St. Benedict’s, Auckland

New Zealand Tablet, 19 October 1916, Page 36

St. Benedict’s, Auckland

(From our own correspondent.) The mission conducted by the Marist Fathers was brought to a close on Sunday evening, the Bth inst. An immense concourse of people assembled to assist at the closing scenes of one of the most successful missions ever preached in this parish. From the very start the good Fathers endeared themselves to the hearts of all. Their earnest, solid, and eloquent discourses made lasting impressions. There was a thoroughness about their methods that adapted and brought home with irresistible force the great messages of Divine truth to people of every condition and degree. Sunday night's congregation bore eloquent testimony to the effects of their labors. Indeed, it was a thrilling, never-to-be-forgotten sight, when, at the close of the parting discourse, the huge congregation arose in a body to renew the vows of their Baptism. Holding high their lighted candles, symbolical of their faith and devotion, they pronounced anew the solemn engagements of their Baptism. Then, before the Blessed Sacrament, (hey bound themselves in honor to a few practical resolutions (hat would ensure the lasting traits of the mission. The bestowal of the Papal Blessing. followed by benediction of (he Most Blessed Sacrament and the singing of (he hymn ‘Faith of our lathers, brought the great season of grace to a close. Many regrets have been expressed that the mission could not be prolonged : but other fields of labor were awaiting the missioners. These zealous priests and their untiring labors will lie remembered for many a day by the people of St. Benedict’s. They bring with them the deepest love and gratitude that spiritual children could know for their Ghostly Father.