CITIZENS PAY RESPECT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 196, 22 August 1935, Page 6

CITIZENS PAY RESPECT

FUNERAL OF MRS. E. O’MEARA TRIBUTE FROM PULPIT. A striking tribute to the memory of ’.he late Mrs. E. O’Meara was paid from the pulpit at St. Mary’s Church yesterday morning, when a large congregat’.on gathered for the celebration of Requiem Mass prior t-o th? funeral. The Mayor of Wanganui, Mr. W. J. Rogers, the town clerk, Mr. G. Murch, city councillors, representatives of the Wanganui Rugby Union and the Wanganui Metropolitan Rugby Union, and of the St. Vincent de Paul and Hibernian Societies were among those who attended. Prior to the departure of the cortege for the Wanganui Catholic cemetery. Hie Rev. Father Hoare, 8. AL. addressed the congregation, saying:—“To-day we mourn the loss of one who was well known to Wanganui and to this parish of St. Mary’s. Wanganui to-day is the poorer for her passing. In her early years, before her health was impaired, she took a prominent part in many of the activities of the city and always gave her services generously. She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Church, and her services were always ready for any works she was called on to do. She was a member of the choir and of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. In addition other organisations claimed her attention, and she always gave her services generously. “She will be remembered best.” he said, “for her great clarity, but it was not always openly recognised, as most of her good works were done In secret, and this is true charity with a supernatural motive. The Pharisees were upbraided by our Divine Lord because they performed their works to be seen by men, and He said to then/: ‘Amen. I say to you, you have received your reward.’ But Mrs. O’Meara’s charity was hidden from men. God alone saw it and He will reward her. To the sorrowing husband, son and daughters we extend our sincere sympathy and pray that God will give them grace to bear the heavy blow which He has sent.them. “No better words ran express our sentiments to-day for the soul of the departed than the words of the burial service: ‘May the Angels lead thee into Paradise: may the Martyrs receive thee at thy coming ami take thee to Jeru salem, the Holy City; may the choir of the Angels receive thee, and mayest thou with once poor Lazarus have rest evei lasting.’ “May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.’’ The pall bearers were Messis. B. O’Shea (Palmerston North), and J. Parker (Gisborne), nephews of Mrs. O’Meara, and Mess’s. C. Crowley, T. 'McCarthy, M. a. Kit/hen and T. Afitchell. /\t the graveside the Rev. Father Bryce was the officiating priest in an impressive service. Covering the mound above the grave were many beautiful floral tributes, several from public bodies in Wanganui, striking testimony to the esteem and affection won by the late Mrs. O’Meara in a life of quiet ami unostentatious service to the family and community. At the meeting of the Management < onimittee of the Wanganui Metropoll lan Rugby Union <>n Tuesday night ft motion of sympathy with Mr. E, O’Meara, for many years treasurer of Ihe Wanganui Rugby Union, in the loss of his wife, was passed, members stand ing as a mark of respect. The Wanganui Hospital Board vest er day carried a motion of sympathy with relatives of the late Mrs. O’Meara.