ST. MARY'S CONVENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20307, 15 July 1929, Page 13

ST. MARY'S CONVENT.

NEW BUILDING OPENED. EDUCATION OF THE CHILD. TRIBUTE TO WORK OF CHURCH. The new St. Mary's Convent, Ponsonby, was officially opened yesterday by Bishop Cleary in the presence of a largo gathering. The building is admirably situated in a site overlooking tho harbour and is adjacent to tho old college buildings. Bishop Cleary said the Komau Catholic Church carried on work for tho children in the home, the Church and the school. Tho Church entered into all of these, placing them upon sacred ground. Christ was the most abiding educational influence and tho precedents established were followed by Roman Catholics all over the world. '1 ho Roman Catholic Church did not look upon religion as a Sunday coat to bo discarded during the week. Religion entered into tho whole life, dominating the school atmosphere of the child.

It was a tribute to tho Roman Catholic faith that tlie most noble and precious spirits were engaged in the work of education. Men and women put, themselves wholeheartedly into 1 lie task. Referring to tho sacrifice of thoso who gave their lives during the war for a cause, Bishop Clearv said living for a cause was even better than dving for it.

For the past 80 years tho Sisters of Mercy had been carrying on educational and other work in Auckland. They had been faced with many difficulties, but these had. been overcome. Now they were facec; with the difficulty of paying for tho. nc*\v building and they looked to the Roman Catholic people of Auckland for help in this direction. It had been intended originally to build only the front block, but it was found that a considerable saving could be effected by completing the building to the dormitory block.

Contrasting the old convent building with the new, Mr. E. McVeagh made an appeal for financial help for the Sisters of Mercy in establishing themselves in their new quarters. They had performed a prodigious act of self-sacrifico in first coming to New Zealand. Apart from their education;:l work they gave ceaseless help to those in affliction. None of their occupations was a remunerative one and it was necessary for them to look to the Church people for help. Dr. Liston, Co adjutor Bishop of Auckland, expressed thankfulness for the work carried out by tho sisters. They comprised the first religious community of women to be established in Now Zealand. There was no doubt, the great work they had done in the past would be repeated in the future.

Appeals for financial help were made by Mr. M. J. Savage, M.P., and Mr. E. Casey. Mr. Savage said the building reflected great credit upon the architect and tho contractors.

At the conclusion of the ceremony the building was open for inspection by the public.