DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 29 June 1916, Page 25

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(By telegraph, from our own-correspondent.)

June 26. Rev. Father Brennan preached at the Sacred Heart Church on Sunday evening. Mr. Hiscocks (conductor) and Mr; Hiscocks, jun. (organist), severed. their connection on Sunday night with, the Cathedral Choir. The members assembled after Benediction. Messrs. J. H. Egan and Pringle, on behalf of the choir, expressed their keen regret at the departure of the conductor and organist. - Mr. M. J. Sheahan, on behalf of the collecting staff, who were all present, also expressed regret at losing the services of Messrs. Hiscocks. Both gentlemen feelingly replied, and said it was a consolation to them to feel they had the good wishes of those with whom they were so long and pleasantly associated. The Feast of Corpus Chiisti, which was intended to be celebrated at the Sacred Heart Convent, Remuera, on Thursday, was, owing to. the inclemency of the weather, celebrated in the convent on Sunday afternoon. -Besides the Sisters and students, many ladies and gentlemen, by special invitation, were present. Rev. Father Bowen, Maori Missioner, preached a fine sermon on the ' Blessed Sacrament.'. A procession of the Blessed Sacrament, consisting of the clergy, Sisters, students, and visitors, proceeded through the spacious convent, the Sisters and students singing appropriate hymns. The corridors, through which the procession wended its way, were tastefully decorated, the predominating, colors. being white and gold. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament followed in the convent chapel. The good Sisters were 'heartily thanked ■.-and highly complimented by the visitors, who were subsequently hospitably entertained by the community. The retreat, given to the Holy Family Confraternity by Rev. Father Herring, which commenced on the evening of June 20, and concluded on Sunday night at the Cathedral, was a great success. Every morning and evening, the men, old and young, attended in ever increasing numbers, until the closing service on Sunday night, when there was an immense congregation. Rev. Father Herring is certainly a most successful missioner. His instructions and exhortations each morning and evening were very impressive. The sermons in the evenings were of a consecutive order, each one bearing relation to its predecessor, and the whole forming - an exposition of the doctrines and practices of our holy faith. Large numbers of men. received Holy Communion each morning of the week, and on Sunday morning a special Mass was celebrated at 8 o'clock,' when over 250 approached the altar rails. It was a treat to hear the fine body, of men singing the. hymns. After Mass, breakfast was served at St. Patrick's Con- . vent Schoolroom. Rev. Father Taylor (spiritual director) presided, and had Rev. Father Herring on his right. After breakfast, Rev.' Father Taylor addressed the gathering, and said he was delighted to see so many assembled. It was a great manifestation of faith exhibited in the Cathedral that morning. He" paid a high tribute to the zeal, earnestness, and eloquence of Rev. Father Herring. • During the week )v night and day, Father Herring had worked assiduously. He visited every part of the wide parish, urging, beseeching dilatory ones to attend to their duties. They were under a deep obligation to him, and his. name would ever remain in f their grateful hearts. He thanked the Sisters and the young ladies, whose labors were evidenced by the good things set before them. He thanked_ Miss Mackay, who, when needed, played ; the" organ - accompaniments to ', their hymns during the retreat. - _ , r -*_, . * -^-/._^ •'•„_ Rev. - Father 'Herring received an enthusiastic reception when -he j stood up to than!; Father Taylor for rliii kindlv references £o hjj work, : V fie congratulate :

the confraternity on possessing such an able and energetic spiritual director, for whom they should ever ■ entertain the highest regard. At no place he had visited in this Dominion, had he seen such devotion and attention as that displayed by the men of the confraternity ; their zeal was highly commendable. He was glad to see other Catholic societies represented, and hoped every young man would join the Hibernian Society, which had everywhere done so much good, also the St. Vincent de Paul Society, whose unostentatious - work merited their support and" esteem. The Catholic Federation he commended to all, as it was accomplishing a great work. He was delighted to see such a fine assemblage. Unity was necessary in the present age in order to combat the irreligion prevailing around us. Mr. Daniel Flynn responded on behalf of the Hibernians. He expressed pleasure at Father Her- _ ring's appreciation of the society's work. As a member of the confraternity he was delighted with Father Herring's labors during ,the past week. While other societies performed allotted duties in our midst, the confraternity supplied a very great need. It was not parochial, because it embraced men from all the city and suburban parishes. He hoped it would continue to prosper. Mr. R. Casey," on behalf of the Marist Brothers' Old Boys' Club, said that the display that morning was a fine sight, which gave evidence of the Catholic spirit which permeated the community. It was by such means that unity would be secured, and from which great benefits to our community would assuredly follow. Mr. Fitzgerald said he represented the Sacred Heart parish club, which was the newest recruit amongst our clubs. He could' promise them that it was a lusty and healthy unit. The club intended to pay marked attention to boys leaving school, and secure them -as members, thereby directing their steps on ; entering the battle of life. Mr. Moodabee, speaking for the Altar Boys' Guild, expressed his pleasure at being present. * Mr. Wall, representing the St. Vincent de Paul i Society, spoke of the interesting work accomplished by that' body, and appealed for recruits to assist in the meritorious work. Mr. Shanaghan (secretary of the confraternity) thanked Rev. Father Herring for the good work he . had accomplished, and assured him of the grateful thanks of every member for the spiritual advice tendered them. He thanked Rev. Father Taylor for his consistent labors on behalf of the confraternity, and on behalf of the ladies he thanked the speakers for their kindly expressions. The. members attended the 11 o'clock Mass, and took part in the procession round the outside of the church, the four prefects bearing the canopy over the Blessed Sacrament. The Children of Mary and Guard of Honor Confraternities also took part in the procession. The devotion of the Forty Hours' Adoration then began, and will terminate on Tuesday morning. In the evening the members of the confraternity to the number of 300 occupied the front seats in the Cathedral, when the usual confraternity devotions took place, after which Father Herring preached on ■•' Faith.' It ?.', was an impressive and convincing discourse. 'Faith,' he said, 'was the greatest heritage man possessed,' and he urged them to hold steadfastly to it: In conclusion, he asked all the members to stand up, each one with a lighted candle held on high, and renew their .Baptismal vows". The responses were given in loud, : ringing tones. Ascending the. altar steps the missioner imparted the Papal .Blessing.; Father Herring finally appealed to his hearers to remember and put " into practice the good resolutions made during the retreat, and he'promised them that their lives would thereby, be happier and better. Benediction of the Blessed \ Sacrament followed, after which the men sang v- * Faith; of our fathers.' Rev. Father Herring commenced a week's retreat at the Sacred Heart Church at : the 11 o'clock Mass*on Sunday. '~lj~_ Next week he - w{H v civa ?-rstye'i&ts• fl t '- ECue?*", AvondalSj, and/ 1 Sender? 'I. 109, ? "' '_/--""* ' ' '•■'•.; ■ : _'- '\ *'_ ' :;^:^:Jg\J ::