DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 16 October 1919, Page 21

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) October 13. Father J. Hanralian (Barfield), who has been for several weeks a patient at Lewisham Hospital, is making rapid progress towards recovery. The Very Rev. P. Whelan, C.SS.R., commenced a mission to the children on last Sunday afternoon, when the attendance was very numerous. The mission for adults, which is to extend over a fortnight, will be opened on Sunday next, at the 11 o’clock Mass. The Executive Committee, stall-holders, and assistants in connection with the recent Victory Fair were entertained on last Wednesday evening at the Art Gallery by his Lordship the Bishop, the Very Rev. Administrator, and clergy of the Cathedral parish at a conversazione. There was a very numerous attendance. Among the guests on the occasion were Very Rev. P. M. Lynch, C.SS.R., Very Rev. C. Graham (St Bede’s College), and Father - Seymour (St. Mary’s, Manchester Street). A choice musical programme, arranged by Mr. R. A. Horne (manager, Bristol Piano Company), was contributed to by Miss Kitty Murphy (piano solo), Misses Agnes Richardson, Rose Wagner, Bessie Olds, and Captain T. Charters (songs), Miss Gladys Vincent (violin solo), and Mr. Frank McDonald (recitations). Father Murphy had charge of the stage arrangements. At the request of the chairman of the Executive Committee of the recent fair (Mr. J. R. Hayward), the statement of accounts in connection with- that event, including the art union and queen coronation ceremony, was read ; by. Mr. P. A. ; O’Connell (secretary), and showed a net credit balance of £6013 2s 6d. Commenting on the magnificent results disclosed, Mr. ; Hayward said that the fair was, without doubt,, the most successful function of its kind : ever held in the Dominion. After referring in appreciative' terms to the efforts of the workers generally, ho handed a cheque for the above amount to the Very f Rev. Administrator. In

sincerely thanking all who worked to bring about so magnificent a result, the outcome of goodwill, self-sacrifice, <■ and voluntary effort, the Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy said the fact was realised that the same generous spirit that built the Cathedral still moved the people, to erect schools in keeping with it. Very Rev. Father Lynch, in addressing the assemblage, said that the story of the £6OOO-odd had much impressed him, and he would not fail to relate it. It* spelt victory in big letters, and was splendid testimony of the harmony and unity existing among the people of Christchurch. His Lordship the Bishop, who was greeted with great applause, thanked most heartily all kind friends who had taken part in what was a glorious triumph. The cause of Catholic education was very dear to his heart (he said), and the fine assistance realised through the Victory Fair would be an inspiration and an impetus to others in various parts of New Zealand in the same great cause. In promoting Catholic education we were doing good to all and injury to none. The late war had shown the influence of false principles as contrasted with the ideals of true Christian education, which alone could make Democracy safe. In referring to the steps that are being taken in New Zealand by other denominations who are protesting against godless education, Bishop Brodie congratulated them, and said the Government should not look upon these movements as being hostile, but for the good of society. AVith deep feeling he returned thanks to the ■workers and to the host of kind friends who so generously aided and who now gloried in the success and result of the Victory Fair. Air. P. A. O'Connell was then presented by the Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy with a handsome silver tea and coffee service, as a mark of appreciation from the committee, and in doing so referred to the constant service rendered by the recipient to the Cathedral parish. Mr. O'Connell, who was taken quite unawares, said that though he felt undeserving of so high a compliment as that being paid him, he accepted the beautiful gift in the spirit in which it was given. He thanked all who had worked with him, and complimented the management on the splendid spirit of unity that characterised the fair. Supper was provided, and subsequently, to the excellent music of AVillyams’s Band of live instruments, whose services were given gratuitously, dancing was indulged in by a large party, Mr. E. Daly being M.C. " Timaru (From our own correspondent.) October 11. October 5, the Feast of the Holy Rosary, being the anniversary of the opening of the Church of the Sacred Heart, Solemn High Mass was celebrated. Very Rev. Dean Tubman, S.M., was celebrant, and Fathers Bartley and Foley deacon and subdeacon respectively. The choir, under the diioction of Airs. N. D. Alangos, gave a very fine rendering of Gounod’s “Messe Solennelle,” the solos being ably sustained by Mesdames P. AV. Rule and Lynch (sopranos). Air. G. H. Andrews (tenor), and Father Moloney (bass). During the Offertory, Airs. P. W. Rule sang Gounod’s “Ave Alaria” with fine devotional effect, the violin obbligato being supplied by Aiiss Zita Venning. On Sunday afternoon the annual outdoor procession of tho Blessed Sacrament took place, passing from the Convent of the Sacred Heart, through the beautiful grounds of the convent and priory, to the church. Twice en route Benediction was given, temporary altars having been erected for the purpose. Preceding the final Benediction in the church, the occasional sermon was preached by Father Foley, of Oamaru. The congregation was an exceptionally large one, and seating accommodation, even in the spacious Basilica, was severely taxed. Special music was again contributed by the choir, and a solo was sung by Aiiss Garvin (Christchurch). A special collection was made to liquidate the comparatively small debt remaining on the church, and it was with intense gratification that the Very Rev. Dean Tubman was able to announce that the requisite amount had been subscribed, thus completely freeing of debt all property in the Catholic parish of Timaru. This happy condition is all the more gratifying when it is remembered that the cost of building the Church of the Sacred Heart alone approximated £20,000, and to this must be added the properties at, St. Andrews, Washdyke, and Highfield. Snvei cargill (From our own correspondent.) October 13. /Many Invercargillites regret that they will be unable to be present at the jubilee celebrations of the Rev. Mother Al. Bertrand. All join in a chorus of congratulations and best wishes for the jubilarian. . ; -q ■N,

\ There was a very large muster of Hibernians : at the quarterly Communion last Sunday. • _ •-.- n + i N i GXt T , S T day (the the members of the Catholic federation committee will be present at both Masses and at the evening devotions for the purpose of enrolling members in the Federation. In announcing this tact on Sunday, the Very Rev. Dean Burke, V.F., referred to the good work the Federation had accomplished, and exhorted every parishioner to enrol. Constable Pender, a very popular official, who has been stationed at North Invercargill for the past three years, has received notice of bis promotion to Cheviot. He took a keen interest in the Hibernian Society, and at the present time is vice-president of the local branch. Invercargill is sorry to lose him, but offers congratulations on his promotion.

Rev. M. Griffon, who recently arrived from Ireland lor the archdiocese, spent this last week in Invercargill, and eelrated the eight o’clock Mass on Sunday. Father Griffen was born in Invercargill, and - left these parts with his people some 17 years ago for the old country. His many friends “down south” wore delighted to meet him, and hear from him the present position and prospects of dear old Ireland. The penny collection scheme which was started here by the local Hibernian Society some. two years ago, continues to be a. decided success. At the present time the average is over £6 a Sunday, which must bo considered remarkably good.