DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 15 November 1917, Page 19

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) November 12. Rev Father (Chaplain) Murphy, who leaves with the next reinforcements, was a welcome visitor to Christchurch this week, being down on final leave. The Conference of the Deanery of North Canterbury will be held at St. Mary's, Manchester Street, on November 20. His Lordship the Bishop will preside. His Lordship the Bishop returned from Auckland last week and is pleased to convey the news that Bishop Cleary is in remarkably good health and full of vigor. The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered by his Lordship the Bishop at Methven and on Sunday next, November 18, and at Christchurch on Sunday, November 25. Rev. Father 'Burger,-5.M.,. St. Bede's College, addressed the women's branch of the Archconfraternity of the Blessed Sacrament on Tuesday evening last on the subject of Purgatory and prayers for the departed. ■ .. !&••':, ~.:-.■

An “Irish Night’’ is being promoted by St. Patrick’s branch of the H.A.C.B. Society to be held on November 22, in the Hibernian Hall, primarily in aid of the school funds, but incidentally as an anniversary celebration. A purely national programme is to be submitted, consisting of illustrated views, interspersed with song and story. The descriptive lecture is to be given by the Very Rev. Dean Hyland (Rangiora). A very pleasant evening was spent at the Hibernian Hall on Monday, November 5, after the close of the ordinary meeting of St. Patrick’s branch of the H.A.C.B. Society, when a presentation was made to and a send-off accorded Bro. O. A. M. Randrup, who is leaving Christchurch, having been placed by his employers in charge of their business in the Hamilton district. Bro. J. Jacques, 8.P., presided. Rev. Father Long (chaplain) being among those present. The secretary (Bro. M. Grimes), in proposing the toast of the guest, expressed the regret all felt in parting with Bro. Randrup, and wished him and family every success in his new sphere of action. Eulogistic speeches were also made by the Rev. Father Long, the president, and Bros. W. Rodgers, V.P., Coffey, P.P., and Curry, D-P• Bro. Randrup thanked the members for the kindness extended towards him, pledged his loyalty to the green sash, and promised to do all in his power for the advancement of Hibernianism in the Waikato. The Rev. chaplain, Bros. Fottrell, Hurley, Humphreys, Grimes, Getson, Curry, and Mannix contributed to a musical and elocutionary programme, “God Save Ireland’’ being sung as a finale.

WaJmate

(From our own correspondent.) November 12.

In response to an appeal from the executive of the Catholic Federation for funds for the Catholic chaplains’ field service, the Waimate branch decided at its meeting last evening to hold a progressive euchre party and social on Wednesday, November 21. It is hoped to have a large attendance, and thus help to swell the funds for this great work.

Leeston

(From our own correspondent.)

November 12. Another of the pioneers of Ellesmere, in the person of Mr. James Byrne, passed away during the week. The deceased, who was fortified by all the rites of Holy Church, was nearly 90 years of age at the time of his death. —R.I.P. There were large congregations at the Masses in Leeeton and Southbridge on last Sunday. In Leeston after the 9.30 a.m. Mass there was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, adoration being maintained throughout the day. Rev. Father Hoare, S.M., exhorted all to take this opportunity to pray earnestly for our boys at the front. Many of our Catholic boys had obeyed the call of Empire and were now enduring the hardships of the trenches, and it was our duty, he said, to pray not only for those who had paid the last full measure of devotion, but also for those who were still fighting for the nation's cause. At the evening devotions there was another large congregation. After the Holy Rosary and a sermon on the Blessed Eucharist there was the customary procession and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.