MT. MAGDALA.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 699, 8 May 1916, Page 10

MT. MAGDALA.

NEW WING OPENED. PRAISE FOR SISTERS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD. The new wing at the Mount Magdala Institute was opened yesterday afternoon. Unpleasant weather conditions prevailed, but members of the Roman Catholic community and non-Catholic friends were present in large numbers to participate in the ceremony, which was performed by his Lordship Bishop Brodie. Among those present were: Dean Regnault, S.M., Rev. Dr Kennedy, Very Rev. Father Graham, S.M., Rev. Fathers O'Hare, Murphv, Long, Hanrahan, Sir Geo. Clifford,'Mr H. G. Ell, M.P., Mr J. R. Hayward, and Mr E. S. I Luttrell. An apology for absence was received from Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M. The visitors having been received by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, the architect (Mr Luttrell) presented Bishop Brodie with a golden key, as a memento of the occasion. His Lordship received an enthusiastic greeting. It was his pleasing duty, lie said, to declare the additions to the building open. The year 1815 was memorable to those of their faith, not only because in that year the destinies of Europe had been settled at the battle of Waterloo, but also hecause in that same year the Order of the Good Shepherd had been founded by a humble young woman, by name Rose Virginia Pelletier, who had consecreated herself to God. During the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution, the churches had been robbed of their sacred emblems, the practice of religion had been made impossible, and with the sway of infidelity it seemed as if every vestige of virtue had been carried away, and vice and lawlessness reigned supreme. The noble example of the Sisters of the Order of the Good Shepherd had put to shame the persecutors of their religion, and the Sisters of the new community had been able to help many whose souls had been endangered by the infidelity that had swept over France. The growth of the Order had been such that from humble beginnings it had spread throughout the world, and- had now 300 homes, 12,000 Sisters, and shelter and refuge provided for 100,000 souls. The introduction of the Order into the city of Christchurch would redound to the lasting memory of his predecessor, Bishop Grimes. (Applause.) In conclusion, his Lordship paid a tribute to the memory of the late Dean Ginaty, for the monumental work he had done at Mount Magdala. The Home of the Good Shepherd was open to all—Catholic and non-Catholic alike. He expressed his appreciation of the fact that the work being done was recognised by the Government, which made an annual grant of £SOO. (Applause.) The Bishop then declared the building open, and assured the Sisters that their work would have his hearty support. Addresses were also delivered by Sir Geo. Clifford and Messrs H. G. Ell, M.P., the Rev. Dr Kennedy, and Mr J. R. Hayward. All of the speakers expressed their appreciation of the noble work being done at Mount Magdala by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. The visitors were subsequently en- j tertained to afternoon tea. I