CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22163, 5 August 1937, Page 2

CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE

ADDRESS BY MRS E. R. COULTER “The life and work of Father Jean Petitjean, 5.M.,” the first priest to celebrate Mass in Christchurch, was the subject of an informative address given to a very large gathering of members at the Catholic Women’s League, yesterday afternoon, by Mrs E.- R. Coulter, of Fair lie. Mrs Coulter is particularly well qualified to speak of the work of this pioneer priest, for she translated into English from the French,- many letters written by him to his niece in France. At the death of his niece, these letters were sent to the headquarters of the Marist Order in Rome, and later were forwarded to the Superior of the Order in New Zealand, who, in turn, sent them to Mrs Coulter to be translated. Father Petitjean, Mrs Coulter, said, -was born in France in 1811, and arrived in Auckland nearly 100 years ago—in 1939, He laboured first amongst the Maoris, and in 1850, he was transferred to Wellington, where he worked with extraordinary zeal and devotion until his death in 1876. In 1857, this indomitable priest visited the South Island. He landed in Lyttelton, walked to Akaroa, then to Christchurch, and afterwards continued his journey on foot, in the roadless south; crossing unbridged rivers, until he reached Dunedin and then Bluff. While he' was in Christchurch he. applied to the Provincial Government for a grant of land for the site of a church and he was granted three acres in Barbadoes street,, where the Catholic Cathedral now stands. Practically the only records of Father Petitjean’s work, Mrs Coulter said, are the letters written to his niece. Miss Mina Ward, president of the league, thanked Mrs Coulter very sincerely for her fine address. AFTERNOON PARTY Mrs Edwin Hamilton, president of the Christchurch Higjni School Old Girls’ Association, and members of the committee, entertained country members at a very pleasant afternoon gathering, held yesterday .at Mrs Hamilton’s home, Papanui road. Games, charades, and a competition, won by Miss Ella Chapman, were enjoyed, and many .old friendships were renewed. Those present were Mrs Hamilton, Mrs N. Bates, Mrs R. W. Glen, Mrs G. Maginness, Misses Beryl Blgg-Wither, Ruth Harris, Edith French, and Ada Fairbairn, members of the committee, arid Mesdames A. Banks, J. Wood, Misses Gwen Pannett, Alice Mason, Edith Thorne, Ella Chapman, Chrissie Black, Ellen Black, Evelyn Carpenter, and Jean Smith. FANCY DRESS PARTY AT NEW BRIGHTON “THE PRESS” SHIPMATES FUND BENEFITS' A children’s fancy dress party, organised by Mrs P. Healey in aid of “The .Press” Shipmates’ Fund, was held in the Pier Hall, New Brighton, on Monday .evening. Mrs M. Austin played the music for dancing, and Mr J. Barwick was master of ceremonies. The evening was spent in games, dances, and musical items. Items were given by Naidie Dixon (dance), Pauline Healey (Highland fling, fancy dances, and songs and recitation), Josie Bayley (spider dance), Glenise Austin, Irene Barwick, and Josie Bayley (a Dutch scene). The prize-winners were as follows: Girls: Best dressed, under seven, Glenise Austin (Dutch Girl) 1, Eileen Welsh (Dutch Girl) 2; over 10, Fay Price (Hunting Costume) 1, Josephine Bayley (Dutch Girl) 2; most original, under seven, Elaine Price (Grandmother) 1. Boys—Best dressed, under seVen, Trevor Price (Drummer Boy) 1; over 10, most original, Pat Bennett (Maori Chief) 1. OBITUARY MOTHER MARY ST. WINIFRIDE (MORAN> The death occurred recently at the Convent of the Sisters of Notre Dame des Missions, Ferry road, Christchurch, of Mother Mary St. Winifride (Moran),- in her eighty-eighth year, and the sixtieth year of her religious life. She was born in County Mayo, Ireland, and came to New Zealand while still young. She joined the Institute of the Sisters of Notre Dame des Missions in December, 1877, and for 60 years worked indefatigably for her order. She spent several years caring for the children in the orphanage at Nelson, and later worked with' the native girls at ■ the Maori Providence, Napier. She also taught in the Sisters’ schools at Kaikoura, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, and at Ashburton. At Ashburton she spent the greater part of her religious life. In several of the convents she was superioress over a long course of years, proving herself possessed of exceptional administrative ability, and at every convent developing to a remarkable degree the spiritual and religious life of those under her care and her success in developing a strong, steady character in her pupils was outstanding. Some years ago Mother Mary St. Winifride was called to the , Christchurch Convent to, fulfil the office of provincial councillor and in this capacity her wisdom and wide experience proved an invaluable help to her superiors, and, strong unfaltering faith and enlightened religious spirit edified all who were near her. The Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Convent Chapel, his Lordship Bishoo Brodie officiating with the Very Rev. Dean O’Donnell (Ashburton), assistant priest, the Very Rev. Dr. V. Geaney, S.M. (St. Mary’s) deacon, the Rev. Father T. Hanrahan (Riccarton) sub-deacon, and the Very Rev. Dr. J. Kennedy master of ceremonies. Also present in the sanctuary were the Rev. Father P.- Timoney (Administrator), Rev. Father D. Leen (Rangiora), Rev. Father J. Hanrahan (Papanui), Rev. Father D. Lordan (Sumner). Rev. Father T. O’Regan (New Brighton), Rev. Father J. McMonagle (Darfleld), Rev. Father T, McKeon (Cathedral), Rev.. Father G. O’Meegan (Cathedral), Rev. Father J. McKay (Rangiora), Rev. Father G. Daly (Addington), and Brother Fidelis. His Lordship also officiated at the graveside, where he was assisted .by the clergy. A clear complexion is only associated with a clean, soft, and .supple skin. Madame Renee’s Rejuvenator, an entirely new liquid skin tonic, quickly •accomplishes this condition. Procurable at Woolworth’s, —2