Christchurch North

New Zealand Tablet, 29 April 1915, Page 51

Christchurch North

April 19. —- On Sunday afternoon, April , 11, the Children of Mary presented Rev. Father Hoare, S.M., their spiritual director, with an illuminated address, the work of] the Sisters of Mercy, Christchurch, and with a [Limerick lace surplice and hand-worked stole, the work of the Sisters of Mercy, Limerick. The address was read by Miss Cissie Barrett. Miss Grace Haughey (president) and Miss May Cosgrove (vice-president) made the presentations. The address, which was framed in oak,! was as follows; —‘Dear Rev. Father,lt, is with .feelings of deep joy and gratitude that we meet here to-day to offer you our best wishes for a holy and happy -feast day. We are pleased to have this occasion, dear Rev. Father, to express to you our earnest thanks for your kind ministrations in regard to our spiritual welfare, for we have always found in you a true father and a faithful friend. As spiritual director of. our sodality your efforts have been untiring: you have left nothing undone to promote our best interests, ever inculcating by word and example a loving, child-like devotion to our Heavenly Mother. We beg you, dear Rev.- Father, to accept this little gift as a slight token of our gratitude; We remain, dear Rev. Father, —The Children of Mary, St. Mary’s, Christchurch. April 11/ 1915/ The Rev. Father Hoare, in a few well-chosen words, thanked the Children of Mary for their valuable gifts and the good motives that prompted their kind action. During his long term of office as spiritual director he had always met with the greatest kindness from them, and by their valuable gifts on that occasion they had added another token of esteem to the long list of favors already bestowed; upon him. Although the gifts were costly and precious, he knew they fell far short of the good wishes and steadfast loyalty that accompanied themsentiments'-that would ever bo treasured by him even when the costly gifts would be no more. , r . '* , ' -A V At the close of his 'address Father Hoare presented Miss Ethel Barnett, on the occasion of her approaching marriage, with a handsomely bound prayer! book, the gift of the Children of Mary. In asking her to accept the gift, he referred to her long association with the sodality, and the good example she ; had ever shown as a member. On behalf of the members he wished her every happiness and blessing in her new sphere of life. The party then adjourned;to the lawn, where' afternoon tea was served. ;,f :