MOTHERS' UNION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 99, 26 March 1942, Page 2

MOTHERS' UNION

Yesterday members of the Mothers' Union celebrated their a.nnual festival, it being the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin. A Holy Communion service was held at All Saints' Church, the preacher being Rev. D. V. do Candole. and his text St. Luke 1:28, "Hail Thou That Art Highly Favoured." He spoke of the mistaken idea we are inclined to get that God's favour brings immediate happiness. This was not the case. "Ultimately it does, hut the long road must he taken before wc can attain that goal which is worthy of every sacrifice and suffering wo might have to face on the way, and to every Christian life comes its load of sorrow," Mr de Candole said. "Always in Jesus' life the shadow of the Cross fell on the Holy Family, and God's favour to Mary, the greatest favour ever given to a human, being, entailed the sting of the Cross. And this is what every Christian family must he prepared to endure. We are told little of Mary—hers was a life of sell-giving and selfeffacing humility. Her attitude is shown in the. story of the marriage at Cana—'Whatever He saith unto you, do it.' And we do not read of displays of sorrow nt the Cross, just that she stood, faithful to the end, silently, self-effacing. Our Lord had to tread the road of the Cross and so must we lost our short cuts and byway prove to 'be blind alleys. Suffering is a means of perfecting faith. God took the crown of thorns and made it into something glorious and furthered His purpose in establishing His Kingdom. The Cross is not an end, it is a beginning. This year we are calling all Christians to bring the world back to God and the way to that end is through giving. How much is our Christianity costing us? Do we try to mould our lives to the great pattern? Do we respond to the favours which God gave us with Mary's answer: 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord!'" In the afternoon members attended a social in All Saints' Hall, which was attractively decorated with bowls of dahlias and asters. Rev. Canon Woodward extended a special welcome to visitors of other branches from Morton, Woodville, Feilding, Shannon, Foxton, Tokomaru, and St. Peter's. In addressing the meeting the vicar commended the mothers for the way they are helping in the world to-day with their spiritual help, despite the anxiety they themselves were suffering in these troubled times. He then introduced the Mayoress (Mrs A. E. M.ansford) who, in a short speech, thanked members for inviting her to attend and made a special request that the union should make an effort to assist and entertain the women and girls who are doing mens' work to release men for service.

The programme included items of the choir under the leadership of Mrs Bigham and accompanied by Mrs H. Wollerman ; vocal solos by Mesdames Fiebig. and L. Ax, accompanied by Mrs Bigham who, by si>ecial request, sang charmingly to her own accompaniment. Elocutionary items were rendered by Mrs F. She"arman. Afternoon tea was served by Mesdames Bass and Sneldrake (conveners) and the committee, after which the enrolling member, Mrs E. Dawick, in a short speech thanked the visitors for coming, and the performers for the part they had played to make the social a. success. On behalf of the visitors. Mrs Grey, of Marto.n, returned thanks. The" singing of the National Anthem brought this function to a close.