DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 24 October 1918, Page 19

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) October 21. Special reference was made on Sunday to the garden fete at Mount Magdala, to be held on Saturday and Monday next. Patrons are assured of a very pleasant outing, as no efforts are being spared by the committee to provide for the occasion. Itis to be

hoped that the institution will benefit very materially as a result of the undertaking. ' 4 | During the week Father Mangan, C.SS.R., conducted a retreat for the members of the arch-confra-ternity of the Blessed Sacrament, the spiritual results of which were 'amply demonstrated at the 7 o'clock Mass on Sunday morning by the large number who approached the Holy Table. After the 9.30 Mass Father Mangan addressed the congregation, and in the evening, after his closing discourse, and the solemn consecration of members, he imparted the Apostolic Blessing. Rev. Dr. Kennedy extended the thanks of the Cathedral clergy and parishioners to the good missioner, who had been most unsparing of himself during the exercises of the retreat. St. Patrick's branch, No. 82, H.A.C.B. Society, celebrated the forty-fifth anniversary of its foundation on Monday, October 7, by a social evening in the Hibernian Hall. Brother j". M. Coffey, 8.P., presided, and there was a good attendance of members and friends. Among those present were Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Adm., Fathers Long (chaplain), Roche, S.M. (St. Mary's), Fogarty, and Carroll. Apologies for absence were received from his Lordship the Bishop, Dean Regnault, S.M., and Father Seymour, S.M. St. Mary's branch and St. Matthew's (Ladies) branch were well represented. A musical programme was contributed to by Misses C. Qui mi and E. Rodgers, Messrs. H. Hiscocks, W. Brittenden, C. Fottrell, and P. J. Smyth. Mrs. Baxter and Mr. H. Hiscocks were accompanists. In proposing the toast of St, Patrick's branch Rev. Dr. Kennedy referred to the untold good that the society was doing in upholding glorious and honored traditions, especially in fighting that common enemy—moral cowardice or human respect, Hibernians had every reason to be proud of their Fatherland, and it was pleasing to note that in the past much of the help that had been sent from these shores to Ireland had been sent through the Hibernian Society. He congratulated the branch on its anniversary, and wished it every blessing. Brother M. Grimes (secretary), in reply, detailed the progress that had been made in the branch, especially during recent years : and were it not for the war much greater advancement would have been recorded. All the funds were financially strong, and the society had been fortunate in its officers and trustees. Father Long said that, founded under very great difficulties in Christchurch, this branch, of which he felt proud to be chaplain, had put up a grand record ; and like true Hibernians stood for all that was good and generous in Irishmen and Catholics. With kindly references to the pioneers he said that success was due to fidelity to ideals in spite of the fact that the conditions of the early history of Christchurch were anything but encouraging. Father Roche, S.M., thanked the members for the invitation extended to St. Mary's clergy, and referred to the activity of the society in all works for the glory of the Church and Ireland, lie regretted - the absence of his fellowpriests, particularly of Dean Regnault, who was ever in the forefront of New Zealand's most ardent Hibernians. Fathers Fogarty and Carroll also made kindly references to their first impressions "in exile," when becoming associated with the society. It made them feel, they said, that they were in another Ireland, and took the sting from the pain of separation from the Homeland. Sister E. Brophy, president of St. Matthew's (Ladies) branch, and Brother J. Ormandy, president of St. Mary's branch, made eulogistic references to the work of the parent organisation, and extended, on behalf of their respective branches, the best wishes for success. The opportunity was taken to present Brother J. M. Coffey, president of St. Patrick's branch, with a token of the esteem in which ho is held on the occasion of his approaching marriage. Father Long, in asking him to accept for his intended wife and himself a handsome silver teapot, wished them every happiness in their wedded life. Brother Coffey gratefully acknowledged the gift, and thanked all who had assisted at the evening's function.