Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy in New Zealand - UC Research ...
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COHGl".?.EGATION OF OUR I,ADY OP LillHCY<br />
IN<br />
NEW ZEAL.AJifJJ<br />
Codeword:<br />
Aphis.
1.<br />
Preface<br />
Sisters <strong>of</strong> Eercy <strong>in</strong> our different dioceses have<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten expressed regret that, so far, no one has<br />
written a historical sketch <strong>of</strong> the Order <strong>of</strong> roy<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>. Time is steadily steal<strong>in</strong>g from our<br />
midst those who were privileged to enjoy personal<br />
acqua<strong>in</strong>tance with the first religious wonen - the<br />
Auckland Sisters <strong>of</strong> Uercy <strong>of</strong> 1850 - to cone to this<br />
country. So, v1'11ile there yet rema<strong>in</strong> ·with us, five <strong>of</strong><br />
the orig<strong>in</strong>al band who <strong>in</strong> 1873 founded the~- first<br />
Convent <strong>of</strong> I~rcy <strong>in</strong> the South Island, I have<br />
attenpted to break the ice, however feebly, and thus<br />
free the current for more competent explorers.<br />
Ow<strong>in</strong>g to the lack <strong>of</strong> a central authority for the<br />
Order, the collect<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> sources and other data has<br />
entailed :'luch :1ore research than one rr1igllt <strong>in</strong>fer fror:t<br />
the size <strong>of</strong> the WOl"k. A considerable a.rnount <strong>of</strong> detail<br />
was necessa:r'y but I have endeavoured to so use it as<br />
not to lose si~ht <strong>of</strong> the vivify<strong>in</strong>~ spi t o~ nercy,<br />
which enbraces even the least works <strong>of</strong> the Order.<br />
pro;2pt an d. sene:;;ous response to :1any appeals<br />
and loans <strong>of</strong> useful naterials I owe abundant thad:s<br />
to ~Irs.S.R.Goulter, Fairlie; I
2<br />
TABLE<br />
OF CONTENTS<br />
page<br />
1. PREFACE.<br />
L~.<br />
BIBLIOGRAPHY.<br />
7. CHAPTER 1 •<br />
1 L~. CHAPTER 11.<br />
ORIGIN AND SPIIUT OF' THE OHDER OP W~RCY.<br />
THE COMING AND EARLY ACTIVITIES OP THE<br />
SISTERS OF' UERCY.<br />
27. CHAPTI~R 111 •<br />
MOTHER CECILIA L~EER:<br />
A<strong>UC</strong>KLAND POUNDATIONS.<br />
St. Uary's, Ponsonby, 1850;. St. Patrick's,<br />
Auckland, 1850; St. John's, Parnell, 1862;<br />
St. Joseph's, Onehunga, 1864; St. Cecilia's,<br />
Otahuhu, 1866; St. hlar·y's, Coromandel, 1882;<br />
st. Joseph's Orphanage, Talcapuna, 1894; St.<br />
Leo's, Devenport, 1896; St. Cather<strong>in</strong>e's,<br />
'waihi, 1902; Te Aroha, <strong>Our</strong> <strong>Lady</strong> <strong>of</strong> J.Jourdes,<br />
1903; Holy Cross, Epsom, '1921; r~,;t. Carmel,<br />
Milford, 1922; . St. Bride's Avondale, 1923;<br />
Star <strong>of</strong> the Sea Orphanage, Bowick, 1925;<br />
Monte Cecilia College, Hillsborough Rd.,<br />
Onehunga, 1926; St. 1-.Iary' s, Pawarene§a, 1927;<br />
Holy Cross, Henderson, 1932.<br />
Mater Misericordiae Hospital, 1900.<br />
39. CHAPTER 1V.<br />
WELLINGTON ARCHDIOCESE.<br />
Guildford Terrace, Thorndon, 1851; St.<br />
Joseph's, Upper Butt, 1852; St. Philomena's,<br />
1873; Blenheim, 1885; Ne·wton, 1890; Seatoun,<br />
1909; Kilbirnj.e, 1912; Picton, 1914;<br />
Nai Nai: the Beaut.: .. lll, 1916- '17; Ha.taitai<br />
and Holy Cross. ·1930; Other Foundations, 1936;<br />
An Amalgamation - Reefton, 1881, Westport, 1894.<br />
54. CHAPTER V.<br />
HOICITIKA:<br />
"All Sa<strong>in</strong>ts," Greymouth, 1882; St. Joseph's,<br />
Lyttelton, .1890; St. MaT·y's Christchm.•ch,<br />
18:J4; "Villa L1aria," Riccarton, 1918;<br />
Loreto College, 1929; Convent <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong>,<br />
Tirnaru, 1936.
