OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, 11 June 1914, Page 29

OBITUARY

SISTER M. CECILIA, PONSONBY. Quito a gloom was Cast over the community of the Sisters of Mercy in Ponsonby, Auckland, on the announcement of the death of Sister M. Cecilia (writes an occasional correspondent). The deceased was the daughter of the late Mr. M. McGinley, of Ipswich, and grand-daughter of the late Mr. D. Lowry, "one of Auckland’s best-known and most highly esteemed pioneer settlers. She had been in failing health for some time, and received treatment at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. She rallied, but her heart gradually weakened, and she succumbed on the morning of May 19. Monsignor Brodic was in attendance at the last, and, surrounded by her Sisters in religion, her death was a fitting sequel to a life of prayer and much serving inGod’s house. On Tuesday morning, the first Requiem Mass was celebrated by his Lordship Bishop, Cleary, and the ■'second by Monsignor Brodie, after which the funeral took place. At the grave a ■ most touching address was made by Monsignor Brodie, who, with Rev. Father Kehoe, conducted the obsequies. _ Speaking of •the deceased Sister, he remarked particularly the zeal she displayed from the first time she heard the call of the Master, ‘ Come, follow Me.’ In girlhood that word had come to her, and nobly had she responded during those nineteen years of ceaseless labor in the service of God. Now, whilst still in the prime of life, the second call had come, this time not to labor but to an eternal reward promised to those who leave all for Jesus. Wherever she had been stationed, whether at Thames, Parnell, Onehunga, or Otahului, her one aim had been to do her very best for God and the souls of those for whom she labored. Ever gentle, patient, and joyful, she,had given the most devoted service to the poor, sick, and ignorant. She had been beloved by all who had the privilege of her acquaintance, and was always especially dear to her pupils. Her work was ever don© in the sublimest spirit of faith, and characterised by thoroughness in every detail. At the Masses in Otahului on Sunday a most touching tribute was paid by the Very Rev. Father Buckley to the many virtues of the deceased. Pie spoke

especially, of all she had done for that parish. In Ho choir and in the school her influence would long be felt, and her loss lamented. Ever generous and joyous in the service of God, she had labored with them, and God had blessed her worlr. Now she would pray for them in heaven as they prayed for her on earth, and, whilst mourning her loss, they must accept the sorrow as from God’s hand. The especial sympathy of the congregation was due to her brothers, some of whom are well known in Auckland, and to her aunt, Mother M. dc Chantal, who, after half a century in God’s service, was left to add her prayers to theirs that the soul of Sister M. Cecilia may rest in peace. MR. WILLIAM J. HALL, DUNEDIN. A welL known and highly respected resident of Dunedin; Mr. William J. Hall, passed away on Monday morning at' his residence, Craigton, Mornington, at the age of 82 years. The late Mr. Hall, who was the second sou of Dr. W. J. Hall, of Leeds, was born at Easingwold, England. After being educated at the Dominican and StonyhUrst Colleges., he embarked for this Dominion. After his arrival in 1863, he entered into commercial business, and eventually joined the civil service. He held the position of registrar of births, deaths, and marriages from 1888 till Jiis retirement in 1902. In 1863 the deceased was married' to the eldest daughter of the Denuty-Ccmmissioner of Crown Lands, Adelaide (Mr. W. O. James). He is survived by his wife, four daughters, and two sons, one of whom is Dr. A. J. Hall. The other son resides at Wanganui. The deceased Ava; one of the oldest members of St. Joseph’s Cathedral congregation. He always took a keen interest in matters which had reference to the progress of the Church, and was one of the most active collectors for the Cathedral fund when the sacred edifice was'being built. The remains were taken to the Cathedral on Tuesday morning, and from there the funeral left, for the Southern Cemetery. Rev. Father Coffey, Adm., officiated both at the church and at ■ the graveside.R. I. P.