SISTERS OF MERCY, HOKITIKA

New Zealand Tablet, 29 June 1911, Page 1185

SISTERS OF MERCY, HOKITIKA

SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS There was a large gathering last evening in St. Mary's schoolroom on the eve of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the profession in religion of three members of St. Columkille's Convent —viz., Mother Mary Ita, Sister Mary Xavier, and Sister Mary Gertrude,. those present having assembled to do honor to them on the occasion of the silver jubilee (says the West Coast Times of June 20). The Very; Rev. Dean Carew (of Greymouth) presided, having on his right the guests of the evening, while the Rev. Fathers Clancy, O'Connor (Ross), and Lacroix (Greymouth), the Sisters of Mercy, and many ex-pupils and friends of the jubilarians were among the gathering. The proceedings opened with a chorus 'Jubilee greetings,' by the whole of the Convent pupils, after which three ex-pupils Mrs. T. Crowe, and Misses M. Daly and M ; Wardpresented the Sisters, on behalf of St. Mary's parishioners, with an address and purse of sovereigns. The address, which was as follows, was read by Miss Daly, and Mrs Crowe made the presentation' Dear Sisters,On behalf of your pupils, ex-pupils, and friends, both far and near, we offer you our heartiest congratulations on this the occasion of your silver jubilee. For over twenty-five years you have labored unceasingly in our midst, and by your lives of prayer, your good example, and your kindly advice, you have endeared yourselves to all. 3 We cannot allow the occasion to pass without showing our appreciation of your good work in the parish, and we beg of you to accept the accompanying gift as a small token (f our gratitude- and esteem. We fervently pray that Almighty God in His goodness may long spare you to continue your labours amongst us, and that Ho may shower down abundantly upon you His choicest blessings. Signed on behalf of your many friends, Margaret Dale and Maggie Daly, Hon. Sees. Hokitika, June 19, 1911.' The Rev. Father O'Connor then made a further presentation to one of the jubilarians, Sister Mary Gertrude (Superior of the Ross-Convent), stating that it gave him the greatest pleasure to tender to the worthy Sister, on behalf of his Ross parishioners, a purse of sovereigns, as a slight token of their warm esteem. The present,, he said, was from the people in all parts of his very extensive parish from the left bank of the Hokitika River to the Otago frontier, and one and all had been glad of the opportunity thus afforded to signify their high appreciation of the splendid services given in their interests by the Sisters of Mercy. Father O'Connor, after referring to the high value that he placed on the advice which he had in his labors often sought and obtained from the Sisters, went oil to refer to their praiseworthy work in educating the rising generation. In his parish there were men, amongst the finest in the Dominion, whom the Sisters had taught, and who were a credit to them. The Sisters' former pupils were always glad to give expression in their mature years to the feelings of respect and regard for them with which they had been inspired in their school days. After complimenting the Sisters on the success of their schools in his parish at Rimu and Ross, Father O'Connor concluded by congratulating the guests of the evening on the attainment of their silver jubilee; and in handing over the prehe wished the jubilarians many more years of life, happiness, and success. The Rev. Father Clancy returned thanks on behalf of the jubilarians in a happy speech, and said that the splendid gathering that evening, the general expressions of good wishes, and the handsome presentations would remain always a pleasant memory with the recipients. He was very glad himself to have the opportunity to join in the celebration, and he congratulated the guests of the evening on the happy occasion. Father Clancy went on to refer to the good work of the Sisters, and especially that of the three whom they were gathered there to honor. He concluded by thanking one and all for making such a success of the function. The following well-rendered and varied programme of musical and other interns was then given, every contributor to which met with a good reception:—Song, 'Will my soul pass thro' Ireland,' Miss K. Crowe; chorus, 'The boatman's song,' junior girls; vocal duet, 'The lily and the. rose,' Misses Dorrington and Devaney; dance, Highland reel, Misses Stopforth, K., M., and B. Crowe; song, 'The songs of the old church choir,' Miss E. Hatch; action song, 'The picaninnies,' Miss Maudie and Master A. Duncan; song, 'Dear little isle of the west,' Miss Devaney; song, 'The boy in the sailor cap,' boys; dance, sailor's hornpipe, Miss A. Stopforth; selection, Gems from the emerald isle,' orchestra —violins : Misses N. O'Connor, E. Hatch, N. Crowe, and Kitty Hewitt; Masters W: Martini and T. Stopforth; 'cello, Miss Ella Dorrington; piano. Miss M. Devaney. The second part of the programme consisted of a cantata, ' Soot and the fairies,' in which the characters were sustained by Misses Irene Dunphy, May Cron, Therese Pearn, Maggie Crowe, Doris Hawken, Jean Ross, and Mary Hutchinson. The cantata was admirably rendered, every performer taking her part in a most capable manner, and the item was one of the best of the evening. The Binging of the Convent pupils of a chorus brought to a conclusion a most successful and enjoyable function.