BRIGIDINE CONVENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 4670, 11 July 1936, Page 2

BRIGIDINE CONVENT.

CELEBRATES ITS SILVER JUBILEE.

The silver jubilee of the local Brigidine Convent was fittingly celebrated on Thursday. The fol- ( lowing clergy were in attendance and took part in the earlier service:—Alonseigner McManus and Rev. Fathers Herlihv (Palmerston North), Griffin (Kilbirnie),- Cashman (Pahiatua), Brennan (Upper Hiitt), Kavanagh (Johnsonville), Broughton (Patea), Callaghan (Lower Hutt), Doolaghty (Taihape), AlcDermott (Waipawa), and Rohan (Parish priest). In the evening clergy, nuns, parishioners, .pupils of the convent and townspeople were present at a social gathering which crowded the schoolroom. Mr AI. B. Bergin , presided and extended a welcome to those present, who had come to rejoice with the sisters in the celebration of the silver jubilee of their activities in Foxton. He said with- stout hearts . they had overcome difficulties uncomplainingly in order to provide education in its truest and widest sense to those placed under their charge. Apart from this they had provided instruction in arts and music to others outside the Catholic' faith. The Sisters were highly cultured and well-fitted to undertake such instruction, with no thought of high salaries but in devotion to their vocation. As a mark of appreciation to their devotion, energy and zeal, . Catholics and nonCatholics joined to express in - some tangible form appreciation ! of their efforts during the past twenty-five years. In handing f Sister Josephine a well-filled wallet he said the ’gift was an ex- i pression of appreciation to Sister Josephine and her predecessors with the wish that/God’s blessing would continue to rest on their efforts, and the Brigidine Convent. He also took the opportunity to thank Mrs John Walls for the gift of a handsome jubilee cake. Mr. Perry, on behalf of' the Shannon parishioners, extended congratulations and felicitations .and congratulated Foxton upon having the convent in its midst. He also handed Sister Josephine a wallet from the Shannon par- .. ishioners.

The gifts were graciously received by Sister Josephine and musical honours were lustily accorded the sisters.

The Rev. Father Rohan, parish priest,, in acknowledging the gifts .on behalf of the nuns, and the kindly expressions which accompanied them, said he had pleasure in joining his congratulations to those of the previous speakers. He was pleased to be associated with them on such a happy occasion. He hoped the present happy relations and willing co-operation with the convent would continue. Mr Bernie Gardes, one of the first pupils, who had journeyed from Auckland to participate in the gathering, was warmly welcomed. He spoke appreciatively of the training he had received at the school prior to attending the Marist school in Auckland and said the grounding he had received Wally had been to his advantage when entering the larger , school. In thanking the nuns he wished the school every prosperity in the future. "

The Rev.' Father Brennan, late parish priest, gave a brief outline of the activities of the order. He extended his congratulations and felicitations. He said the nuns of the order were the proud present inheritors of the traditions of the sainted founder. The Mayor (Mr M. E. Perreau) and Mr J. Iv. Hornblow, also extended congratulations and referred to the self-sacrificing work of the nuns in moulding the character and widening the education of those placed .under their charge. x During the evening Mr G. F. Smith led in community singing and rendered a couple of humorous and 'much appreciated items; little Helen Barry delighted the audience with a highland fling and sword danee and Miss Hill-Rennie ’executed a tap dance. Mrs Bowden’s poi dancers called forth thunderous applause and a recall, those taking part were Misses Peggy and Mahi Bowden, Kathleen Baker, Kate and L. Papara, L. Carter, J. Baker, and Ettie Ellers. At the conclusion supper was served and a happy social time spent.