Page<br />
71. OHAPrER V1.<br />
79· OHA-',TEH V11.<br />
-·-------<br />
DUNEDIN DIOCESE.<br />
Gore, 1897; St. Philomena's College 1897-<br />
1904; Liosgiel, 1898; St. V<strong>in</strong>cent's Orphanage,<br />
1898; W<strong>in</strong>ton, 1898; \'!rey' s Bush, 1899<br />
Alexandra, 1912; Riverton, 1~:13; Nightcaps,<br />
1916; I;Iorn<strong>in</strong>gton, 1919; \,Vaveley Boys'<br />
Or;)hanage, 1920; Mater Misericordiae<br />
Hospital 1936.<br />
CONCT.USION.<br />
3
BIBLIOGRAPHY.<br />
4<br />
1. PUBLICATIONS.<br />
1. RELIGIOUS WORKS CONSULTED.<br />
Card<strong>in</strong>al Patrick Francis Jvloran:<br />
J.J. Wilson:<br />
A <strong>New</strong> Orleans Sister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong>:<br />
Sister M. Josephene Gately:<br />
M.G. Thither:<br />
History <strong>of</strong> the Catholic<br />
Church <strong>in</strong> Australasia.<br />
(Oceanic Publish<strong>in</strong>~ Cor:Jpany,<br />
Sydney 1895.)<br />
11<br />
Memoirs <strong>of</strong> Early Days. 11<br />
(The <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> Tablet<br />
Publish<strong>in</strong>g Co. Ltd.,<br />
Duned<strong>in</strong>, 1910.)<br />
"In the Path <strong>of</strong> the Pioneer<br />
(<strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> Tablet Publish<br />
<strong>in</strong>g Co. Duned<strong>in</strong>, 1921.)<br />
11<br />
Leaves from the Annals <strong>of</strong><br />
the Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong>. 11 Vols<br />
1 and 11.<br />
(P.O'Shea, <strong>New</strong> York. 1883)<br />
11<br />
The Sisters <strong>of</strong> L~ercy. rr<br />
Maci;lillan. Co., Nevr York,<br />
1931. )<br />
Thesis - Roman Catholic<br />
Educational Activity <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Prov<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>of</strong> Otago, N. Z.<br />
(Canterbury College 1934.)<br />
2. NON-~~L~GIOUS '.'IOR!CS CONSULTED.<br />
CYclopedia <strong>of</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>.~<br />
Timaru Public Library, )<br />
Cambridge History <strong>of</strong> the<br />
British Empire.<br />
Horsley:<br />
Rusden:<br />
Hight ana Bamford:<br />
Vol. 1. ~ell<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
Vol. 11. Auckland.<br />
Vol. 111.Canterbury. (1903)<br />
Vol. V. Nelson, I~arlborough,<br />
and Westland.<br />
Vol. V11., part 11 n.z. ·<br />
(cru~b. Press. London, 1933.)<br />
11<br />
The Romance <strong>of</strong> N. z."<br />
('.r.c. and E.G. Jacli:.London,<br />
1908. )<br />
1<br />
'History <strong>of</strong> N.Z.," Vol. 11.<br />
(Melville, lilullen and Slade,<br />
Melbourne, 1882.<br />
11<br />
'l'he Constitutional History<br />
and Law <strong>of</strong> Nevr <strong>Zealand</strong>. 11<br />
(Whi tcornbe & Tombs, Ch. Ch.<br />
1914. )
Shrimp ton and Mulgan:<br />
Scholefield:<br />
Reeves.<br />
3. OFFICIAL DOCU!i!EWrG.<br />
"Maori and Pakeha."<br />
(Whi tcombe & Tombs,<br />
Christchurch, 1921.)<br />
"<strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> Affairs."<br />
\L. Il. Isi tt, Christchurch,<br />
1929.)<br />
"The Long White Cloud."<br />
(Horace Marshall & Son,<br />
London, 1898.)<br />
5<br />
Australian Catholic Directory, 1938.<br />
Year Book by I.larist Fathers, 1927 and 1928. <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong><br />
and A11stralia.<br />
The <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> Police Gazette, 16th June, 1897.<br />
4. NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS.<br />
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> Tablet.<br />
(Duned<strong>in</strong>. )<br />
<strong>Zealand</strong>ia.<br />
(Auckland. )<br />
hlarist Messenger.<br />
(Well<strong>in</strong>gton. )<br />
Westport <strong>New</strong>s.<br />
The Universe.<br />
(London. )<br />
English Catholic Times.<br />
(London. )<br />
The Catholic Press.<br />
(Australia. )<br />
N. Z. Catholic Schools Journal:<br />
23rd February 1938.<br />
30th.March 1938.<br />
23rd November 1938.<br />
30th Noveliilier 1938.<br />
18th November 1837.<br />
5th March 1938.<br />
12th I.·larch 1938.<br />
28th July 1938.<br />
20th October 1938.<br />
8th December 1938.<br />
1st December 1931.<br />
1st September' 1934.<br />
1st October . 1934.<br />
1st November 1934.<br />
Centennial Nur:1ber,<br />
March 1938.<br />
11-tth December 1931.<br />
2nd Septenilier 1938.<br />
11th December 1937·<br />
3rd December 1931 .<br />
Centenary Number,<br />
1838 - 1939.
6<br />
5. PHAf,:PHLJ:TS.<br />
Bishop Cleary:<br />
Rev. W.<br />
LocJc<strong>in</strong>gton S.J.<br />
Rev. J. Ryan s. J. !1!. A.<br />
Litt. D.<br />
Teacher's Bullet<strong>in</strong>:<br />
Ur. Paul Kavanagh<br />
1 1 . Ul:J:PUBLI smm. SOUlWES ._<br />
1. Annals.<br />
/mnals <strong>of</strong> the Lytt ton<br />
Convent:<br />
Annals <strong>of</strong> the Hokitika<br />
Convent:<br />
11<br />
Seventy Fifth Anniversary<br />
<strong>of</strong> the land<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Zealand</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Sisters <strong>of</strong> lilerc<br />
( 1850 - 1925.) (<strong>Mercy</strong><br />
Convent Archives, Auckland.)<br />
'''.I'he Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> -<br />
(Centenary 1831 - 1931.<br />
Convent Librar•y,<br />
\Vell<strong>in</strong>gton. )<br />
Mother Cather<strong>in</strong>e LlcAuley -<br />
An Al?preciation (IJimerick<br />
1938) (Convent Library,<br />
Timaru. )<br />
Surnrrw ·y <strong>of</strong> Hi or•y <strong>of</strong> CatholicCJ:F.lrch<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong><br />
(1828 - 1936.) (Lrs.<br />
Goulter, Pairlie.)<br />
11<br />
'l'he Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> 1 ' <strong>in</strong> Nevv<br />
<strong>Zealand</strong>. Catholic Schools'<br />
Journal, Deptember, 1932.<br />
(Convent Library Timaru).<br />
(Convent <strong>of</strong> Uercy, Lyttelton).<br />
(Convent <strong>of</strong> l'.lercy, Hold t<br />
\<br />
a J.<br />
2. Personal Interviews.<br />
----------··~ --<br />
I have been able to eo;.;: u.p on much ma·i.;t;;;rial by<br />
discuss<strong>in</strong>g doLtbtful po<strong>in</strong>ts ·ai th five pioneers who, though.<br />
they have passed beyond the allotted three-score- and-ten<br />
are still quite clear on the events and life <strong>of</strong> sixty<br />
years ago, though not always so clear as to more modern<br />
events. ~jisters: too, who have lived VJith the first<br />
Auckland and Well<strong>in</strong>gton Sisters, have been k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong><br />
furnish<strong>in</strong>g details.
