The Children of Mary, Invercargill

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 42, 25 October 1923, Page 27

The Children of Mary, Invercargill

B. V Invercargill is-proud of its Children of Mary; and last week ; (writes our own correspondent) the members gave further evidence of their ' adherence to the ' principles of the -sodality by the really remarkable attendances £ at -the Retreat conducted by the Very Rev. Father Whelan, C.SS.R. Great crowds attended the 6 o’clock - Mass every morning, the number of communicants being a feature of the Retreat. The evening devotions ’ were also attended with equal regularity, and the devoted missioner expressed his pleasure at being again in the midst of such a large and fervent , branch 'of the Children of -Marythe-largest in New Zealand; he thought. The members proved their devotion by their attendances, - not merely , for a * week of Retreat, but regularly throughout the year at their meetings. The sodality was in a' flourishing" condition, as evidenced by .numbers; there was a splendid spirit among the girls, a healthy tone, and he was impressed- with the way in which everything).was,Jworked;; ; On : Sunday at the half-past seven • Mass 'there. was a”’ general Communion, when over 200 assembled in their * white and blue cloaks, with* the Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament in crimsom It was a sight to inspire devotion v to God and His holy Mother, while the singing was excellent ; a feature being that the hymns were new ones the words of which inspire devotion and love .of prayer, and were in very truth prayers themselves. ■! Quit© an " innovation, *• as far as Invercargill is concerned, was the general Communion breakfast, after, Mass, in St. Schoolroom, which had been •beautifully- decorated for" the occasion. The tables had been set by experienced hands, the decoration, being not overlooked; tulips, anemones, and asparagus fern helping to provide a fine array. Over 200 girls were present in regalia, and Very Rev. Father Whelan presided over the happy gathering. His entrance was, greeted by loud applause which continued for quite a time before he could say grace. The persistent photographer was in evidence as usual, and groups were taken both inside and outside the room. The pleasing function was voted a great success, and was quite a topic of conversation among the girls for days afterwards. The . closing ceremonies of the Retreat took place on Sunday evening, when 80 young ladies were consecrated and »10 new members received in the sodality. It was a sight that will live long in the memories of those who were privileged to witness it. Quite a magnificent spectacle was the procession of crimson and white and blue stretching from the new school to the church. It seemed as though there would' be no room for the general congregation, but the Very Rev. Dean : Burk© marshalled his ‘‘Little Red People’’— Handmaidens "of the Blessed Sacrament—into the sanctuary around the 1 tabernacle, , and what better place could have been found for them ? Father Whelan took for his text : “Behold Thy Mother” and his eloquent discourse must have made the impression , on the minds of his hearers that it was a cause of pride to belong to Our Lady. He; said it was a source of joy to all-con-cerned to see such a fine body ,of girls giving honor to Our Lady. After Benediction : of ) the Blessed Sacrament given by Very Rev. Dean Burke, Father Whelan imparted the Apostolic blessing, • thus bringing a most successful Retreat to a close. In some concluding remarks he said he hoped they would grow in fervor and in numbers too if that were possible. At the present time there are 198 members of the sodality and 60 Handmaids, or a total of 258. “Ti: ——