DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 4 July 1918, Page 28

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) July 1. In accordance with the Motu Propria-of the Sovereign Pontiff that Masses should be offered throughout the world on the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul for a speedy return of charity and " concord among the warring nations, his Lordship Bishop Brodie announced on last Sunday week that special privileges obtain at the Cathedral. From 2 p.m. on Saturday (the Feast day) until Sunday evening a plenary indulgence Could be gained by all who, besides complying with the usual conditions, pay a visit .to the Cathedral and pray for the intentions of our Holy Father the Pope. The Masses, therefore, and on last Sunday, when the Solemnity of the Feast was observed, were largely attended at the Cathedral, despite unfavorable weather. There was exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from after the 11 o'clock Mass until the conclusion of Vespers. His Lordship the Bishop preached -and gave Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, during which the Litany of the Sacr-d Heart was sung and the diocese consecrated to the Adorable Heart of Jesus. The appeal for the Holy Father (Peter's Pence) was most generously respol" led to. On Tuesday evening week the members of the New Headford branch, H.A.C.B. Society, journeyed to Christchurch in acceptance of an invitation extended to them by St. Patrick's branch to a euchre match. A cordial welcome was accorded to visitors by the president (Brother J. and an interesting match resulted in a win for them by 36 game* to 27." A musical and elocutionary programme, capably rendered, added to the enjoyment of the gathering. Mr. Wyatt was pianist, and those who contributed were: Brothers P. Jones, S. Jamieson, P. Sweeney, and C. Fottrell (songs), P. Smyth (recitations), and M. Mannix (flute solo). Brother Jacques proposed the toast of the New Headford branch. Brother M. Ryan, on behalf of the visitors, thanked the members of St. Patrick's branch for the kindly reception and generous treatment extended to them ; and he hoped in the very near future to be able to welcome members of St. Patrick's branch to Lincoln in return. Mr. J. Curry presided at the last meeting of the Celtic Club, which was largely attended. Twelve members were elected, and another 12 nominations were received. The feature of the evening was a debate as to which party —the Sinn Fein or Nationalist. doing the most effective work to bring about Home Rule for Ireland. Fathers Long and Fogartv acted in the capacity of judges, Mr. P. Smyth being elected to the position of chairman. Messrs. J. Curry, M. Grimes, and J. Flan nelly fought the cause of Sinn Fein, whilst Father Carroll, Messrs. T. O'Rourke, and M. Mannix championed the Natipnalist Party. The debate was interesting and instructive, and was listened to attentively. After reviewing the different speeches and commenting thereon Father Long announced the Nationalist debaters to be the victors, a finding upon which both he and Father Fogarty were agreed. Impromptu speeches will be the attraction at the next meeting. ; A medal is to be donated later in the season for the best address on the life of some illustrious Irishman.

£ On last Friday evening, in, the Hibernian- 7 Hall, Rev. Bro. Phelan tendered a social to the fourth and fifth grade football teams, much to the delight of the boys. Mr. P. Jones provided the major portion of the musical programme from his varied repertoire, and was assisted by Brothers Emilian and Phelan and Mr. M. Mannix. Some of the boys sang for the first time in public, as they put it, and showed promise of success. Mrs. W. Rodgers and Mrs. Blackby had charge of the refreshments, and to these ladies, as well as to others assisting, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded. tt T-! 16 ordinar y meeting of St. Patrick's branch H.A.C.B. Society was held on Monday evening, June 17. B.P. Bro. Jacques presided, and there were present a full roll of officers and a large number of members. Sick allowance amounting to £9 16s 8d and amounts totalling £lO9 17s 9d were passed for payment. Included in the latter amount were funeral fees £2O, dues to U.F.S. Dispensary £24 Bs, medical attendants' fees £44 8s 9d, arid maternity allowances £B. One new member was initiated and one candidate nominated for membership. The president welcomed a visitor, Bro. Collins, from the Hastings branch to the meeting. Bro. Collins expressed himself greatly surprised at the fine attendance of members, and the activity shown by the branch in social functions, some of which he had attended during his stay in Christchurch. His regret was that his return homewards could not be further delayed. The nomination of officers for the ensuing half-year also took place. Next Sunday being Federation Sunday, all Catholics are reminded that it is expected of them to join the ranks of the Catholic Federation. The usual fortnightly meeting of St. Matthew's (ladies') branch H.A.C.B. Society was held in the Hibernian Hall on Monday evening, June 24. The president (Sister E. Brophy) presided, and there was with one exception, a full attendance of officers. Father Long (chaplain) and Father Fogarty were present, the chaplain complimenting the sisters on the splendid attendance, despite the inclement weather. He doubted if any branch in New Zealand could record such a fine attendance under such adverse conditions. Accounts amounting to £9 6s lOd were passed for' payment, and it was decided to take charge of a stall at the forthcoming garden fete to be held at Mt. Magdala, in aid of that institution. On behalf of his Lordship the Bishop and the clergy of the Cathedral parish, Father Long thanked the Sisters for their assistance at the parish social.. The nomination of officers for the ensuing term concluded proceedings. The social held in the Hibernian Hall on Wednesday evening last was, as usual with functions of a similar nature, held under the auspices of the Hibernian Society, well patronised, and proved most enjoyable.

High hearts are never long without hearing some new call, some distant clarion of God," even in their dreams: and soon they are observed to break up the camp of ease and start on some fresh march of faithful service.—Martineau. Home is the one place in all this world where hearts are sure of each other. It is the place of confidence. It is the spot where expressions of tenderness gush out without any sensation of awkwardness and without any dread of ridicule.—Robertson. Corporal Thomas Woodcock, V.C., Irish Guards (resident of Wigan), received his award on February 23, and was killed on March 27. lie was given a welcome address and £l6O on March 10, also £SO by the Catholic congregation of Wigan on St. Patrick's Day. That night he returned to the trenches in France, and a blood-stained photo, accompanied the officer's letter announcing Corporal Woodcock's death.