C HAPT:Bm. 1 •<br />
THE LIBRARY 7<br />
fAWTERBURY UNIVERSITY COLLEGd<br />
CHRISTCHURCH, 11.1.<br />
Ox•iq<strong>in</strong> and Spirit o:t_:_ the Order <strong>of</strong> l,lercy..!. ..<br />
The Order <strong>of</strong>' Llercy sprang <strong>in</strong>to be<strong>in</strong>g as an outc:owe<br />
<strong>of</strong> the zeal and chm·i ty <strong>of</strong> a beautiful, noble-hearted<br />
Irish heiress, Cather<strong>in</strong>e McAuley, who was born <strong>in</strong> Co.<br />
Dubl<strong>in</strong>, <strong>in</strong> 1787.<br />
( 1) Although the second hal1' <strong>of</strong> the 18th<br />
century was a 11 CPitical period for adhel'ents <strong>of</strong> the old<br />
faith"<br />
:r:n Ireland, yet Cather<strong>in</strong>e's father, a devout<br />
Catholic, enjoyed all the privileges <strong>of</strong> polite society<br />
without any apparent <strong>in</strong>jury to his Catholic pr<strong>in</strong>ciples.<br />
In those penal days when Catholicity vras a crime and all<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs Catholic were 11 hidc1en away as <strong>in</strong> the days <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Catacombs, 11 Cather<strong>in</strong>e's father used to asf~emble at his own<br />
home on Sundays and holidays the poor <strong>of</strong> the district to<br />
<strong>in</strong>struct them <strong>in</strong> the truths <strong>of</strong> their religion.<br />
His<br />
lessons were to bear fruit <strong>in</strong> the life <strong>of</strong> his young daughtel"'<br />
who never forgot them.<br />
1:/hen Cather<strong>in</strong>e, who was the eldest <strong>of</strong> three children<br />
vras but seven yem•s old, she lost her father;<br />
and her gay<br />
young mother see<strong>in</strong>g that to adhere to the Catholic faith<br />
meant to belong to (2) a upoor, despised, impotent, ragged<br />
and pitiful c onmnJ.ni ty, If<br />
will<strong>in</strong>gly accepted the Protestantisnt<br />
<strong>of</strong> her friends, with its monopoly<br />
<strong>of</strong> wealth, power,<br />
1. Mother CatheP<strong>in</strong>e McAuley - An Appreciation (Eev. (.T. Ryan<br />
f3.J.ii:.A. D. Litt.) (Limerick, 1938.)<br />
2. Ibid.
8<br />
prestige and learn<strong>in</strong>g. She died when cather<strong>in</strong>e was eleven<br />
and thenceforth the three orphans were brought up by<br />
Protestant friends who could never persuade Cather<strong>in</strong>e to<br />
adopt their religion.<br />
( 1 ) Vlhen sixteen years old, Cather<strong>in</strong>e was adopted by<br />
Mr. and Idrs. Callaghan, lately l'eturned from abroad, who<br />
were old Protestant friends <strong>of</strong> the McAuley family.<br />
Her nevv guardians idolised Cather<strong>in</strong>e but were <strong>in</strong>flexible<br />
on one po<strong>in</strong>t - that she should not pr<strong>of</strong>ess the<br />
Catholic religion. Yet so deeply.did she revere her<br />
father's memory that she <strong>of</strong>fered· to rel<strong>in</strong>quish all, rather<br />
than embrace any religion but his,· and this, even though<br />
she was yet ignorant <strong>of</strong> Catholic ach<strong>in</strong>g and was denied<br />
any association with it. However, the strength <strong>of</strong> her convictions<br />
eventually secured her objective and she not only<br />
resumed the open practice <strong>of</strong> her religion, but ga<strong>in</strong>ed a<br />
victory over the prejudice <strong>of</strong> years by w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g her<br />
guardians themselves to e~)race the Catholic religion.<br />
Mr'. Callaghan who survived his wif'e by two ars died<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1822, leav<strong>in</strong>,e.· Cather<strong>in</strong>e his sole heiresr:;. (2) She was<br />
now mistress <strong>of</strong> his sta.tely residence 11 Coolock House with<br />
its plate, carriages and furniture, and <strong>in</strong>come <strong>of</strong> £600 a<br />
year· and a sum <strong>of</strong> £30,000 <strong>in</strong> the Bank <strong>of</strong> Ireland. 11<br />
Already<br />
1 .<br />
11<br />
Leaves from the Annals <strong>of</strong> the Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> 1 ', Nev1<br />
York 1881 Vol 1. page 10.<br />
2. Article <strong>in</strong> "<strong>Zealand</strong>ia 11 (IJirs.· Goulter) Auckland Nov.L5th.,1937
9<br />
her good father's exrunple had borne fruit and we f<strong>in</strong>d her,<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g leisure hours, distribut<strong>in</strong>g food and cloth<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
the poor, and visit<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>struct<strong>in</strong>g the sick <strong>of</strong> her<br />
neighbourhood. So when she came <strong>in</strong>to possession <strong>of</strong> this<br />
fortune she decided to devote her life to the succour<br />
<strong>of</strong> the poor, the sick, and the ignorant. (1). For their<br />
benefit she sacrificed all; "her time, ·which ladies <strong>of</strong>' her<br />
class were accustomed to 'Naste <strong>in</strong> pleasant distractions; her<br />
energy, which <strong>in</strong> those days <strong>of</strong> cheap labour she would<br />
never have been called upon to expend; 11 and her for·tune,<br />
which could give her a life <strong>of</strong> affluence and even <strong>of</strong> splendour.<br />
Almost irnmediatley after <strong>in</strong>herit<strong>in</strong>g her fortune, she<br />
gathered about her other, noble:...m<strong>in</strong>ded ladies whom she <strong>in</strong>spired<br />
with like, noble ideals and (2) on September 2LJ.th,<br />
1824, there was laid the foundation stones <strong>in</strong> Baggot Str'eet,<br />
Dubl<strong>in</strong>, <strong>of</strong> her first <strong>in</strong>stitution for destitute women and<br />
orphans, as wel1 as <strong>of</strong> a school for poor children.<br />
At thts<br />
stage she had no idea <strong>of</strong> form<strong>in</strong>g a religious order, but,<br />
with her "practical capacity as :3:n adm<strong>in</strong>istrator," she<br />
(3) saw that by form<strong>in</strong>g themselves.<strong>in</strong>to a religious congregation<br />
the good done by herself' and her colleagues<br />
could be cont<strong>in</strong>ued <strong>in</strong>def<strong>in</strong>itely <strong>in</strong> the future by those who<br />
would follow <strong>in</strong> her footsteps.<br />
(4) Hence after receiv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
1. M.C. McAuley·- An Appreciation- (Rev. S. Ryan S.J.)<br />
2. "Leaves frorn the Annals <strong>of</strong> the f3isters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> 11 Vol.1.<br />
pp. 21-22<br />
3. "An Appreciation" op. cit.<br />
4. Leaves from Annals. op. cit. pp. 33-67.<br />
THE LIBP.J!RY<br />
fARTERBURY UNIVERSITY COLLEG.S<br />
CHRlSTCHUHCH, N.Z.
