DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 7 February 1918, Page 19

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.)

February 4. The annual garden fete in aid of the new schools at Addington will be held on March 9, and a hearty invitation to all friends is extended by the committee. The cause of Catholic education must commend itself to the support of those who are in any way able to assist.

Under the auspices of St. Patrick's branch of the H.A.C.B. Society, a progressive euchre party and social is being organised for April 3. In the past entertainments organised by the society have proved eminently successful, and the committee on this occasion is endeavoring to eclipse all previous similar events.

The Rev. Father Hurley, S.M., Adm. St. Joseph's, Wellington, will conduct a retreat at St. Mary's, commencing on February 20. This will be for the Children of Mary in particular as well as for the women of the parish generally. There will be two Masses each morning, followed by instruction, and exercises of the retreat in the evening.

The pupils of the Sacred Heart Girls' College (Sisters of Notre Dame des Missions), Lower High Street, Christchurch, have been successful as under: Public Service Entrance Examination for Shorthandtypistes—Rita Anderson, Edna Lagan. First-class or speed certificates from Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons — 100 words per minute: Rita Anderson, Edna Lagan, Kitty Murphy, Veronica Berry; 80 words: Pauline Flood, Kathleen Healey; 50 words: Madge Haughey, Kathleen Fairweather, Claudia Slattery, Madeleine O'Brien, Eileen Mitchell, Eileen McCarthy, Mary McCartin, Lily Martini. Theoretical certificates for Pitman's Shorthand—Kathleen Fairweather, Madge Haughey, Lily Martini, Mary McCartin, Eileen Mitchell, Eileen McCarthy, Claudia Slattery, Madeleine O'Brien.

A meeting in connection with the ■ Catholic Girls Club and Hostel was held on Sunday last to re-organise the Girls' Club. His Lordship the Bishop presided and addressed the meeting on the importance of the work and the necessity of having a suitable club as a centre for social intercourse both for residents and visitors. A provisional committee was appointed, consisting of Mesdames Herbert and Baxter and the Misses Cronin, Rodgers, Gregan, Doolan, Conder, Nelson, O'Connor, Brophy, Costello, Kirwan, and Lonergan, to canvass for members, etc. Arrangements were made to open the new premises on Sunday afternoon, February 24, at 3 p.m., when it is anticipated that all interested will take the opportunity of inspecting the new premises. 'lt is expected that the matron and her guests will enter into occupation about the 9th inst., and on and after that date all intending visitors to the city will be heartily welcomed, the address being "Sherwood," Cashel Street, Christchurch. A working oee under the supervision of Mr. Jas. Curry has been busy for some time cleaning up the garden and grounds, removing trees, etc., and a wonderful improvement is already noticeable. . .^_„.„. ..„,- ; „„ ..„„ ..„.,„,■' , ;: „,.,„.,,„."„,/,„•. L

; We' greatly regret to learn that the Very Rev. Dean Carew, S.M., of Greymouth, is seriously ill. "His Lordship Bishop Brodie ; and Very Rev. Dean>Hyland (Rangiora) left Christchurch on Tuesday morning for Grey mouth.

The new Convent of Mercy, “Villa Maria/’ Riccarton, was formally taken possession of on Saturday, February 2, Feast of the Purification. His Lordship the Bishop, accompanied by the Rev. Father Long, blessed the newly-acquired building and. celebrated Mass. ’ f • ■ ' ■ ? ''t ; ; •. - : . # t. On Sunday morning, at St. Mary’s, Manchester Street, the Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., referred in a spirited discourse to the importance of the laity joining the ranks of the Catholic Federation. Next Sunday at all the services an enrolment of new members will be made. "‘ K In celebration of the feast day of the Rev. Mother Aidan, Prioress at Mt. Magdala, an entertainment was given in her honor by the children of the institution. A martyr-play of early Rome entitled “ The Mystic Rose,” was excellently staged. The Rev. Father Bowen (Maori Missions) and Rev. Father O’Hare were among the guests present. Very Rev. Dean Van Dyk and Rev. Father Bowen, of the St. Joseph’s Missionary Society, at the invitation of several parish priests of this diocese, whose districts the Dean was unable to visit in the interests of the Maori Missions last year, are now engaged in the collection of much-needed funds. The Very Rev. Dean visited Lincoln last Sunday, and Father Bowen was at Addington. Kaiapoi, Geraldine, and Timaru will be visited in turn.

Very Rev. Dean Van Dyk and Rev. Father Bowen opened last Sunday their series of appeals on behalf of the Maori Missions in the Auckland diocese. Their efforts in Addington and Lincoln were rewarded with a most generous response on behalf of the crowded congregations, whom they addressed morning and evening. Dean Van Dyk will make his appeal next Sunday in Ash bur ton and Father Bowen in Geraldine.

As mentioned elsewhere the Rev. Father O'Hare has been appointed parish priest at Kumara and the Rev. Father T. Hanrahan at Ahaura. Other changes include the transfer of Rev. Father Creed from Kumara to the charge of Leeston, and Rev. Father James Hanrahan to that of Darfield. Rev. Fathers Fogarty (recently arrived) and Carroll (expected soon to arrive from Ireland) are to be attached to the Cathedral.

The members of the Cathedral parish generally, and the Addington portion of it in particular, learnt with sincere regret that the Rev. Father O'Hare was being transferred to Kumara. . For many years the Cathedral was the scene of his labors, and the parish benefited largely owing to his devoted service. During the past two years Father O'Hare has given his undivided attention to the Addington district, with magnificent results. His keen interest in the children, the poor, and parish generally, has shown him prepared to make any sacrifice for the well-being of the Church. An outstanding characteristic of Father O'Hare is his love of and devotion to Ireland.

The Rev. Father T. Hanrahan, who leaves the Cathedral to assume duty at Ahaura, is a native -of Canterbury, and began his study for the priesthood at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, completing his theological studies at All Hallows, Dublin. He returned to New Zealand two years ago and has since been assistant priest at the Cathedral, being associated principally with the Woolston, Sumner, and • Linwood districts. His work in connection with the Christchurch General Hospital has been extensive, and his name at that institution will not easily be forgotten, for Father Hanrahan endeared himself to all connected therewith. As spiritual director to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Altar 'Society, 1 and St. Matthew's (Ladies') branch H.A.C.B. Society, his work has been very thorough, his genial personality and sound judgment aiding in all difficulties. Father Hanrahan has earned the enduring gratitude of the parishioners of the Cathedral.