SISTERS OF MERCY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 296, 14 December 1931, Page 4

SISTERS OF MERCY.

Celebration of Centenary at High Mass. BISHOP BRODIE’S EULOGY. Throughout the world yesterday the Sisters of Mercy celebrated the centenary of their order, the Christchurch celebrations taking place at the Cathedral, Barbadoes Street, where many thousands of Catholics attended Solemn Pontifical High Mass. It was a remarkable exhibition, and the solemnity of the Gregorian Mass sung by the children of the convent schools added to its impressiveness. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Brodie, who was assisted by the Rev Dr J. Kennedy. Deacons at the Throne was Fathers A. Burger, S.M., and T. Hanrahan. Father J. M’Guire was deacon of the Mass, and Father A. Keane, S.M., sub-deacon. Father J. M’Monagle -was master of ceremonies. Other priests of the parish attended on the sanctuary. Representatives were present from the Lewisham, the Notre Dame des Missions, the Good Shepherd and Nazareth orders. In his sermon Bishop Brodie traced the history of the order, which had been to all places in the world and had accomplished so much. From the small beginnings of the order in Dublin it had spread to every part of the world, borne by the spirit of its foundress. World wide Fame. “ The Crimean War of 1854 brought to the Sisters of Mercy a world-wide fame,” he said. “ The pitiable plight of the sick, wounded and dying soldiers brought an urgent appeal to provide adequate nursing staffs. The Sisters of Mercy immediately volunteered, under the direction of Miss Florence Nightingale, and by their nursing skill and devotion to duty merited the gratitude of the nation. On their return to England the commanding officers proclaimed their heroism and self-sacrifice, and the Sisters won for themselves that respect with which the religious sisters are always treated in England and English-speak-ing countries.

“ It is inspiring to listen to the sweet voices of the children, pupils of the schools of the Sisters of Mercy, expressing the gratitude we owe to God that they have such devoted teachers —calling us to praise God, in the words of the angelic hymn ‘ Glory be to God in the Highest,’ and again in the exhortation ‘ Let Us Give Thanks to the Lord Our God.’ The presence of these grateful pupils to-day with this crowded congregation will give renewed encouragement to the sisters in their works of charity and education, and will make them realise those words of unfailing promise of the Divine Master, ‘Amen I say to you, that you who have left all things to follow Me, shall have a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.’ ”