Leeston

New Zealand Tablet, 28 June 1917, Page 41

Leeston

(From our own correspondent.) June 10. There was a large congregation at the 9.30 Mass on Sunday last, and as it was the Sunday within the octave of Corpus Christi, large numbers approached the Holy Table. After Mass there was* Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, many being present in adoration until the afternoon. The afternoon devotions commenced at 3 o clock, when the church was again ciowded, both the Leeston and Southbridge congregations being present. After the Holy Rosary the Rev. lather Iloare, S.M., preached an eloquent and impressive sermon from the text “If thou did’st know the gift of God, showing the great blessing received from Almighty God in the gift of the Blessed Euchaiist. He earnestly exhorted his hearers to come often, and receive this gift, and to enable them to do so regularly, he urged them to join the archconfraternity of the Blessed Sacrament. After the sermon there was a procession of the Blessed Sacrament, which was participated in by the congregation, preceded by the various societies, and sodalities. The route was through the church grounds, which were beautifully decorated with flags, and bannerettes, and thence to the presbytery grounds where at an improvised, and tastefully adorned altar, Benediction was given. The scene was most impressive, and betokened great love for our Divine Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, and for the feast that was being observed that day. The sun shone brilliantly, and the beautiful calm weather showed that prayers had not been in vain. The Hibernians, who in the morning approached the Holy Table in a body, formed a guard of honor to the Blessed Sacrament. The canopy was borne by four gentlemen in evening dress. The procession being reformed returned to the church, where Benediction was again given. Quite a feature of the solemnity was the congregational singing which was indeed a revelation, and surely reached a grand crescendo in the singing of Faith of Our Fathers.” It was a magnificent profession of faith, and must have been truly gratifying to our good pastor who has the interests of his flock so much at heart.

After Mass last Sunday there was a meeting of the parish committee of the Catholic Federation, the Rev. Father Hoare presiding. The secretary read a report showing the progress of the branch‘since its foundation. Enrolment was still proceeding, and it was hoped within the next week or so to have the names of every member of both congregations on the roll. The rev. president, together with the secretary (Mr. J. N. O’Boyle) were appointed delegates to attend the Christchurch Diocesan Council meeting to be held on July 10.