10<br />
from Pope Pius V111 a Rescript <strong>of</strong> Indulgences dated l.iay ·<br />
.,<br />
23rd, 1830, Catheri.ne and two companions began a novitiate<br />
on September 8th, 1830, under the Presentation Sisters<br />
at Georges Hill, Dubl<strong>in</strong>. (1) Here on December 12th,<br />
1831, they took their vows as the first Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong>,<br />
Sister M. Cather<strong>in</strong>e be<strong>in</strong>g appo<strong>in</strong>ted first Superior. Almost<br />
<strong>in</strong>~ediately their zeal and charity were severely<br />
tested; for, <strong>in</strong> 1832,<br />
Dubl<strong>in</strong><br />
cholera stalked the streets <strong>of</strong><br />
and the Archbishop appealed to the Sisters on<br />
behalf <strong>of</strong> his suffer<strong>in</strong>g flock. (2) In answer to his<br />
appeal the Sisters, we are told, "lcnel t down to receive<br />
his bless<strong>in</strong>g &'1d then r•ose up and made the cholera hospital<br />
their home."<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the ten short years <strong>of</strong> her<br />
religious life Mother McAuley founded convents throughout<br />
Ireland and opened, <strong>in</strong> England, the first convent<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce the religious revolt <strong>of</strong> the sixteenth century.<br />
<strong>Lady</strong> Barbara Eyre, daughter <strong>of</strong> the Earl <strong>of</strong> <strong>New</strong>bury, vvas<br />
the first to receive the habit.<br />
Of the progress made<br />
by the Order we have the follovl<strong>in</strong>g from l.Iother EcAuley' s<br />
own pen<br />
( 3) "We are now ( 1839) above a hundred and desire<br />
to jo<strong>in</strong> us seems rather on the <strong>in</strong>crease. Though it was<br />
thought foundations would retard it, the case appears<br />
to be otherwise.''<br />
It was while engaged on the Birm<strong>in</strong>gham foundation September<br />
1. Ibid. Vol. 1. P. L~3.<br />
2. "IJeaves from the Annals <strong>of</strong> the Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong>."<br />
Vol. 1 . P. 315.<br />
3. Ibid. Vol. 1. P. 1L~.
11<br />
1841, that Mother McAuley's fail<strong>in</strong>g health disclosed<br />
. alarm<strong>in</strong>g symptoms. She died at Baggot Street on November<br />
11th that year.<br />
Though teach<strong>in</strong>g is the chief work <strong>of</strong> the Order <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Mercy</strong>, yet, when opportunity calls, the Sisters pass<br />
from class-room to hospital or sick-bed and, if need be,<br />
even to the battlefield. In 1854-6, <strong>in</strong> 1861, and aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />
1899, the Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> by their devoted service to the<br />
sick and wounded soldiers won the praise and esteem <strong>of</strong> all<br />
creeds.<br />
(1) On Friday, October 27, 1854 the first <strong>of</strong> several<br />
bands <strong>of</strong> Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> embarked on the "Vectis 11 bound<br />
fot the East. With.Florence Night<strong>in</strong>gale and Miss Stanley<br />
they showed themselves <strong>in</strong>defatigable <strong>in</strong> their efforts to<br />
soothe the awful suffer<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>of</strong> the plague-stricken and the<br />
wounded, on battlefield and <strong>in</strong> hospital, at Balaclava,<br />
Scutari, and Inkerrnann. (2) Two <strong>of</strong> the Sisters, victims <strong>of</strong><br />
cholera and typhus respectively, are buried on the bleak<br />
heights <strong>of</strong> Balaclava. Aga<strong>in</strong>, <strong>in</strong> the records <strong>of</strong> the American<br />
Civil War, we read <strong>of</strong> the devotion <strong>of</strong> the Sisters to the<br />
stricken soldiers <strong>of</strong> their adopted country. (3) In 1900 we<br />
f<strong>in</strong>d Queen Victoria giv<strong>in</strong>g a very cordial reception to the<br />
Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> vvho had worked so heroically dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
1. Annals <strong>of</strong> the Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> Vol. 11. p. 129.<br />
2. Ibid. pp. 197-198.<br />
3. Supplement to .N.Z. Catholic Schools Journal, September<br />
1932 (Aucldand. )
12<br />
the siege <strong>of</strong> Mefek<strong>in</strong>g. The Annals tell that while express<strong>in</strong>g<br />
her gratitude for their k<strong>in</strong>dness to the soldiers, her<br />
Majesty p<strong>in</strong>ned the Royal Red Cross on their guimpa.<br />
As Mother McAuley had foreseen, the good wor•k she<br />
began cont<strong>in</strong>ued after her death to make rapid progress<br />
so that with<strong>in</strong> a hundred years <strong>of</strong> its foundation the<br />
Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> had spread throughout the English-speak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
world.<br />
At St. Johns, <strong>New</strong>foundland the first house <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Order was opened <strong>in</strong> the rtestern Hemisphere and at<br />
Pi tts·burg 1843 the first Convent <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> <strong>in</strong> the United<br />
States. Soon afterwards not only convents and schools<br />
but orphanages, hospitals and homes for young women were<br />
established by the Sisters <strong>in</strong> Amei'ica, Australia, <strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Zealand</strong>. and South Africa.<br />
The Centenary <strong>of</strong> the OI'der was celebrated <strong>in</strong> 1931<br />
when the follow<strong>in</strong>g statistics <strong>of</strong> the Order were presented.<br />
