JUBILEE OF SISTERS OF MERCY

New Zealand Tablet, 2 August 1917, Page 35

JUBILEE OF SISTERS OF MERCY

CELEBRATION AT HOKITIKA. An event that had been eagerly looked forward to and one that occasioned much interest was the celebration at Hokitika on Wednesday, July 18, of the silver jubilee as religious of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy of Mother Mary Vincent (Moller) and Mother Mary Elizabeth (Bourke), of St. Columkille's Convent. Solemn High Mass was celebrated in St. Mary's Church by the Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., in the presence in the sanctuary of his Lordship Bishop Brodie, who had come over from Christchurch specially for the ceremony. The Rev. Father J. Hanrahan (Ahaura) was deacon, the Rev. ' Father Reardon (Ross) subdeacon, and the Rev. Father Clancy, S.M., master of ceremonies. Others of the clergy present were the Very Rev. Deans Carew, S.M. (Greymouth), and Kyland (Rangiora), Rev. Fathers Creed (Kumara), Eccleton, S.M. (Reefton), and Peoples, S.M. (Greymouth). His Lordship the Bishop gave a very impressive discourse on the life and good work for the Church of the two Sisters who were celebrating their jubilee. The congregation was a crowded and representative one. The music of the Mass was most efficiently rendered by the choir, which was present in full strength. St. Mary's Schoolroom was crowded to overflowing in the evening, when an entertainment was given in honor of the jubilarians by the ex-pupils of the Sisters. His Lordship the Bishop and all the clergy participating in the morning's solemnity were present, also the members of the local community of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy. Mr. D. Bourke, father of one of the jubilarians, occupied one of the seats of honor. An excellent programme of a varied nature was contributed to in a most efficient manner. The efforts of all were crowned with complete success and the event was greatly enjoyed. The National Anthem was sung in conclusion. The accompanists were Mrs. Malfroy, Misses Daly, Stopforth, and Ward. Miss Ward (secretary of the celebration committee), accompanied by Mrs. Toomey and Miss Millner, read an appropriately worded address to Rev. Mothers Vincent and Elizabeth, and presented each with a purse of sovereigns, representing a substantial sum. The address was signed by Nellie Toomey, Margaret Dale, and Evelyn Millner. Miss Bourke, accompanied by Miss K. Foster, then read and presented on behalf of the Sodality of the Children of Mary, a congratulatory address signed by Kathleen Forster (president) and Johanna O'Connor (secretary). The Rev. Father Clancy, in returning thanks on behalf of the jubilarians, said he first of all desired to thank those present for the very numerous attendance that evening. It was evident that the rain of the West Coast could not damp the good feelings of the whole of the people of the West Coast towards the good Sisters. He had also to thank the Bishop for his attendance. In spite of the limited time at his disposal he had come a great distance and at some inconvenience to show his good feelings towards the Sisters. He also thanked the Deans and the priests who had come to assist at the day's functions. On behalf of the recipients, he had to thank the donors for the beautiful addresses and substantial souvenirs, also the members of the committee and the performers who had pleased them ail beyond measure. The speaker again referred to the feelings of gratitude towards the Sisters, one

of whom hailed from Hokitika and. one from. Grey* mouth. Both Sisters could look back with feelings of pleasure to the days when their vocation dawned on them. - ■' ‘ - _

His Lordship Dr. Brodie, in the course of an eloquent address, thanked the assemblage for the kindly welcome extended to him. No words of thanks were due. It was his simple duty as their Bishop to be present on the unique occasion it undoubtedly was in the History of any religious community. First they had the pioneer Sisters of Hokitika here still, rejoicing in the jubilee of two Sisters who have devoted their lives to the good work, and further, the addition by the reception on the previous day of a young Sister to the religious life. These were features that would be seldom found in a similar celebration. There was another feature that was most gratifying. The programme that evening was excellent, both in its rendition and taste, and each item was a gem, while there was also the gem of gratitude of the ex-pupils and people of Hokitika, who had gathered together to show their appreciation of the services of the good Sisters, He wished to compliment and thank the ex-pupils for the mark of honor they had shown the Sisters, and their gratitude for their services in the past. Hokitika may have seen its best days, but they had not seen the best of the talent it possessed. The day had been a pleasant and happy one. He had seen many evidences of the generosity of the people. He desired to thank all for the way they had honored the Sisters that day, for by their actions they were also honoring the cause of Catholic education. (Loud applause.) Hearty cheers were given for the Bishop at the conclusion.