Maoris Confirmed In Italy

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 35, Issue 10, 1 December 1944, Page 6

Maoris Confirmed In Italy

In a letter to his diocese describing his recent visit to the troops iri Italy, the Bishop of Lichfield tells how m the depths of the Italian countryside, with a grove of pir.o-trees for a church, he confirmed a number . of Maoris from New Zealand, prepared and presented by their own Maori chaplain.

"He and they, -all speaking perfect English," he writes, "were fully aware of their link with our diocese, and knew all about Bishop Selwyn; and it wag a keen delight to them to be confirmed by a present Bishop of Lichfield. It was a treat to hear them sing, with tone and harmony not unlike a body of Welshmen; later on, after lunch, they entertained us with some charming native Maori, songs. When I get home I shall look with new interest at the stained-glass window m the Palace chapel, depiciting Bishop Selwyn baptizing a Maori chieftain."

Note. The attention of readers is drawn to an interesting reference to the confirmation of Maori soldiers by the Bishop of Lichfield m a most interesting letter appearing elsewhere m the issue written by Captain Wi Huata, the chaplain who prepared the candidates for this Sacrament.