Ireland<br />
England<br />
Scotland<br />
Channel Is.<br />
Australia<br />
<strong>New</strong> ZealwJ.d<br />
( 1 ) Co:tNENTS OP MERCY<br />
196.<br />
93.<br />
8.<br />
3.<br />
252.<br />
46.<br />
Africa<br />
B. \Vest Indies<br />
North Arne ric a<br />
South America<br />
Central America<br />
Total 1, 507 Convents; 20 ,L-1-62 Nuns.<br />
s.<br />
5.<br />
886.<br />
12.<br />
1. Supplement N.Z. Catholic Schools Journal, Septenilier 1932.
CHAPTER 11.<br />
THE COMING AND EARLY ACTIVITIES OF THE<br />
SISTERS OI' MEHCY<br />
13<br />
It was as a result <strong>of</strong> the concerted effort <strong>of</strong> French<br />
missionaries and Irish irmnigrants that the Catholic<br />
Church was established <strong>in</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>.<br />
In 1838 Monsignor<br />
Jean Baptiste Pompallier, newly-named Vicar Apostolic <strong>of</strong><br />
Wester·n Oceania <strong>of</strong> which <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> then formed a part,<br />
landed at Hokianga where he and. his <strong>in</strong>trepid band <strong>of</strong><br />
Marists were warmly welcomed by an Irish settler, Thomas<br />
Poynton, and vvhence he set for·th determ<strong>in</strong>ed to roughhew<br />
his way and blaze the trail for· his followers. In response<br />
to his appeals to Europe, priests trickled <strong>in</strong>to the country<br />
and accord<strong>in</strong>g as these became available, he established<br />
mission stations throughout the land. Realis<strong>in</strong>g the needs<br />
<strong>of</strong> his grow<strong>in</strong>g flock Bishop Pompallier embarked for Rome<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1846, and tvro years later, <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> was divided <strong>in</strong>to<br />
tvvo dioceses Auckland and V/ell<strong>in</strong>gton. Bishop Viard who had<br />
been Bishop Pompal1ier' f> coadjutor s<strong>in</strong>ce 1846, v1as appo<strong>in</strong>ted<br />
first Bishop <strong>of</strong> Well<strong>in</strong>gton with the Marist Fathers as his<br />
helpers, while Bishop Pompalliel" reta<strong>in</strong>ed the charge <strong>of</strong><br />
Aucklancl from which diocese the Marist Fathers were to<br />
withdraw <strong>in</strong> favour <strong>of</strong> secular clergy, as soon as the<br />
diocese was sufficiently staffed with priests.
14<br />
on his return joul"ney from Europe <strong>in</strong> 181+9,<br />
shop<br />
Pomp allier called at St. Leo 1 s Convent <strong>of</strong> b:ercy, Carlow,<br />
.<br />
Ireland, where he begged for volunteers for his remote<br />
sea-girt mis on. Mother Cecilia Uahe1~, then Superior <strong>of</strong><br />
the Carlow Convent, privately <strong>of</strong>fered hel~self' for the<br />
distant mission as did several other members <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Community.<br />
( 1) When it becarne known that Mother Cecilia<br />
Laher had volunteered, the whole community <strong>in</strong> a body besought<br />
Bishop Haly, then <strong>in</strong> c.harge <strong>of</strong> the diocese, to dissuade<br />
her.<br />
Though aware <strong>of</strong> the s<strong>in</strong>gular merit <strong>of</strong> their Superior•,<br />
this zealous pastor very pert<strong>in</strong>ently<br />
the Sisters how<br />
they, themselves, would have got the Pai th, if st. Patrick<br />
and St August<strong>in</strong>e had rema<strong>in</strong>ed at· 'home.<br />
though he was sorry to part with any<br />
He told them, that,<br />
them, God's glory<br />
demanded the sacrifice.<br />
So on August 8th, 1849, Mother<br />
Cecilia<br />
and seven companions set out from St.Leo's<br />
Carl ow, to travel to tbe remote enc,s <strong>of</strong> the earth there to<br />
carl"'Y on the works <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> -<br />
the amelioration <strong>of</strong> the spiritual<br />
educational and physical needs <strong>of</strong> the grow<strong>in</strong>g population.<br />
In<br />
Cross", one <strong>of</strong> <strong>New</strong><br />
aland's earliest newspr<strong>in</strong>ts,<br />
we f<strong>in</strong>d the follow<strong>in</strong>g, dated Friday, April 12th 1850:<br />
"Shipp<strong>in</strong>g Listtt<br />
April 9. -<br />
11<br />
0ceania", <strong>of</strong> Antwerp, 533 tons, Capta<strong>in</strong><br />
1 • ' 1 Leaves from the Annals" Vol 11. P 591.
