NOTES

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 3, 18 January 1923, Page 30

NOTES

One Way Father McGann was a dour man in our college days. An irreverent joker once said that what worried the Father was the fear that he would have to be happy when he went to heaven. He was our Dean and his conception of his duty did not make for the happiness of the greater number. His notion of recreation was a liturgical walk, not too fast and not too slow, ©yes downcast, speech subdued, topics elevating. He did not always s have his way but he sometimes thought he had. Once, during one of his weekly commination services, he told vis to imitate St. Bernard. Don t be always gaping around you. Don’t be looking at the pictures and statues when you enter a church. Don’t be staring at the people you meet. Don’t be watching the antics of the horses in the fields „and the dogs on the road. Remember St. Bernard who did not to the end of his life know how many windows were in the monastery chapel. One day the Saint brought his monks for a long walk by the shores of the Lake of Lausanne. In the evening at recreation they began to talk of the beautiful scenery and of the wonderful colors of the mountains and the lake. A rash youth asked St. Bernard what he thought of it all. * I never saw it,’ was the reply. ‘ I was engaged in meditation all the time.’ That’s the way to take a walk,” Father McGann used to say to us.

Anotner Way

Father McGann got a parish and we all agreed that he was the right man for it. We gave him a hearty send-off, for we were glad of the promotion which took him from us. In his place came Father Power who was a different sort of saint. From him we soon learned that work and recreation were prayer. He used to tell us the story of St. Aloysius who was one day playing a game of chess when another novice said to him: “Don Luigi, if an earthquake came now what would you do?” “I would go on with the game,” said the young Saint calmly, moving a knight at the same time. And when he took us for a walk he used to make us use our eyes, teaching us many interesting things about trees and plants, pointing out to us “points” of a horse or dog commenting on the rig of a ship going out of the harbor, or on the signs, of tillage in the fields, or on the promise of fair or foul weather in the skies. His Saint was Francis of Assisi, and he used to tell us about the dear Francis and his love for the little birds and for the flowers and for the sun and the wind and the rain and the frost and the snow and the mountains and the seas,. We learned to understand how the Saint found increased love of God and man in the sight of the things that surrounded his everyday walks, and we found new meanings in the psalms which David sang as a shepherd boy among the hills of Judea, calling on the works of the Lord to praise their Creator, calling on fire and heat, on cold and rain, on mountains and rivers, on birds and beasts to bless Him:

The heavens declare the alary of God, and the firmament shows forth the work of His hands. And needless to say. we. liked v the way of St. Francis best. “He found in. each creature immediately a living word of God. The aspect of a flower in morning freshness, the little beaks in a bird’s nest, opened with ingenuous 'confidence, all this revealed to him the purity and the simple beauty of God, as well as the infinite tenderness of the Divine Heart whence it sprung.” And the wonderful thing 'was that we did not argue that Father McGann was right' and Father Power wrong, or vice versa. The contrast between the two good men taught us, : if we had brains enough to learn the lesson, that God is the centre of all things and that there are as many ways of coming to Him as there are points in a circumference. And it is to be hoped that some of us also learned what a monstrous thing it is

to- try to impose our own little notions - of piety on others. "In my Father's House are many mansions." The poor lay brother who had been a juggler, served God and gave him glory by his performance just as really as. did the abbot who presided at Vespers in his carved oaken chair. And yet there are some people so constituted that they are never happy except when they are trying to £et others to conform to their way of doing things, even if it were only their way of not paying their Christmas Dues. _. &X» J-. DIOCESE OF DUNEDIN Wherever one goes these days one hears on all sides expressions of grief for the loss of Monsignor Coffey. Dunedin will miss him, and his place is hard to fill. But God knows what is best for us all. Ar dels T)e go raibh o. n'anaml \ It is like old times to see Father P. M. Lynch again in Dunedin. Time has been kind to him, and he has grown younger since we saw him last. He has wandered many a mile since he was Adm. at St. Joseph's, but we doubt if he has left so much of his heart anywhere as in Dunedin.

The Solemn Pontifical Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Monsignor Coffey brought a large congregation and many priests and dignitaries to the Cathedral on Wednesday morning. The mourners realised full well how r true were the words of the Bishop’s eloquent discourse which reminded them that while he had lost a prudent adviser they had lost a true friend. After the ceremonies, lunch was provided for the clergy by the hospitable Sisters of St. Dominic. .

At a recent meeting of the Sodality of the Children of Mary, South Dunedin, a beautiful religious picture, neatly framed, was presented to Miss Lucy Toner, as a souvenir from her fellow-socialists and an emblem of their good wishes on the eve of her wedding. The little ceremony of presentation was performed by Father Delany.

