A GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10378, 1 March 1897, Page 6

A GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION.

A OELEBRATios, unique and interesting, took took place on Saturday last at St. Mary's Convent, Ponsonby, when the golden jubilee of Sister Mary Veronica, in the order of the Sisters of Mercy, was commemorated. Great preparations had been for some time in progress in anticipation of the event by the community. Mass was said in the pretty and commodious convent chapel at seven a.m. by the Very Rev. Father O'Reilly, P.P., Thames, and at half-past seven by Father O'Gallagher. At ten a.m. " Misse Cantata ,, was sune the Rev. Father Purton, assisted by Rev. Fathers Brodie and Buckley, deacon and sub-deacon respectively; Father Mulvihill, master of ceremonies. Fathers Slattery, O'Gallagher, and Gregory were alsp in the sanctuary. The convent choir, assisted by His Lordship Dr. Lenihan, with his 'cello, and Dr. Egan, and Father Kehoe, at the request of Sister Veronica rendered in excellent style Mozart's "Twelfth Mass." One of the sisters ablv presided at the organ. Before Mass Sister Veronica was conducted to the altar rails by the Mother Superior, where she was crowned with a beautiful floral wreath by the celebrant, who also on behalf of the communitypresented the venerable religious with a gold medal suitably inscribed. During the impressive ceremony the choir sang the hyina "Veni Sporsa Christi," A prie-dieu was placed in the centre of the choir, to which, after the presentation, Sister Veronica was conducted. After mass solemn benediction was given by Father Purton, at which a " Te Deum" was sung; At the conclusion of the religious ceremonies, His Lordahip the Bishop, priests, and sisters of mercy, with the numerous visitors, adjoured to the large schoolroom, which was most handsomely decorated, and where a sumptuous dejeuner was prepared by the sisters. While partaking of the good things so generously provided, the visitors were treated to exquisite music performed by the Messrs. Frank and Dominick Boffa on the violin and harp. At the conclusion, Dr. Lenihan addressed the company upou the event that had brought them together that day. So far back as February 8, 1844, good Sister Veronica entered St. Leo's. Convent in Carlow, and in February, 1847, she made her religious profession. She laboured a short while in England, subsequently returning to Carlow, whence she sailed for Auckland, landing here in the year 1857 in the ship Dinapore. Our city was then in a very primitive state; the Diuapore's passengers were landed in small boats, and stepped on to a muddy beach. In Auckland the good nun haa ever since laboured, and has the prond distinction to-day of being the firat of her Order in the colony to celebrate in the service of God her golden jubilee. All with whom she came in contact were touched by her religious spirit and kindliness of heart, and there were many now in the city, many who had grown into manhood who tvell remembered Sister Veronica, All united in wishing her continued life and happiness in the honour and devotion of God. Personal congratulations and numerous presents were then showered upon Sister veronica, who evinced a lively interest in the whole proceedings. The company were shown over the various apartments of the convent, the large, bright, and cheery dormitory evoked loud encomiums. In the afternoon the lady hoarders .md day pupils spent their time in mirthful games, etc., aud in the evening were entertained by the Sisters. In this manner ended a memorable event in the history of the convent of the Sisters of Mercy at Ponsonby.