1 5<br />
G-ustavus Radou, from Sydney, the 21st Uarch.<br />
Passengers: Bishop Pomp allier 10 (sic) Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> ... "<br />
11<br />
The <strong>New</strong> alander, 11 a contemporary Auckland <strong>New</strong>spaper,<br />
bear<strong>in</strong>g like date gives the names <strong>of</strong> those Sisters: "<br />
Iv!esdames I.larie hlaher, Elizabeth Hughes, Mary Pages, Mary<br />
Frankl<strong>in</strong>, Mary Maher, Elizabeth Taylor, MaryBannox and<br />
Mar·y Slattery."<br />
Thus after brav<strong>in</strong>g the rigours <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Atlantic and Pacific for eight months <strong>in</strong> a (1) 533-ton<br />
sail<strong>in</strong>g vessel~<br />
Mother Cecilia Maher and :per seven companions<br />
reached Auckland, then but a small struggl<strong>in</strong>g village,.<br />
where they were to establish themselves as the first<br />
religious community <strong>of</strong> women to set foot upon <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong><br />
soil. 1<br />
'The outhern Cross 11 has the follow<strong>in</strong>g account <strong>of</strong><br />
their land<strong>in</strong>g and welcome:<br />
11<br />
0n Tuesday afternoon a large<br />
assembl<br />
was gathered together at Smale's Po<strong>in</strong>t to<br />
witness the arrival <strong>of</strong> shop Pompallier, The wor>thy<br />
gentlel:ian had, however, debarl\:ed <strong>in</strong> private, and the crowd<br />
was gratified with a sight <strong>of</strong> the Sisters <strong>of</strong> Charity (sic),<br />
and several members <strong>of</strong> the Roman Catholic priesthood.<br />
As<br />
the bell was toll<strong>in</strong>g, a rush took place and the church·was<br />
speedily thr•onged by an eager auditory..<br />
Mass was celebrated<br />
and a 11 Te Deum" chanted with no <strong>in</strong>considerable ability by<br />
the choir especially considerj.ng the crowded state <strong>of</strong> the<br />
church and the excitement <strong>of</strong> the occasion. 11<br />
1. "The Southern Cross" April 12th, 1850, as recorded <strong>in</strong><br />
The Seventy Fifth Annivel"say (Bishop c::.eary) P·age 5.
16<br />
However, <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>terests <strong>of</strong> historical truth, we quote<br />
from a more accurate ace o~--
T.o the newcomers, Auckland presented a noYel picture <strong>of</strong><br />
17<br />
town life.<br />
Mother Cecilia describes the town <strong>of</strong> Auckland<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1850 (1) as "s<strong>in</strong>gular-look<strong>in</strong>g, partly <strong>in</strong> a valley and<br />
partly straggl<strong>in</strong>g up a hill;<br />
wooden houses, streets marked,<br />
but sparsely strewn with dwell<strong>in</strong>gs; grass ever~rNhere. 11<br />
(2) The European population <strong>of</strong> the Colon.:r ,then totalled<br />
about 30~000<br />
<strong>of</strong> whom 35 per cent wePe <strong>in</strong> Aucl\:land; 22 per<br />
cent <strong>in</strong> ';'!ell<strong>in</strong>gton;<br />
16. 6 per cent <strong>in</strong> Nelson; 12. 3 per cent<br />
<strong>in</strong> Canterbury; 7. 7 per cent <strong>in</strong> Otago and 6. L~. per cent <strong>in</strong> <strong>New</strong><br />
Plymouth.<br />
(3) Of the 105,000 Maoris then <strong>in</strong> the country more<br />
than tv;o-thii'ds dwelt <strong>in</strong> Auckland while fevver than 2,000 were<br />
then to be found <strong>in</strong> the South Island.<br />
The variety <strong>of</strong> the<br />
climate, the character <strong>of</strong> the e6il, and the nature <strong>of</strong> the<br />
surface-vegetation, largely deteri11<strong>in</strong>ed the distribution <strong>of</strong> the<br />
population so that, while some fortunate, fertile localities<br />
could support a fairly dense population, others -<br />
paPticularly<br />
such as were mounta<strong>in</strong>ous or su·bject to heavy ra<strong>in</strong>fall -<br />
were<br />
c;_ui te un<strong>in</strong>habited.<br />
The expansion o:f' Northern settlements .was<br />
difficult because <strong>of</strong> the hilly nature <strong>of</strong> the country, and<br />
it took stout hearts and broad backs to clear and burn through<br />
the dense forest <strong>in</strong> order to l<strong>in</strong>k by roads the various settlements,<br />
and thus enable out-settlers to carry their<br />
laboriously-procured produce to some convenient centre<br />
1. Annals, Vol 11. op. cit. p. 607.<br />
2. History <strong>of</strong> N.Z. (Rusden) Vol. 11 Published London 1882.<br />
3. "The Romance <strong>of</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>" (Horsley. )
from which it could be exported.<br />
18<br />
Gradually their unflagg<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry and the steady <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> population begot new<br />
c ondi tionf:~<br />
<strong>of</strong> life throughout the };;nd, so that<br />
J:J!other Cecilia I,·laher could write frm: Auckland -<br />
( 1) "No aristocracy here; all are comfortable.<br />
Immigrants are Irish or English."<br />
She gives the follow<strong>in</strong>g tariff <strong>of</strong> the necessaries <strong>of</strong> life<br />
<strong>in</strong> Auckland 1850;-<br />
11<br />
GooJ. tea, 1 s. 6d. per pound; sugar, 3d.; beef and<br />
mutton, very <strong>in</strong>ferior, 6d.; very good pork; 4d.; butter<br />
<strong>in</strong> summer 1 Od.; and <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter 2 or· 3 shill<strong>in</strong>gs; excellent<br />
potatoes very cheap. Servants £15 to £20 a year; washer<br />
·women, 2s. 6d. a day; mechanics, 7s. 6d.; labour•ers, 5s.<br />
No poverty where there was <strong>in</strong>dustry. 11<br />
S~ne<br />
years before the Sisters' arrival, (2)Father<br />
Petitjean had opened a schooi 11 for the children <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>unigrants 11<br />
and with the able assistance <strong>of</strong> stalwart laymen<br />
he pioneered the work <strong>of</strong> education.<br />
Hovvever, (3) it<br />
was not until the com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong>, <strong>in</strong> 1850,<br />
that the education <strong>of</strong> Catholic youth <strong>in</strong> Auckland became an<br />
organi undertak<strong>in</strong>g. In 1850 the Sisters took over<br />
Father Petitjean's school, knovm as 11 St. Patrick' s 11<br />
and soon<br />
they opened another - a sort <strong>of</strong> secondary school - dedicated<br />
to st. Ii'rancis.<br />
Their Schools began with seventy<br />
Catholics eight <strong>of</strong> whom were war-orphans and fi:Lteen Protestants.<br />
They also improvised <strong>in</strong> the :Lirst week and orphan~<br />
1. "Leaves from the lmnals" Vol. 11. pp. 600-601.<br />
2. "Auckland Times" March 9th 1843 (not signed)<br />
3. "Seventy-fifth Anniversary" (Dr. Cleary) Page 17 •.
