GOLDEN JUBILEE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 11, 14 January 1929, Page 8

GOLDEN JUBILEE.

TWO SISTERS HONOURED.

DEVOTION TO SICK AND NEEDY.

CELEBRATIONS AT ST. MARYS. Soul-uplifting Gregorian chants, the soft plea in of tall tapers on <nowy altarcloth and vestment* of >ilken brocade, and a festive sanctuary, misty with >weet incense, provided the setting in the chapel of St. Mary's Convent. Ponsonby. this morning, for the jubilee of two Sisters of Mercy who have spent Icng lifetimes in the service of God and humanity. It is rarely indeed that a nun lives to celebrate the nftietli anniversary of her profusion, and the Catholic Church has an age-old custom of honouring those who are -pared for >o long. This morning Sister Mary Agatha, of Mater Misericoidiae Hospital, ami Sister Mary Alphonsus. formerly of St. Joseph'* orphanage. Takapuna. were presented with jubilee medals of gold, and upon the head of each veteran sifter was laid a crown of gold laurel wreaths. This beautiful ceremony took place at the foot of the altar steps prior to Solemn High Mass. his Lordship, the Rt. Rev. J. M. Liston. coadjutor Bishop of Auckland, performing the coronation. Both sisters had seats of honour near the sanctuary during the Mass.

The celebrant was the Ven. Archdeacon Hnlbrook. who was assisted by the Rev. Father Colgan. deacon, and the Rev. Dr. Buxton. administrator of St. Patrick's Cathedral, *üb-deacon. Mon>igneur Oriiiond was master of ceremonies. Bishop TJ«ton presided.

Twenty priests were present, representing the clergy of the diocese, and the chapel was crowded with sisters. Many relatives of the two veteran sisters attended. After the Mass there was a very happy jubilee breakfast, during which congra tula tons were showered upon Sister Mary Agatha and Sister Mary Alphonsus. Appreciative references were made to their long terms of service, which had been characterised by devotion to the sick and needy, and many "little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and of love."

Tt is recalled that Sister Mary Alphon>us. a pioneer worker at St. .Tosenh's orphanage, underwent many hardships and privations as a young woman, and as a result she does not enjoy to-day the abundant health with which she was once blessed. As her deft fingers work with the needles she must often think of the days when, with another strong sister, she pulled across the Waitemata in a little boat, and after transacting business in the city, rowed back again. This she did for a long time, frequently u aking several trios each week. The little orphans of whom she had charge have grown to manhood and womanhood, and some have passed away, but in many hearts there is a big place for one who never tired of acts of motherly love. Before entering the order Sister Mary Alphonsus was 'Miss Bolgers.

Scores of people who have tossed on beds of pain in Mater Misericordiae Hospital have been comforted by the soothing hands of Sister Mary Agatha, whom they remember as one of the most efficient nur a es ffte institution has sheltered since its inception more than 20 years aso. The announcement of Sister Agatha's golden jubilee will gladden the hearts of innumerable Ancklanders. of nil creeds and of no creed, since her long term in the service of the sick has made her one of the best-ioved sisters in the hospital. The traces of an intensely happy lil> are on the face of Sister Agatha, who entered the convent when >he was still in her teens. Her name in the world was Miss TJenan.