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH . (From our own correspondent.) • January 14. With its fine grounds and roomy accommodation St. Bede's College is the most striking Catholic r landmark in the northern suburbs of Christchurch. This new and up-to-date Catholic college deserves fully the best support Catholic parents can give it. The Rector and the staff of professors are all men whose zeal and learning fit them to fill splendidly their responsible positions as moulders of the character of young men who may bo relied on to do credit to the Church in the future.

Another new and flourishing institution is the Girls’ Boarding College, at Villa Maria, Riccarton, It is situated in ( one of the most beautiful districts around the city. The grounds are extensive and at the same time secluded. Recent additions to the original buildings afford ample accommodation for the boarders. Already the successes of the college in various examinations have made its reputation as a teaching institution and its future is assured. Under the care of the devoted Sisters of Mercy the pupils are taught efficiently and inspired with the highest Catholic ideals. 45 . • A

The election of officers at St. Mary’s branch of the H.A.0.8. . Society which took place on Monday evening at Ozanam Lodge resulted as follows: President, Bro. .H. O’Connor; V.P., Bro. L. „ Lascelles; secretary, Bro. H. Johnston; treasurer, Bro. W. Hooper; warden, Bro. V. Haughey; guardian, Bro. L. M. O’Sullivan; assistant secretary, Bro. T. Y. Wagstaff; sick-visitors, Bros. J. Ormandy and P. Gunn. Bro, P. Gunn, P.P., presided over the meeting owing to the president’s (Bro. P. Anderson)-being unable to attend through illness. Bro, R. P. O’Shaughnessy installed the officers.

Rev, Father Lynch, C.SS.R., preached on Sunday evening at the Cathedral. - ■ , “ ’ •:

Rev. Father Mitchell, C.SS.R., is to conduct a Retreat for the boys’ at St. Joseph’s Home this week. He* is also to conduct the Retreat for the diocesan clergy which commences on -January 22. _

St. Patrick’s branch (No. 82), K.A.C.B, Society, held its half-yearly meeting in the Hibernian Hall on Monday

evening, 'January .8. Bro. E. Fitzgerald, V.P., in the absence of B.P. Hugh McDonnell, presided. Sick allowance to the amount of £2O was passed for payment. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing term: President, Bro. E. Fitzgerald; vice-president, Bro. E. H. Turner; secretary, Bro. M. Grimes; treasurer, Bro. W. P. Daly; warden, Bro. S. A. Doherty; guardian, Bro. L. Mahony; sick-visitors,, Bros. J. Duggan and M. Walls; assistant . secretary, Bro. H. A. Sloan; auditors, Bros. M. Garty and E. P. Wall; medical attendants, Drs. Ardagb, Pairmain, and Whetter. Bro. M. Grimes (district deputy) performed the installation ceremony, the ‘officers in turn acknowledging .the honors conferred Upon them. The retiring P.P. Bro. Upjohn was accorded a. unanimous vote of thanks. >■

The Federation scholarship results are announced as follows: —Ist (Brodie Scholarship), J. E.- Marshall, St, Joseph’s Convent School, Morven; 2nd, J. C. Gilbert, Marist Brothers, Greymouth; 3rd, R. P. Murphy, Marist Brothers, Christchurch (day scholarship).

On Sunday afternoon several members of the Tramway Band went out to Middleton and treated the boys to an enjoyable programme of music. The party was hospitably entertained by the Sisters. • 1 '

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND * (From our own correspondent.) January 12. St. Benedict's Choir on Sunday, January 7, was assisted at the evening devotions by the Sistine Soloists, whose devotional singing thrilled the hearts of the vast congregation. A veritable prayer was Gounod's "Ave Maria" as sung by Signor Paganelli. The "Tantum Ergo" was sung by the Soloists. A fine composition it is of Signor Paganelli's. The "Vespers of the Blessed Virgin" were excellently rendered by the line choir, which has made such wonderful progress under the oonductorship of Mr. P. Hiscocks, and the talented organist," Mr. Harry Hiscocks. In the large Town Hall on Saturday, January (5, the Sistine Soloists tendered a. matinee, the, proceeds of which are to be devoted to the orphanage fund. As it was largely attended, a. good sum was realised and handed over.

