DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 6 November 1919, Page 21

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) November 3.

• Two Australian priests, Rev. Fathers T. Kelleher (Camperdown) and P. Doherty (Lithgow), . former fellowstudents of his Lordship Dr. -Brodie, have been, visitors to Christchurch and guests of the Bishop for the past few days, and rendered very much appreciated assistance at the Cathedra], especially at. the concluding services of the mission. Y

The bazaar organised to liquidate the debt on St. Anne’s School, Woolston, will be opened in the Hibernian Hall on November 12. The fortnight’s mission conducted by Fathers Whelan, Hannigan, 'and O’Brien (Redcmptorists), proved/: a most

gratifying success, and was brought to a close on Sunday." In ;the morning , there . was > a general; Communion of :i parishionersthe various sodalities and societies ? wearing ? their distinctive badges and regalia. The i 7 . o’clock Mass > was appointed for the women, and the- 8 .o’clock for. the men. Upwards of / 2000 approached / the Holy Table,- a " striking testimony to the religious influence exerted during "the past fortnight, - and ; a ; great - demonstration of - faith. ?! In the afternoon his Lordship the Bishdp . administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to adults, the closing solemnity of the mission taking place in the evening, when the Superior (Very Rev. Father. Whelan) gave a • most practical sermon on “Perseverance, ” in the presence of a huge congregation despite inclement weather. In the course of his sermon Father Whelan congratulated most heartily the parishioners on the phenomenal attendances at the exercises throughout the mission, and thanked especially his Lordship the Bishop, clergy, Brothers and Sisters for the kindness and attention shown . the missioners -during 1 their work. He then imparted the Papal Blessing, after which Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given by the Bishop. Reviewing the exercises, his Lordship said they had been a -continuous series of beautiful successes not likely, to be soon forgotten, and on behalf of his priests and people thanked the missioners for the generosity and devotedness" they had displayed and likewise the priests, Brothers, and Sisters for having done all possible to second their efforts.

St. Patrick’s Branch, H.A.C.B. Society, met on Monday evening, October 20, Brother T. P. O’Rourke, 8.P., presiding over a full roll of officers and a large attendance of members. Two members were initiated and two nominations received. The secretary (Bro. Grimes) submitted the balance sheet and auditors’ report for the past quarter, which were adopted. Accounts amounting to £SB -8s 4d were passed for payment, and a motion of condolence with Mr. Peter Cassidy, on the death of his wife, was carried in silence. The following resolution re tire Irish Race Convention was carried unanimously ; — “This branch heartily approves of the action of his Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne, Most Rev. Dr. Mannix, in calling an Irish Race Convention, . arid pledges itself to support the just demands of Ireland to self-government by every means in its power, and wishes the Convention the best results from its deliberations.”