LENTEN PASTORAL

New Zealand Tablet, 18 February 1915, Page 23

LENTEN PASTORAL

DIOCESE OP CHRISTCHURCH

JOHN JOSEPH

By the Grace of God and favor of the Apostolic See,

BISHOP OF CHRISTCHURCH

To the Clergy, Secular and Regular and Faithful of the said Diocese, Health* and Benediction in the Lord.

Dearly Beloved Brethren and Children in .Jesus Christ: God alone knows all that we, in New Zealand, owe to our Religious Orders. We know that without their powerful co-operation we could never do the noble work it is our glory and our duty to perform in the great task of education. Do we realise our indebtedness to the zeal and devotedness of the Marist Fathers and the Brothers of the Little Company of Mary ? How often do we think of acknowledging our gratefulness to the Ladies of the Sacred Heart, the Sisters of the Mission, the Sisters of Mercy, and the Sisters of St. Joseph Without their powerful help, their daily and hourly sacrifice and painstaking ability, could we ever maintain our schools in the efficient state to which they have attained under their untiring efforts ? These efforts have been duly recognised by the Government inspectors, who visit and make their examination year after year.

Men marvel at the wonders wrought by our devoted Sisters and Brothers in every age and land. Can we not explain the principle underlying their praiseworthy conduct ? Is it not to be found in the strength springing from the love wherewith they have vowed their lives to their thorn-crowned Head, love for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for His own sake, and love of immortal souls for the sake of Christ Jesus ? This, and this alone, explains the life of abnegation, zeal, and perseverance in the arduous work of teaching. During the earthly career of our Divine Lord it was hurled at Him as a reproach that He singled out little children and sinners as the recipients of His fondest favors. Ho seemed to prefer the company of sinners, leaving the ninety-nine just to go after the strayed sheep, which, when found, He carried in triumph, declaring that ‘ there is more joy in heaven over one sinner doing penance than ninety-nine just (St. Matt, xviii., 13).

The Daughters of the Good Shepherd share the love of their heavenly Spouse for those who are treated as ‘ outcasts of society.’ For seven and twenty years the work done by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd is fully known to God and His Angels.

From the day whereon it was our privilege to transfer them from St. Mary’s, their temporary home, to their present noble establishment at Mount Magdala they have admitted to their institute 097, whom they have brought back to the knowledge and love of God whose sorrows they have soothed, many of whose paths they have made straight, whilst the tottering steps of the unsteady they have steadied. They have helped to prepare for their eternity 43, who, without them, might have appeared before the throne of the Almighty without having had time to say, ‘ Lord, have mercy upon me, a sinner!’ Fifteen inmates over the age of 25 years in Christchurch, 22 from 20 to 25; 18 from 15 to 20 ; 40, from 10 to 15: 30 from 5 to 10 ; whilst their total number at present is 186. Is there a more angelic, more God-like work in the Church than that of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd at Mount Magdala ? Humanly speaking, there is naught that is attractive in their ministry. All is .purely superhuman therein. All is based on the love of God and the love of poor sinners ! As of old, He allowed sinners to approach Him, assuring us that it was to call them to Himself that He came from the heights of Heaven to them, giving the lovely invitation, ‘ Come to Me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will refresh you.’

What a consolation for the truly Christian soul to know that they have it within their power to co-operate in the divine work of saving souls ! What a consolation to know that without our aid there are not a few whose conversion- is morally impossible! The world will neither harbor nor encourage them, nor even bear with them. There is nothing for them but sin and sadness, shame and disgrace. How great are the efforts required for the conversion of such ! And, once converted, how is their perseverance to be ensured when the moral sense has been dulled, when the religious fences of virtue have been broken down, when ■ the very intellect and the will are weakened by a fatal familiarity with evil ? Never did the salvation of such souls more depend on you than at present, dearly beloved Children in Christ Jesus. The Nuns of Mount Magdala are sorely in need of more accommodation for their ‘ dear children.’ They only ask you to help them to enlarge the enclosure for those who are seeking admission * therein. You will not refuse this service to your Divine Master. You will not close the door to the poor penitent, who asks only a retreat wherein the world may not enter, and where she may weep for her sins to the last hour of her life. Oh, Brethren, could you but see the fruits of such charity, you would see the once most loathsome of earth bearing fruit the fairest and most lovely! For what is there fairer or more beautiful than humble repentance Does it not possess a charm unknown even to innocence? Could you penetrate within their hallowed walls, and witness all the generous love, the sweet humility, the heartfelt gratitude of the poor converted sinners ! Could you witness the fervor of their prayers; could you witness the tremulous accent wherewith they sing forth the Divine praises; could you see them prostrate in adoration, sinking to the earth in tenderness and reverence when admitted week after week to receive the Body and Blood of their forgiving Saviour, and then recall the time when that tongue was once more familiar with blasphemy, these lips once belching forth horrid oaths and lewd profanity, that these converted creatures who ' once rolled in the delirium of drink through the streets, then you would acknowledge the Divine power of the religion of the great Good Shepherd, and you would bless and thank. God for having in His merciful goodness chosen you to be with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in this Divine work, the instruments of His mercy. If you have the greater glory of God, your own salvation, and the good of immortal souls at heart, then be merciful towards those who are so dear to the heart of Christ Jesus.

