Wanganui

New Zealand Tablet, 15 July 1920, Page 19

Wanganui

(From our own correspondent.) July, 15. June 24, Feast of St. John the Baptist, is also Father O’Connell’s feast, and was celebrated by the schoolchildren. They had quite a nice little entertainment at the school, during which Father O’Connell was presented with a very beautiful stole, white and gold. The stole is a very lovely one, and comes from Mount Magdala. Right Rev. Mgr. McKenna, Vicar-General, paid us a short visit, last week. Rev. Father O’Ferrall (Greenmeadows) is the guest of Father O’Connell just now. Father O’Ferrall has been spending a few weeks at Rotorua, but has not quite 1 , yet finished his holiday. Going back to Ireland after some years in Wanganui, Misses Brown and Smith, both of whom are to be married. Miss Brown has always been one of the active Children of Mary, so the girls foregathered the other Sunday afternoon to speed the parting one. Father O’Connell, on behalf of the girls, presented Miss Brown with a beautiful little rosary in a case, and in a nice little speech conveyed to her the great esteem in which we all hold her. There were good wishes too, to be given. It was quite a surprise, although a very pleasant one to Miss Brown, who very sweetly thanked everyone for the treasured gift. Died last week, after a long and exemplary life. — Mr. Jas. Farrell, Plymouth Street. Although Mr. Farrell had been failing for many years, his last illness was only short, he being missed from his accustomed place at Holy Communion for only a Sunday or two, and then the Blessed Sacrament was taken to him. He is gone, the dear old man, one of the very best, and will be missed by many old and devoted friends. Mrs Farrell died some little time ago.R.I.P. The sad news of Mrs. J. J. O’Shea’s death came as a great shock to us, for her illness was but short. Mrs. O’Shea was the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J; Dempsey, of Wanganui, and sister of Mrs. E. E. O’Meara, to whom our sincere sympathy is extended. Also to Mr. O’Shea and his little family of four children, one a tiny infant. —R.I.P.

On Sunday week, in anticipation of "Federation Sunday” looming 1 up large, Very Rev. Father O’Connell preached a special sermon on the aims and objects of the Catholic Federation. There was a very large congregation including many non-catholics, and the sermon was indeed a special treat.

Sunday, July 4, was Federation Sunday. General Communion, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Federation meeting in the afternoon, and procession at evening devotions were the extras for the day.