DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 12 January 1922, Page 22

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

Taumarunui

(From our own correspondent.) . December 30. Christmas Day at St. Patrick’s Cathedral was ushered in by Midnight Mass, when there was a thronged congregation, extra seats having to be placed down the aisles, and most of those present approached the Holy Table. Great numbers also attended the Masses celebrated at 6.30, 7, 7.30 8,9, and 11. Pontifical High Mass at 11 o’clock was celebrated by the Coadjutor-Bishop, Dr. Liston, Rev. Father Brennan, Adm., St.. Patrick’s, being deacon; and Rev. father Kerley, S.M., subdeacon; and Rev.-Father W J Forde master of ceremonies. The Bishop gave a very’apprdpnate short sermon-on “The Influence of the Christ ild on the world.” Childhood appeals to all in its trustfulness, simplicity, and affection, and so God chose his commg m the, guise of a little child. And further, He came as a child that was poor and cast out, born in a stable, amd S S appealing all the more to s. The influence of that Holy Child changed the world—it is strong and worldwide to-day. . The very presence of the large congregation on this Christmas Day, 1921, was a living testimony to the influence of the Child, Christ Jesus. The Bishop then extended to all his earnest heartfelt wishes for the blessings of a holy, happy Christmas. The Cathedral choir’s work was specially good on Christmas morning, when Mozart’s 12th Mass was rendered A fine rendering of the “Hallelujah Chorus” was given after I 6 i i aSß i,/ le artistic playing of the organist Mr. G Inglesby-Allen before and during the Mass was thoroughly rnnlfl eC fi at a d ’- an , d - Mr Pringle as conductor was all that could be desired in the interpretation-of the music..

Among the clergy present at St. Patrick’s on Christmas Day were Rev. C. Mdrkane, rector of Holy Cross College Rev. Father O’Brien, S.J., of Sydney; and Rev. Father Kerley, S.M. ... I regret to state that Rev. Father O’Brien, S.J., was seized with severe illness when about to start the Retreat at the Sacred Heart Convent, Remuera, on Tuesday, December 27, and is now a patient in the Mater Hospital, where he has undergone a serious operation. All earnestly pray for his recovery. On Christmas evening in St. Patrick’s the Rosary was recited and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given. The congregation was large and the choir did excellent work; the “Adeste Fideles” and “Alma” sung by Mr. Pringle being a musical treat. The soloists in the “Adeste’ were Misses McKie and McCarthy and Messrs. Pringle and Kiely. Rev. Father Brady, of St. Patrick’s, now almost fully restored to health after his operation, spent Christmas in the Waikato. Large congregations attended the early Masses at St. Benedict’s Church on Christmas morning. There was Solemn High Mass at 11 o’clock, the celebrant being Rev. Father Morkane. An excellent rendering of the “Mass of St. Mary Magdalene” was given by the choir. In the evening a sacred concert, consisting of solos, duets, choruses, and organ solos, was listened to by a large congregation. The Christmas carol, “The Snow Lay on the Ground” (a beautiful composition by the organist, Mr. Harry Hiscocks) received a fine interpretation. An eloquent sermon on “The Nativity” was delivered by Rev. Father Ryan, S.J. Pontifical Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament followed, and at the conclusion the “Hallelujah. Chorus” was given. Mr. Harry Lfiscocks ably officiated at the organ, and Mr. P. F. Hiscocksin his usual capable manner —conducted. January 6. In the grounds of Mr. Buxton, at “Enniscorthy,” Owen’s Road, Epsom, on New Year’s eve, a successful entertainment was held in aid of the Catholic orphanages. The gardens were beautifully decorated with festoons of electric lights which presented a brilliant effect, Burnand’s band played, and numbers of people spent an enjoyable time in dancing on the lawn. An excellent programme was given from a platform erected in the grounds. The following contributed items: Misses A. Dixon, A. Sullivan, E. Madigan, Y. North, N. Ayers, and Messrs. El. Bond, J. Dickson, W. McDermott, and D. O’Connell. Refreshments were provided throughout the evening. Right Rev. Dr. J. M. Liston, Coadjutor-Bishop, addressed the assemblage and complimented Mr. and Mrs. Buxton on their foresight and liberality in providing such a beneficial entertainment in such pleasant surroundings. He expressed tho hope that others possessing similar advantages would place them at the disposal of such a worthy cause and provide the orphanages with the means to continue their charitable and important work. Over £IOO was secured as a result of the entertainment. CATHOLIC SCHOLARSHIPS. The following are the leading results of the Catholic Federation scholarship examination, held on Saturday, 16th ult.: Boys. John Hawkins, Convent School, Taumarunui, 330 marks; John Hatton, Marist Brothers’ School, 329; Claude McCabe, Marist Brothers, 328; John Bonner, Marist Brothers, 323; Desmond Maher, Good Shepherd School, 320; Peter Burke,.. Marist Brothers, 319; Ernest Higgins, Marist Brothers, 313; Matthew Darby, Marist Brothers, 298; Albert Ewing, St. Benedict’s School, 297; Ray Handing, Marist Brothers, 293; Edward Fort, Convent School, Parnell, 293; Phillip Lardner, Convent School, Onehunaa, 291. Girls. —Kathleen Moore, Sacred Heart School, 290; Mollie Gillies, Convent School, Otahuhu, 285; May Booth, Good Shepherd Convent, 282; Ena Little, Sacred Heart School, 260; Kathleen Nodwell, St. Benedict’s School, 253; * Teresa Creedon, St. Benedict’s School, 250; Bessie Goodwin, Convent School, Otahuhu, 244; Mavis Miller, Morrinsville, 201. ' ~ ' Five scholarships are available to the boys/ and these" will be taken by J. Hawkins, O. McCabe, John Bonner, P. Burke, and E. Higgins. J. Hatton and D. 'Maher have

won Sacred Heart College scholarships, and, as they will avail themselves of these, two of the Federation scholarships are taken by the sixth and seventh boys on the list. The work of P. Burke received special mention from the •examiners for good all-round excellence. In the girls’ division- K. Moore and M. Gillies will be awarded scholarships.

(From our own correspondent.) January 5. The final effort of the year towards reducing the parochial debt was made on the 13th of last month, when a Christmas fair, which was to have been held in the presbytery grounds, was arranged. Unfortunately the day was too wet for the fair to be held out of doors, so it was decided, instead of postponing it, to hold it in the Theatre Royal. "'Willing helpers soon erected the various stalls, and in a very short time a small bazaar was in full swing. Good business was done, and despite the adverse circumstances a profit of £77 was realised. The following ladies, assisted by their committees, ere in charge of the stalls: Mrs. J. Hackett (produce stall) Miss Butler (Christmas tree); Mrs. Bennett (fancy stall); Mrs. Hawkins (tea rooms). A soft-drinks stall was conducted by Mr. J. Carter, while the side-shows were in,charge of Messrs. Peters and Hawkins. All the convent school pupils who entered for the sixth standard examinations, recently, were successful in obtaining proficiency certificates. First place in the Catholic Federation scholarship was secured by Master John Hawkins, a pupil of the convent school.