What shall we say of the bright example, the great sacrifice of the Sisters of Nazareth, who, for the last ten years or more, are doing such noble work in our midst? Truly imitators of the Divine Master, besides nursing, and tending the aged and afflicted and incurable, they devote their energies to the training of dear little children, of whom the Divine Master hath' said, 1 Suffer little children to come unto Me and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of Heaven.’

It is pleasing for us to know that their brilliant success in this great work has won for them the praise and admiration of the highest in the land as well as the friends and benefactors of those dear children.

Since their coming to the diocese in 1905 the devoted Sisters of Nazareth have received into their home 120 old men, of whom 52 have left and 36 have died ; 106 women, of whom 44 have left and 30 departed this life ; 300 children have received hospitality from them, 152 of whom were restored to their parents and 7 were prepared for their last home ; making in all 526 men, women, and children, 248 who left, and 73 died.

The present numbers are 32 old men, 32 women, and 141 children in all— grand total of 205. It is very sad to know that the accommodation at Nazareth House is far too inadequate for the daily demands. Had they more room at their disposal they could receive twice the number of inmates, both the aged of each sex and little children.

. ■ Ts - it not. a glorious privilege for you to co-operate with the Consecrated Spouses of Christ in preparing those so dear to the Heart of Jesus Christ, to be -worthy citizens of time and eternity? To impart to them the knowledge of God their Creator and last end, their supernatural destiny, the secrets of infinite Mercy, the ■mysteries of faith which it has pleased God to reveal concerning Himself, and « which He requires us to know: for this. He says, is life eternal that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom Thou hast sent’ (John xvii., 3). Not by their own, but by the strength of the Most High, can they attain to His end, which is far above the reach of their own natural power. They are here taught to pray, how to pray, and_ what to pray for. Here they are taught to familiarise themselves with the means of Divine Grace, the mysterious channels through which the Blood of Christ Jesus is poured out into our —the Sacraments of God’s Church. Help them to acquire this Knowledge. Then, indeed, you will co-operate with our Blessed Redeemer in the salvation of souls so dear to Him, and secure for yourselves the glorious reward promised to those who shall ‘ have instructed many unto justice’ (Dan. xii., 3). , Let us exhort you, dearly beloved brethren and children in Jesus Christ, to stand by, uphold, and support this noble institution, which is the legitimate pride and glory of our diocese. Let not the blessings of heaven pass away from amongst you, or be lessened by your neglect or remissness. You will hand it down to those who come after you as the most glorious legacy you can bequeath to them and theirs. Let us, in conclusion, remind you that the dear little ones, having received within those hallowed walls the true knowledge of God and the things of God, will expand their mind's, enlarge their faculties, become more efficient in whatever their calling in life. Thus placed on the road to honest independence, they will bless you as their benefactors, and breathe a fervent prayer for your temporal and spiritual welfare, the prayer of the grateful heart always heard in the highest heavens. How many of those dear children, kneeling round the altar of" the God Who rejoiced their youth, whilst partaking of the Bread of the strong, will earnestly remember those generous souls, by whose bounty they were preserved from sin and taught to live ‘ justly and soberly and godly in this world, and to walk in the happy paths of innocence which lead to life everlasting.’ . Should they, which is not likely, ever forget to pray for you, their benefactors, then their guardian Angels, whose office you will have performed, will take their places and implore for you from the Almighty the reward promised to your charity. Words fail us wherewith to express our indebtedness to these devoted Sisters. Whilst we had reason to rejoice at their labors—labors which have deservedly won for them the admiration of those who do not belong to our faith we for a long time felt a great need in our diocese — that of Sisters to pour out their charitable love for the sick and dying. After long negotiations, we at length obtained that the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, familiarly known as the Blue Sisters, would undertake to supply this want. Last year. the Rev. Mother Xavier, who has made their House in Lewisham, New South Wales, the marvel of Australia, came over with the heroic band of nuns, who have since been at work in Bealey avenue, Christchurch.