The Sistine Choir Soloists have seen and taken part in many and various functions since they left the “City of the Seven Hills, by the Tiber,” but it would be safe to say that they have participated in no more unique or historic • gathering than that in which they took part at Whakarewarewa on Tuesday evening, January 9. The natives prepared a special entertainment and reception for the Soloists. A tall venerable Maori attired in a handsome mat arose and welcomed them. He was interpreted by Mr. Tai Mitchell, and the latter was in turn interpreted in Italian by Signor Vitetta; the harpist of the company. The chief said in truly eloquent style, and striking gesture, “I welcome from the great country of Italy, which allied itself with us in the Great War, and whose sons with our sons lie in their graves in Europe and Asia. I welcome you also because you come from our Holy Father the Pope, dutiful and obedient sons of our Great Father in Rome, and I am proud' to be a son, too, of our Holy Father! I am proud to be a Catholic. I desire you to sing for us some of the lovely music which you sing so well in our good Father’s Churchthe Sistine. Welcome! Welcome to us; you are dear to our hearts. I trust your stay in Rotorua has been a happy one; it is our desire that you should all be happy. When you return to our Holy Father and Italy, we ask you to think of the native Catholics of Whakarewarewa.” This .fine oration, when translated by Mr. Mitchell, evoked spirited applause from the Europeans present, and when Signor Vitetta translated it into the Italian language the Sistine Soloists manifested their unbounded delight. The Maori men then gave a haka and the Maori women and girls gave their Waiata Poi, subsequently singing in parts the favorite Scotch ballad! “Annie Laurie.” There were some excellent voices, which delightfully rendered the song. Signor Casolari and his colleagues were greatly surprised at the musical talent exhibited. Several .presents were given to the Soloists, who are loud in their praises of the natives’ hospitality, . and say it is a most memorable, episode in their wide

travels and experiences. Before ' leaving the Runanga meeting house, the Soloists sang for the natives the "Soldiers' Chorus" from Faust, and "Funiculi, Funicula," both of which were received with tumultuous applause. \ At the kind invitation of his Lordship Dr. Liston, and Father Brennan, an appeal for support for the 'Chinese Mission, was made in St. Patrick's Cathedral at the evening devotions on January 7, and will be made at all the Masses on Sunday, January 14, by. the director of the mission in Australasia, Rev. E. Maguire. -J __ :

WANQANUI NOTES (From our own correspondent.). January 13. Midnight Mass was just a. perfect delight and joy. First of all, Rev. Father Mahony arranged with the Borough Council to leave the electric lights burning till half-past one or so, in the morning, so that folk could find their way without breaking their necks on our truly rustic pavements. By "electric lights" I do not mean that Wanganui sparkles like a Williamson performance, the lights referred to are the tramway ones ; which the conductor on the last car from everywhere usually switches off as each section is finished with. These were left on for us—an act of courtesy we appreciated indeed and we are to pay the cost if there is .any, hut I have not heard much about this part of it. Anyway, the church was packed to the doors, and almost every person must" have received Holy Communion. The crib looked beautiful—it always does—and the girls sang the Mass extra well. We all hope that we may keep the privilege we have missed for so long.

The Sistine Choirs season was just as successful as the last. They were in splendid voice, and as generous as only great artists can be, each singer responding twice, thrice, and even four times. So delighted are some of our local tenors, baritones, and so on, that many of the beautiful numbers sung by the Choir Soloists, are likely to be hoard again. We arc talking now in “0 Solo Mio’s,” and other dulcet strains.

Ihe holidays are over and wo have all got into our old stride again. Christmas and New Year were full of sunshine and visitors, and prospects for 1923 seem generally good. The wool sales all Wellington, Wanganui, and Napier ha ve been quite inspiring, and everyone seems to think that “the backbone of the country” will now have a chance to recover from the cerebro-soin meningitis from which it has been suffering. When the farmers come into their own and are happy again, we poor things will be able to sit up and take notice, once more. Rev. Fathers Boyle and Reardon, S.M., who were ordained in early. December last arc spending their holidays here in their home town. These two young priests are first students from Wanganui to be ordained and, naturally, "® are pioud of them and are glad to have them back in our midst. Congratulations to them both, and our good wishes that God may bless them and keep them bright and busy in His service. Father Boyle’s family, his mother and sisters, live here and the Reardon family did until a short time ago, when they went to Taihape. Just a few weeks ago, Mrs. Reardon died after a short illness, the joy of being piespnt at her son’s ordination being denied- her. Rather should I say, that Father Reardon’s happy day was shadowed by the absence of his mother, and our sincere sympathy is offered him in his sorrow.

Also visiting his parents is Brother Francis, son of Mr, and Mrs. Welsh, Heads Road. Brother Francis went away from here nine years ago and joined the Marist Brothers. During the interval he has been in Australia, Wellington,' and Christchurch, and is now back again on leave looking very well indeed. .. ~• ' v . ” File coming of- the Now Year brought the passing of the horse-cab from our-streets. Gone are the days when a drive iii the two-horse landau was a luxury reserved , generally for the opulent, and .motors have gradually forced the carriages into oblivion. A fw. very few,' remained on the stand, but these have not renewed their licence with the Council, and from this year of grace they cease to ply for hire.