age <strong>in</strong> which to provide for the children <strong>of</strong> soldiers who<br />
19<br />
had fallen <strong>in</strong> the Maori Wars. (1) Their efforts <strong>in</strong> this<br />
field vrere so successful that to-day they have tV'
20<br />
( 1 ) 11 re is a specimen <strong>of</strong> a Maori pupil; 11<br />
'One <strong>of</strong> our native girls has returned to her tribe.<br />
She is eight·een, very modest, religious, and edify<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
her conduct. She is very talented. After learn<strong>in</strong>~ to read<br />
and write her own language she was taught English, which<br />
she speaks nicely, but with a lisp. She reads and writes<br />
English well, went through with Arithmetic, and has a good<br />
idea geography. At exam<strong>in</strong>ations she was <strong>of</strong>ten asked to<br />
po<strong>in</strong>t out remarkable places on the rnap; her knowledge <strong>of</strong><br />
the equator, zones, etc., would surprise you.<br />
iron, knit stoclc<strong>in</strong>gs, crotchet, n~alce<br />
dresses.<br />
She can wash,<br />
and bake bread, cut out<br />
She helped to malce a rochet for the bishop; can<br />
scrub a house and put it <strong>in</strong> order.<br />
is regarded with admiration· by all.<br />
thirty <strong>of</strong> her· country girls (<strong>in</strong> the Bush).<br />
go to her'. 1 '<br />
As you may suppose, she<br />
She has a school <strong>of</strong><br />
.<br />
Some Europeans<br />
As a result <strong>of</strong> Mother Cecilia's earnest entreaties<br />
Carlow Convent opened a novitiate for Auckland and from<br />
time to time sent out re<strong>in</strong>forcements. (2) In 1857 a band<br />
<strong>of</strong> five Sisters about to embark at Chelsea, were visited<br />
and encoUJX:lged by Card<strong>in</strong>al Wiseman, who was deeply <strong>in</strong>terested<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>.<br />
(3) Of the next cont<strong>in</strong>gent which<br />
arrived <strong>in</strong> 1860, one member, Mother Bernard, the daughter <strong>of</strong><br />
--------------------------------<br />
1. Ibid Page 615.<br />
2. uLeaves from the Annals. 11 Vol. 11. p. 603.<br />
3. Seventy-fifth Anniversary. 11 (Dr. Cleary) p. ·24.
21<br />
General Sir Sheffield Dixon, and grand-daughter <strong>of</strong> the<br />
sixth Marquis <strong>of</strong> Lothian, had served <strong>in</strong> the Scutari Base<br />
Hospital and was dest<strong>in</strong>ed to f'Dund the first convent <strong>in</strong><br />
\Vell<strong>in</strong>gton <strong>in</strong> July, 1861.<br />
On ( 1) December 8th, 1861, Bishop Pompallier blessed<br />
the foundations <strong>of</strong> the present I\.fother House Mount Street,<br />
Ponsonby, and wrote the follow<strong>in</strong>g to .B 1 ather Therry <strong>of</strong><br />
Sydney:<br />
" ••• The Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> (have) a part <strong>of</strong> Diocesan<br />
ground <strong>of</strong>' eighteen ( 18) acres <strong>in</strong> extent near Auckland t t-self<br />
for religious, charitable, and educational purposes, v i"Z.:<br />
for their parent convent <strong>in</strong> the Diocese, for a Hospital,<br />
and for their vast establishments <strong>of</strong> board<strong>in</strong>g-schools<br />
<strong>in</strong> favoul' <strong>of</strong> bother races, 'whites and native' <strong>of</strong><br />
this countl'Y• The <strong>in</strong>tended establishment, not yet built,<br />
shall cost very likely between three and four thousand<br />
poUnds •••• To build it) I depend .on the charity <strong>of</strong> the<br />
faithful, and upon the assistance <strong>of</strong> God <strong>in</strong> His paternal<br />
providence. 11<br />
In 1852 the care <strong>of</strong> native children was handed over to<br />
Dr. Pmpallier' s new· Order c ed the Holy F'ami ly. Thie<br />
Order did not survive the<br />
shop's departure, and his<br />
niece, who was its Superior returned with him to Frsnce.<br />
Yet the existence <strong>of</strong> this Order is <strong>of</strong> historical <strong>in</strong>terest<br />
for tvvo reasons.<br />
Maori race who were undoubtedly<br />
take the veil.<br />
(2) It <strong>in</strong>cluded several members <strong>of</strong> the<br />
first liaori women to<br />
In that Order also we first meet the noblehearted<br />
Suzanna Aubert who, before found<strong>in</strong>g the Order <strong>of</strong><br />
the Sisters <strong>of</strong> Compassion, spent nearly a quarter <strong>of</strong> a<br />
1 • Ibid. p • 1 9.<br />
2.,<br />
11<br />
<strong>Zealand</strong>ia" (M. Goulter). November 18th, 1937.