By a strange coincidence, we were recently struck down by a trying sickness which necessitated our being advised to become an inmate of their hospital. Though unwilling at first, we at length yielded, and found ample opportunity to watch the self-sacrificing work of the Sisters not only during the day, but during the weary hours of night too. We can now understand why the medical staff are so loud in the praises of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary. With their seven years’ training as medical nurses, their motherly affection for their patients, and close attention to all that the medical men prescribe, we now understand how ©very one who goes forth from their establishment is so gratefully devoted to them. " •

■ i. Though so well, and favorably knojvn and appreciated throughout Australia, they are still unknown to many in New Zealand. Hence it may not be out of place to say a few words of their Order and of its illustrious foundress, Mbther 'Mary, Potter, who died 18 months ago, just as she had sanctioned the .Christchurch foundation. Seven and thirty years ago Mother Mary was a remarkable woman, gifted with indomitable courage, wonderful pluck, and perseverance, to whom the greatest difficulties were but so many stimulants to renewed efforts. Her motto was to, do all for the glory of God and the good of . immortal souls so dear to His Sacred Heart. Her mental endowments were of the Highest order, and she was endowed with a wonderful power of initiative and organisation. A true lover of discipline, she possessed all those amiable qualities which made her a very mother to her spiritual daughters and an ideal nurse. God had long inspired her with the idea of founding an institute wherein she and her spiritual daughters would minister to our dear Lord in he person of the sick and suffering portion of humanity It was in the year 1878 that Mother Mary and five earnest and skilful companions received their first habits from Dr. Bagshawe, then Bishop of Nottingham, under whose sanction the Order was founded. From that small beginning marvellous results now seen in the nursing world developed. , ;

THE NURSING SISTERS IN ROME A little later, in 1885, Mother Mary and two companions left England for Rome. They were most graciously received by Leo XIII. w 10 gave his blessing to the undertaking and expressed his appreciation of Mother Mary’s project and the rules m her community by inviting her to remain to carry on her admirable work in the Eternal City. The hospital she opened on the Cohan Hill, close to the Coliseum became the Mother-House of the Order, and the refuge of Romans and visitors overtaken by sickness in Italy. Ihe thoughts of many travellers of every nationality and rank nursed back to health by the Blue Sisters linger fondly around the beautiful house on the Celian Hill. In 1886, with the approval of its Archbishop a house was founded in the City of Florence. Another has been founded near the City of Fiesole, in the same neighborhood. On the hillside which rises sharply behind the famous Villa Medici, built on a small platform overlooking the House and grounds, stands this interesting Convent of San Girolama, where the Nursing Sisters receive convalescents. It is on the old road to Fiesole, the venerable Etruscan City, and from the terrace on the extreme left of the convent there is one of the grandest views of the City of Florence.

DEVELOPMENT IN AUSTRALIA. In 1885, six Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, now growing in numerical strength, with each member trained scientifically for the arduous work of nursing in all its branches, embarked for Australia. They set cut under the fatherly protection of the late Cardinal Moran, who viewed their noble work with the greatest admiration and sympathy. 'Later on a hospital and convent were erected at Lewisham suitable for their needs. Ryde was the next place whither their energies were extended. There, at the request of the Cardinal and thanks to, the munificence of the late. Hon. Thos. Dalton, they were enabled to establish a hospital for the mentally afflicted. A third Australian branch of the Order was opened in Adelaide in 1890.

That Mother Mary’s foundation has been appreciated in Australia, is evidenced by the rapid strides made by these three hospitals. Lewisham alone, which supplies the staff for the Christchurch home, amply justifies the hopes and expectations of the wondrous woman raised up by the Almighty to originate the work.

It is recognised by the medical faculty as one of the finest and best equipped hospitals in the world. Thousands and thousands of patients have passed through Lewisham Hospital ; most of them have been cured, and those who have not been restored to health, have had their last moments soothed and softened by the kindly attention of the Sisters.

A GOVERNOR TESTIFIES TO THE GREAT WORK, DONE BY THE SISTERS.

Sir Gerald Strickland, Governor of New South Wales, in moving the adoption of the -report at the 24th annual meeting, May 21, 1912, said: ’. ‘ I feel that I do not know a tithe of the good work that others are doing in this State, I feel that all of us would be better in mind, at least, if not in body, by studying the self-sacrifice and the skill and devotion to duty of the good Sisters, who are giving health and strength, and happiness within these walls. Going through the institution it is clear that there is an incentive that inspires the working thereof. The Sisters are laboring for higher ideals, and look for their reward, not in this world, but in the next. Here they are serving their Master and making the most of their lives, and an appreciation of this ideal performs a grateful aseptic cure in my mind, as in the minds of all who come in contact with it.'

