. During his recent trip through New Zealand .he had met, in various parts of the Dominion, former residents of this parish, and had found them, in every instance, model Catholics. •> . ..In conclusion, the Papal Benediction was given.