DEATH OF A RELIGIOUS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 45, 9 March 1894, Page 19

DEATH OF A RELIGIOUS.

The death occurred early on Weinesday morning at St Dominic's Priory, Dunedin, of the Sister Mary Francis. Tbe deceased nun had been suffering from paralysis for some years and was attended by Df Alexander Ftrgusson, under whose skilful treatment she had the benefit of ill the resources of science. Sister Mary Francu had been ki.own in tbe world as Misa Maria Sullivan. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mr Ambrose SullivaD, a solicitor of good portion residing in Stephen's green, Dublin, but who afterwards emigrated to Queensland, where, hfter a comparatively short settlement in the town t f Ipswich, be died, seme 29 or 30 years ago. Deceased at the age of 27, entered the order of St Dominic at Sion Hill Content Black Rock, remaioiog there notil ehe joined the Sisters, nine in all' who left Ireland in company with the Moat Rev Dr Moran and the late Morsignor Coleman to found the convent of their Order in Dunedin, where they arrived in February 1871. She has been the first of this pioneer body of nnos to be called to her rest- 81m had been 44 years a nun and was aged 71. All who were •oqna.nted witb S.ster Mary Francis will hold her memorj in lore and reverence. Sre was a perfect religious ; g.ntle, kind, and thoroughly refined in mind and manners. Her talents were of a very bieh order and all that industry .od diligence, seconded by good oppoTtanitie. could do bad been done to make the best of them. Her acquire' ments were varions anJ profound. Her skill M a teacher waa admirable, and she possessed in a very uncommon degree the power

of attracting and retaining the interest and affection nf her | poptls. Her death has been a merciful release from protracted suffering. I' occurred, we mny add, on the Fenst of a gre-t Saint of the ] D iminicao Order — trat is St Tnomas of Aqutn — May her soul, through th* mercy of God, rest in peace.