ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL, DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VIII, Issue 415, 25 March 1881, Page 16

ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL, DUNEDIN.

An entertainment in honour of the approaching Silver Jubilee of his Lordship the Bishop of the Diocese took place in the presence of the bishop and the reverend clergy of Dunedin, at St, Joseph's School, Dunedin, on the Feast «f St. Patrick. It is not usual in Catiolic schools to hold anything of the kind during the holy season of Lent, but, as it is most probable that the Bishop will leave for Europe early in Easter week, it was considered that an exception might reasonably be made on this occasion, which was the more fitting, since it was also the festival of his Lordship's pat ion saint. The following programme was gone through with :—: — * Chorus — " Welcome to our Pastor ;" Pianoforte solo — '■ Glittering Spray." " The Silver Jubilee Ode," to commemorate the twentyfifty Anniversary of the Consecration of the Most Key. Dr. Moran, Lord Bishop of Dunedin. Pianoforte solo — "Silvery Waves;" Tableaux Vivants — " Joan of Arc ;" first scene : Joan of Arc dedicates herself to her Mission to 6ave France ; Entre Scene— Piano : "The Soldiers' Chorus" (from Faust) ; second tcene : * J Coronation of Charles VII., King of France, at Rheims ; Entre Seene — Piano : " Silver Trumpets ; Piano (descriptive piece) — " Entry of the German Soldiers into Paris ;" third scene : Death of Joan of Arc ; Entre Seene — Chorus : " The Mermaid's Song ;" Pianoforte solo — •' The Troubadours' March ;" a scene from " Handy Andy ;" Chorus — " Hymn to St. Patrick." The Tableaux Vivants were very prettily got up, and carried out in a most pleasing manner. The first scene was a harvest field in which the reapers and binders were busily engaged, and amongst them Joan of Arc, while a young lady, also in suitable costume, delivered some lines descriptive of what was represented. Joau as well made her mission, known in verse, and in both instances the delivery was remarkably well done, with clearness, due emphasis, and spirit. The scene in which the King is crowned was, however, the gem of the whole exhibition ; the altars represented being very beautifully adorned with flowers and lights whose arrangement was especially artistic. The robes of the courtiers were very gorgeous and giaceful, and the bishop was magnificently vested. The deathscene was very solemn and impressive. The scene from " Handy Andy " which followed was of a very different nature, and occasioned a high degree of mirth amongst the audience. The young ladies who took part in it also appeared to enter into the fun with much zest. We append the " Silver Jubilee Ode," which had been especially composed for the occasion by one of the Dominican Sisters. In anxious thought, with low-bent crowned brow, Christ's Vicar, saintly Pius, mußed of yore How best to meet the need, deep- pressing now, But urgent then, on Afric's southmost shore. Grim foes to test the truest steel fuil sore, Their Gorgon heads uplifted high and bold, Materialism, Ignorance, and more, " The Great Tradition," scattering the fold : Hearts made to worship God put all their trust in gold. This work requires no common skill and grace The Holy Father thought : such wounds to heal A will demands, brave, gen'rous to embrace All sacrifice and toil for souls' true weal ; Great fortitude, and energy, and zeal ; A heart from passions purified and free ; Calm eloquence, the message to reveal ; Bare gifts of mind and heart, in high degree, Built on the firm foundation of Humility. God's spirit pointed to the Chosen One Mid lovliest scenes of Erin's lovely land, His studious boyhood's years had pa>sed. A son By loving sire resigned, amid the band Of chosen warriors of Christ to staud. Beside the fever-stricken couch he's found, Where sorrow-laden hearts to him expand, Or where pale misery and want abound ; Eblana ! by thy city splendours veiled around. And now, to other climes he must away, Another people claims his watchful care. For them, for us, thrice happy blessed day, When called he -was the shepherd's staff to bear, With Cbribt, sad pain and toil for souls to share ! iNeath Afric's burning sun, the heavenly seed In hearts of men — stern soil — with courage rare, He plants by living power of word and deed ; Ne'er failing in his charge Christ's wand'ring sheep to feed. liut when his losing toil was just repaid, Great deeds achieved for learning and for trutb, Went forth a etern decree. And he obeyed. Left he them all — his best-loved work for youth — His fellow toilers in the cause of truth, His children in the faith, his second home ; Sad severings these, and keen the pain, in sooth ! Bra'ed he again the mighty Ocean's foam, To spread " o'er bounds of earth " the sway oE Christian Home. Take up the echo of our praise, ye hills 1 His every word some real good imparts ; In music tell oar joy, Zcalandia's rills I The gratitude and love of our pour heaiis. Our foes he pierces by Faith's fiery darts, He seeks to save us for Eternity. Onr earthy mind into a new hope starts : Beloved Lord and Father, may we be Clow by your feet in yonr Eternal Jnbilec !