The Final Rendezvous

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 17, 23 April 1903, Page 29

The Final Rendezvous

In 1859 or 1860, according to a reliable journal, Gaillard, the famous French engraver, became acquainted with a young artist, who, like himself, was studying the works of Perugino. They grew to be friends, found themselves in Rome together, and from the beginning of their acquaintance were very fond of discussing religious subjects.

At that time M. Gaillard was an unbeliever, and took a certain pride in combating matters of faith. His young companion defended the points to the best of his ability, with firm conviction, yet displaying a great sweetness, which, while it did not convince, never failed to win the admiration of his adversary. The last time they met was at the Villa Medicis. Gaillard again resumed the discussion, vainly endeavoring to impress his own ideas on the mind of his friend. Finally he left him with these words :

' You are still very young : I will meet you again in Paris 10 years from now, and we shall see. You will have entirely changed your views. Your faith is beautiful, but it is absurd. You will become convinced of this and alter your opinions.'

' No,' replied his opponent, simply. ' I do not count on seeing you again in Paris ; and it is possible I may never see you again. But I promise to meet you at the Last Judgment, and you will see then who is right.' An ordinary man, a frivolous one, would have laughed ; but Gaillard's serious mind was struck; by the firm faith which had made this audacity possible. He looked at the young man for an instant, stupefied, touched to the heart by the sincerity of his belief. ' Adieu, then ! ' he murmured. ' I will remember that.' The two adversaries never met again : they are awaiting the Judgment Day. What became of the youthful nitist is not recorded ; but the seed sown in the heart of Gaillard took root and bore fruit — he died a Franciscan friar.

At the final meeting of the St. Patrick's Day Celebration committee in Sydney "the hon. secretaries leported o§ follows : — ' The balance'sheet shows that our total receipts amount to £1009 10s ; expenditure, £389 J2s (>d : leaving a net balance of £619 17s 6d for disbursement amongst our different Catholic orphanages. We may state that the largest sum previously distributed was £560 ' In regard to the distribution of the proceeds of the celebration, the sura of £75 will be handed o\er 1o each of the following institutions, leaving a balance of £19 17s 6d to be carried forward to next year : Wait am Foundling Home, Westmead Home for Boys, St. Joseph's Orphanage, Kincumber ; St. Joseph's Orphanage, Lane Cove road ; St. Anne's Orphanage, Liverpool : St. Brigid's Orphanage, Ryde ; Industrial Orphan Reformatory, Manly ; and the Sisters of Mercy's Orphanage,'Baulkham Hills.

On the Feast of St. Joseph the solemn ceremony of reception and profession was held at St. Joseph's Convent, North Sydney. The Right Rev. Monsignor Carrol, V.G., presided, and he was assisted by the Rev. Fathers McGrath, S.J., T. Carroll, S.J., and F. J. Adamson (Adelaide). The candidates who took the veil were : — Sisters M. Edna (Mary Furcell, Vie.) ; M. Dara (Florence. M. Bankes, Bourke) ; M. Adela (Catherine Anne Woods, Queensland) ; M. Lasteran (Mary Ellen Boland, Bulli). The names of the young ladies who were received were : — Sisters M. Hubert (Harriet Crindland, N.S Wales) ; M. Crescencia (Florrie Gilmour, Melbourne) ; M. Favre (Ellen Lonergan, Vie.) ; M. Clement f Kathleen Murphy, Vie.) ; M. Ethelreda (Suie Smith, Vie ) ; Francis Clare (Emily Reilly, Sydney) ; Francis De Chantal (Bridget Connollv." Temuka, New Zealand) ; M. Yoo (Catherine Leahy, Toowoomba, Queensland) ; M. Ooraldine (Margaret Coffy. Queensland) ; M. Cortona (Ellen Meagher, New Zealand) ; M. Beneret (Helena McLoughlin, Bathurst) ; M. Padua (Sara Callinan, Melbourne). At the conclusion of the ceremonies the Rev. Father D. McKillop, S.J., delivered a short address to the Sisters. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given by the Right Rev. Monsignor Carroll, V.G., assisted by the Rev. Fathers McGrath and F. Adamson.

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