DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 26 February 1920, Page 21

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) February 23. Members of the Marist Brothers' Old Boys' Association are reminded that the annual meeting will take place on March 10. A course of sermons on the Early History of the Church will bo given during Lent at the Cathedral. On last Wednesday evening, in tho Hibernian Hall, the Rev. Father Silk, of Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, gave a lecture on Ireland, illustrated by lantern views. The beauty spots of the Green Isle, and many of the grand Catholic Cathedrals of the world were shown and graphically described. Speaking of the government of Ireland, Father Silk said it was none of our business to dictate what form this should take, but he trusted that when an appeal would be made for assistance the people of New Zealand would be found generous in response. Some interesting facts and figures regarding astronomy, together with excellent illustrations, concluded an interesting evening, the enjoyment of which was enhanced by interspersed musical items, contributed by Misses E. Ives, K. O'Connor, E. Rodgers, and M. McAloon. The monthly meeting of the Diocesan Executive of the Catholic Federation was held on Tuesday, February 17, the Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy presiding. The secretary, as representative of the council, reported having attended a meeting of the ■ Dominion Executive. The report was considered very satisfactory, many of the subjects being keenly discussed, and it was decided to co-operate with the Dominion Executive in its forward policy. It was decided to confer with the chairman of he Workers' Educational Association with a view of placing before members of the association our views on charitable and educational questions. Business arising out of the recent half-yearly meeting was referred to a sub-committee to consider and report at a future meeting. . . " 7 . The sixth anniversary of St. Mary's branch of the Hibernian Society was celebrated by a social, gathering

in the Ozanam Lodge on Monday evening, February 9. Bro. L. Dobbs, B.P.,‘presided, and a toast-list was honored. During the evening songs were contributed ,by Bros. A. P. De La Cour and C. Fottrell,- and recitations by Bros. H. Gallagher, A. J. Ormandy, and P. Anderson. In appreciation of his services to the branch and. to the cause of Hibernianism generally, Bro. A. J. Ormandy was presented with a past-president’s collar. In the course of proposing a toast in their honor, Bro. H. Gallagher eulogised the untiring energy and hard work of the clergy. He also referred to the devoted Sisters belonging to the various communities, and to the good fortune of the Christchurch diocese in having so many different Orders of nuns spending their lives in the spiritual and temporal interests of the people. Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., thanked the speaker for his kindly reference to the work of the priests and Sisters, such -expression of appreciation being very encouraging. He, too, paid an eloquent tribute to the zeal and devotion of the Sisters in their educational and social work. Few realised the long hours of patient toil the Sisters cheerfully submitted to, especially the Nursing Sisters of Lewisham 'Hospital, who oftentimes suffered from the strain of overwork. Rev. Father Roche, S.M. .(chaplain) complimented the members of the branch on the success of their efforts in the interests of Hibernianism, an important event during the past year being the establishment of a. juvenile branch. While eulogising the work of the secretary (Bro. Johnston), ho regretted that that official had announced his intention, for health reasons, of shortly relinquishing the position, and trusted that such a loss to the branch may yet be averted. Bro. Johnston sketched the career of the branch from its original 10 members to that evening’s numerical strength of 97. Although hampered by the war, as were all similar organisations, the membership roll and funds had steadily grown, and the position of the branch was decidedly satisfactory. He referred to the progress of Hibernianism in Christchurch as disclosed in the half-yearly report issued by the District Board. This success, he said, must be largely attributed to the splendid support given by the clergv, and nowhere to a greater extent than in St. Maw’s parish. On February 1, after a short illness, the death occurred of Mr. Edward Ernest O'Brien, of the firm of M. O’Brien and Co., boot manufacturers, Duudas Street. The deceased was a son of the founder of the firm, the late Mr. Michael O’Brien, and was born in Greymonth in 1874. His education was received at St. Patrick’s College, Wellington, where he was prominent in athletics. On leaving school he distinguished himself further in athletics, and was a member of the Linwood Football Club. About 30 years ago he entered his father’s factory, and learned the practical side of the business. Eventually he became a partner. His brother. Mr. Frank O’Brien, died in September last. Another brother is Dr. A. B. O’Brien. The deceased leaves a widow and three children. —R.I.P.