OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, 25 March 1920, Page 35

OBITUARY

MR. SAMUEL J. PRICE, TEMPLETON. V;Quite a gloom was cast over the district when it became known that Samuel John Price had passed away. The deceased was born at Glentunnel, near Darfield, and was 44 years of age at the time of his death, 21 of which he spent in the Government service. At the time of his death ho was clerk in the Paparua Prison. The late Mr. Price was highly esteemed and respected amongst a large circle of friends, his kindly nature and charitable disposition endearing him to all hearts. Though his end came suddenly it was not unprovided for, as the late Mr. Price was a fervent Catholic. He was regular in his attendance at Holy Mass, and in -his reception of the Sacraments.. Deceased is survived by a wife and six children. The widow and family have the sympathy of the people of Templeton in their sad bereavement. "The funeral took place at Darfield, where the Rev. J. Hanrahan celebrated a Requiem Mass and also officiated at the graveside.R.l.P. REV. MOTHER M. ST. PHILOMENA. 0.5.1). On February 27, at St. Dominic's Priory, Dougarra, West Australia, there passed away a saintly religious, Mother Mary Philomena McGrath" who will' always be lovingly remembered by her Sisters in both New Zealand and West Australia as truly a sweet flower in St. '•Dominic's garden. Mother Philomena was the only surviving relative of Mrs. Gavin, of Queenstown. The two sisters, Mary and Katherine, were early left orphans, and were affectionately cared for by their uncle Rev. Father McGrath (R.1.P.), of the Dunedin diocese, to whom both sisters were devotedly attached. It was from his guardianship that Mother M. Gabriel, the revered foundress of the Dominicans in Otago, received the younger of. the two, and from that time she. made her studies at St. Dominic's Priory. Whilst still young Katherine asked to become a. child of the Order in which from the time of her religious profession she was always a most perfect nun, esteeming greatly her holy rule and laboring unselfishly. at the work entrusted to her. The life she led was always a hidden one, made fragrant by her virtues. In 1901. she volunteered to go to the West Australian branch with a. little company of Sisters who reinforced Mother M. Gabriel's pioneer band of 1899. During, her life in W.A. Mother Philomena was several times in charge of various mission houses of the Order, where her devotion to duty and simple upright character won the confidence of all. For some years the health of this beloved Mother had caused anxiety, and during the last vacationthe Christmas oneshe received special care. She was, however, able to return to her mission at Three Springs, but in a few weeks she asked to return to Dougarra, as she felt her strength failing. She was welcomed home to the priory for a rest, but the term of her loving service was fulfilled. After two days her pure soul went to God; peacefully she died _ with all the sacred rites of Holy Church, amid the Sisters whose companionship had been so dear to her from the time of her arrival. Her body is interred in the little priory cemetery, side by side with Rev. Mother Foundress and other pioneer Sisters who rest there in peace.—R.l.P.