OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, 12 February 1914, Page 19

OBITUARY

: •' SISTER MARIE VI ANNEY. Sister Marie (Elizabeth Godsell), writes our Christchurch correspondent, who died at the Convent of the Sisters of the Mission, Nelson, on Sunday, February lj was born at Timaru in 1886, her parents at that period being residents of the Hakateramea, but removed to Auckland three years later. In 1900 she entered as pupil, under Mother St. Benignus, the convent at Pukekohe, where her religious vocation soon manifested itself. After six years’ study here and at New Plymouth Sister Vianney was received as postulant at the principal Institute of the Order, Christchurch, and made her holy profession in 1909. She next . spent a year as teacher at the convent, Leeston, after which she was removed rto : Nelson, where the remainder . of. her short : but useful life was spent. , v ■

She was a diligent student, a painstaking and indulgent teacher, possessing a genial and kindly disposition which endeared her to Sisters and pupils alike. Remote from church and school, she made exceptional use of the limited opportunities afforded her for study as a girl. She loved to commit simple prayers to memory as a child, while her face beamed with delight at the sight of a catechism. The religious instruction of the younger members of the family seemed with her a duty, and her death-bed exhortations for their guidance through life were truly edifying. Her resignation and patience during a protracted and severe illness were admirable. She felt there was a merit in suffering ; and while any strength remained, cheerfulness never deserted her. All who knew her, both in the world and in the convent, hold the same opinion, that every moment of her life was spent in an atmosphere of purity. She was nursed with all the tenderness, care, and skill that loving Sisters could devote to her; and at the end her eyes were closed by the devoted Mother St. Benignus, by whom she was first received into a convent., ’ ; At each of the services in the church on Sunday, reference was made to the life and virtues of deceased. The ‘ Dead ’ March ’ was played by the organist after Vespers, and again after Requiem Mass, and before, the remains were removed from the church on Monday, when the funeral was held. The burial obsequies at the church and grave were conducted by the Rev. Father Ainsworth, assisted by Fathers Finnerty and C/alerne (Reefton). A beautiful and pathetic discourse on the life and example of the deceased nun was delivered by the Rev. Father Ainsworth before the coffin left the church. The funeral procession was impressive, being headed by the orphans in white with black sashes, school children, and Children of Mary, the Rev. Mother and Sisters of the Community following the hearse in carriages. The ceremonies were most imposing throughout, and all present seemed deeply impressed with the solemnity of the occasion.—R.l.P.