The Little Sisters of the Poor

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 17, 3 May 1923, Page 39

The Little Sisters of the Poor

No account of the development of the Catholic Church in Otago during the past fifty years would be complete without mention of the coming of the Little Sisters of the Poor, and of their marvellous work for the aged and helpless men and women who find in the Anderson’s Bay Home a harbor of peace and happiness amid surroundings and inspirations which make gentle for them the western slope of their lives. It is sixteen years now since the Little Sisters came to Dunedin, their first New Zealand institution being at Auckland. Their arrival was like the final completion of the organisation and equipment of the diocese founded by Bishop Moran. To efficient schools and churches, to devoted clergy and zealous and gifted teachers, to the work of the Sisters of Mercy for the orphans and among the sick, was now added a Home for the aged people who, weary of the smoke and battle of life, wished to end their days in calmness and security. The Home is one of the most striking institutions in the suburbs of Dunedin. It looks down on the harbor from the heights beyond Musselburgh, while behind it, only a short distance away, is the ocean, the healthy breezes from which bring refreshment and vigor to the aged guests of the good Sisters. Within the building there are comfortable, well-venti-lated dormitories, dining-rooms, recreation-rooms, .and reading-rooms. Spacious balconies sheltered by glass' run along the whole length of the building, affording in stormy weather space for recreation and a fine view of Dunedin on the opposite hills, and also of the ocean at St Clair. ' " : ■ The chapel is lofty and roomy, beautiful in its chaste lines, and filled with an atmosphere of the supernatural. There is no extravagant ornamentation about it, but it is as neat and clean as human hands could make it. The altar is plain, in accordance with the spirit of the Little Sisters, but for all that the whole sanctuary has a devotional attractiveness that marble and brass often fail to attain. L There are usually about eighty old people in the Home.. Ihe community numbers as a rule about fifteen Sisters. Those .who know the unselfishness of their lives and -their unremitting labors for the spiritual and temporal welfare of the old, are best able to appreciate what a blessing it is that Providence-has bested on Dunedin in the Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor. For the support of so many they depend on voluntarlv aid from charitable friends, and the response made to their appeals us the best indication of the appreciation of the work and of the ; esteem for the devoted workers, among the people of the city and of the country districts. Owing: to the demands of their charity, it has been found necessary to provide increased accommodation \nd we a re Pi formed that the work of erecting a new wing to he building will shortly be taken in hand. In view of that task we confidently recommend our readers to remember the Little Sisters.