A celebrated medical man from Home having visited their hospitals says : ‘ The thing that strikes the visitor very forcibly is the all-round superiority of the Catholic hospital. It would be difficult -to exaggerate the general excellence of these institutes and their perfect order and cleanliness; also the brightness and cheerfulness of the wards. Somehow one is apt to think of the Nursing Sister who has renounced the world as perfection, possibly, but a perfection tinged with some degree of austerity. In their wards, at any rate, the perfection is there without the austerity.’ RAPID PROGRESS AT HOME AND ABROAD.

' Besides the houses in Australia and New Zealand, the Nursing Sisters have opened branches in several parts of England, in Limerick and Cork in Ireland, in Chicago in the United States, in Africa, and at Buenos Aires, and the Island of Malta. Altogether they have about twenty hospitals and over 500 trained Sisters.

The infant branch of the Congregation at Lewisham, Bealey avenue, Christchurch, has already earned for itself, by the excellency of its equipment and the efficiency of its nursing staff, something of the fame attached to the parent institution at Lewisham. Dr. Taylor Young, in seconding the resolution for the adoption of the annual report, stated that in his opinion the Nursing Sisters were, as it were, hiding their light under a bushel. If this hospital and the great work it does were more generally known, the Sisters would soon have to be increased considerably. At the late Science Congress, his former Professor of Surgery, who attended, expressed a wish to see the Lewisham Hospital, and he was naturally anxious to hear the opinion of his old teacher. The Professor informed him that he had seen no hospital at Home or abroad better conducted or more up to date. He

further stated that hitherto it was the custom for Australians to visit the old world centres with a view to keeping abreast of the times. In the future he thought it would well repay British practitioners to visit Australian centres as he had done. ‘ -

What is the secret of their success ?

Those who i devote themselves in the world to the task of nursing, devote themselves to a noble profession where much kindness, skill, and attention are required. For the Nursing Sisters’ faith shows us something more than this. It presents them to us as fulfilling not only a noble profession, but a vocation, aye, a Divine vocation too. ■ ow else can we explain the tenderest care given the physical needs even the most humanly revolting of all patients whether Jew or Gentile, Catholic or Protestant, leaving their religious beliefs sacredly alone. Is it not because they behold the image of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the person of the suffering and afflicted whom they treat with not only motherly affection but with a true religious reverence. The sufferings and afflictions of poor fallen humanity are the sole claims upon their Christian charity.

Alas! Aas ! the Nursing Sisters, like the Sisters of the Good Shepherd and the Sisters of Nazareth, are greatly hampered for want of more accommodation. They are daily obliged to refuse patients because of the lack of room. It would be a noble act of charity to come to their assistance by legacies or otherwise. They propose erecting at once a ward wherein to receive and treat a few who are wholly deprived of means. Let us not forget that our Lord has lovingly promised as done to Himself whatever is done to those who so well represent Him in their afflictions.

In virtue of special faculties received from the Holy See, we hereby grant the following dispensations: Ist.—Permission for flesh meat, at dinner only, on all Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and also on all Saturdays.

2nd.-—Laid and dripping may be used at dinner on days of fast and abstinence during Lent, and throughout the year, except on the first and last Wednesdays of Lent and Good Friday.

3rd. —Butter, milk, cheese., and eggs are allowed on all days at dinner and collation, with the exception of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. 4th. Fish and flesh are not allowed at the same meal during Lent. • • There is neither fast nor abstinence on Sundays in Lent, nor on March 17.

All who have completed their twenty-first year are bound to fast and abstain, unless excused by the state of their health or the nature of their employment, according to the regulations stated above, and all who have arrived at the use of reason, though not bound to

fast , before the completion of their twenty-first year, are, nevertheless, bound to abstain from the use of flesh meat on the days appointed, unless exempted for a legitimate cause, of which the respective pastors are the judges. 4 " * , , All who have arrived at the years of discretion are bound to go to Communion within Easter time, which in this diocese commences on Ash Wednesday and ends on the Octave of SS. Peter ajid Paul. The collection for the Holy Places will take place on Good Friday. The collection for the Seminary Fund on Whit Sunday, or on the Sunday or Sundays following, when there are two or more churches in the district. The collection for the Diocesan Charities will take place on the first Sunday in October, or on' the Sunday or Sundays following, when there are two or more churches in the district. The collection for Peter’s Pence on the Sunday within the Octave of the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul. ~ N.B.—According to instructions recently received from Rome, the special collection for the Holy Places should be made on Good Friday, or the first available occasion afterwards in every church or chapel where the Holy Sacrifice is offered in the presence of the faithful, and, the whole proceeds be immediately forwarded to us. Given at Christchurch, the Feast of the Commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and appointed to be read in its entirety, and afterwards to be placed conspicuously inside all the churches, chapels, and convents of the diocese. * JOHN JOSEPH. GRIMES, S.M., Bishop of Christchurch.