22<br />
century among the natives, teach<strong>in</strong>g the children and<br />
assist<strong>in</strong>g the sick and aged.<br />
The Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> vvere devoted to the Maoris from<br />
the very start. ( 1) For Maori women who had to travel to<br />
Auckland <strong>in</strong> order to dispose <strong>of</strong> their vegetables and<br />
fruit, Mother Cecilia opened a house <strong>of</strong> hospitality with<br />
the idea <strong>of</strong> protect<strong>in</strong>g them from dangers to which they<br />
might f<strong>in</strong>d themselves exposed <strong>in</strong> undesirable board<strong>in</strong>ghouses.<br />
The Sisters were <strong>of</strong>ten impressed with the heroic<br />
virtue <strong>of</strong> the native girls under their care:<br />
( 2) 11 0nce," writes Mother Cecilia, 11 as our orphans and<br />
native girls were walk<strong>in</strong>g on the shore, one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
children clirnbed a rock overhang<strong>in</strong>g the sea; hel"' foot<br />
slipped and she fell down s .~me yards, and grasp<strong>in</strong>g some<br />
shrubs, scPeamed for help. The·situation was terrific; a<br />
priest and a settler looked on shudder<strong>in</strong>g. But one <strong>of</strong> the native<br />
children leaped like a deer down fror.1 the rock and seiz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the almost breathless child, bore hel" <strong>in</strong> triumph to her<br />
companions. 11<br />
Mother Cecilia's constant solicitude for the ~~laoris<br />
awakened <strong>in</strong> them a lively gratitude and. gave her such<br />
<strong>in</strong>fluence over them that a few words from her <strong>of</strong>ten made<br />
peace between hostile tribes. (3) On one occasion when<br />
tv1o rival tribes were on the po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> attack<strong>in</strong>g each other,<br />
t1other Cecilia sent them, by a friendly native, a flag on<br />
which was worked a dove beari<br />
an olive branch under which<br />
was <strong>in</strong>scribed the message .- "The sacred girls beg the<br />
1 •<br />
2.<br />
3.<br />
"Leaves from the Annals"<br />
11<br />
Leaves fran the Annals"<br />
Ibid. p. 607.<br />
Vol. 11 .. p. 615.<br />
Vol. 11. p. 605
23<br />
hostile parties to become good friends. 11<br />
At once both<br />
tribes yielded to her entr'eaties and hostilities wer·e<br />
averted.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g their second decade <strong>in</strong> the country <strong>of</strong> their•<br />
adoption the Sisters experienced the horrors <strong>of</strong> the<br />
devastat<strong>in</strong>g, hfaori Wars when they did much to assuage the<br />
suffer<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>of</strong> the distressed and afflicted. ':i'he~',<br />
themselves,<br />
suffered such extreme privations that <strong>in</strong> a letter<br />
Home, Mother Cecilia remarks that ( 1) there was not a<br />
s<strong>in</strong>gle pound.<strong>in</strong> the house.<br />
"It was with anxiety c::nd<br />
solicitude that they made out what was barely necessary. 11<br />
The Sisters were <strong>of</strong>ten impressed by the gratitude <strong>of</strong> the<br />
r,:aoris.<br />
Whenever the slightest danger threatened their<br />
dwell<strong>in</strong>g, both parties gave them notice and. assured them<br />
that, no matter what happened, the 'sacred girls' would<br />
be safe. ( 2) Once, <strong>in</strong> the thick <strong>of</strong> war, a chief at the<br />
risk <strong>of</strong> his life carne <strong>in</strong>to the harbour and call<strong>in</strong>g at the<br />
convent warned the Sisters to be ready to flee if the worst<br />
should. come.<br />
He endeavoured to allay their fears by<br />
pledg<strong>in</strong>g his word to give them timely notice and to convey<br />
them to secure refuge.<br />
the Sisters' work <strong>in</strong> Auckland dur<strong>in</strong>g this time<br />
Card<strong>in</strong>al hloran writes:<br />
(3) 11 They proved themselves true Apostles to both the<br />
1. "Leaves from the Annals." Vol 11. p. 619.<br />
2. Ibid. p. 608.<br />
3. Seventy-fifth Anniversary. p. 21.
2Lj.<br />
'-'uropean and the natives <strong>in</strong> Auckland and throughout the<br />
~!10 le Diocese. Amid the Vicissitudes· <strong>of</strong> that Diocese v;hen<br />
;.issions were forsaken, and when difficulties arose such as<br />
seldom have befallen a Colonial Diocese; for that suffer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
-~)lurch was for years encompassed on every side with the<br />
terrors and ravages <strong>of</strong> savage warfare, and 1, i th all its<br />
direful consequences, dissensions, desolation, ru<strong>in</strong>, and a<br />
crush<strong>in</strong>g burden <strong>of</strong> debt, nevertheless throughout that try<strong>in</strong>g<br />
t~eriod st. Mary's Convent <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> <strong>in</strong> Auckland was a t1>ue<br />
fortress <strong>of</strong> the faith, and handed on to the faithful <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Diocese the<br />
.<br />
tradition <strong>of</strong> piety and the bless<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>of</strong> religion."<br />
.<br />
Eighty years after their ari'ival, on the occasion <strong>of</strong><br />
the centennial celebrations <strong>of</strong> the Order <strong>in</strong> 1931, the Sisters'<br />
woric was still held <strong>in</strong> 1 ov<strong>in</strong>g rnernory.<br />
( 1) 11 'l 1 he arrival <strong>of</strong> the pioneer Sisters, 11 says a writer<br />
<strong>in</strong> '<strong>Zealand</strong>ia, ·' 11 dur<strong>in</strong>g the episcopate <strong>of</strong> His Lordship,<br />
Bishop Jean Baptiste Pompallier (whose memory is still deeply<br />
revered by ~he Maori people throughout <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>) was an<br />
epoch-mak<strong>in</strong>g event <strong>in</strong> the social and religious progress<br />
<strong>of</strong> this c Oil!ltry. 11<br />
"There<strong>in</strong> we are not f'orgetful <strong>of</strong> the fact that our<br />
people substantially participated <strong>in</strong> the benefits there<strong>of</strong> -<br />
for many <strong>of</strong> our women-folk o:t' the past, sever•al generations<br />
v1ere educated at the convent schools - and the names <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Sisters <strong>of</strong> l\lercy are held <strong>in</strong> household reverence <strong>in</strong> many<br />
homes. 11<br />
J:l'or nearly twenty years, l,Iother Cecilia and her<br />
c onmmni ty dwelt <strong>in</strong> a totter<strong>in</strong>g old house with I,ady Poverty<br />
as a constant companion.<br />
(2) Yet when the f<strong>in</strong>ancial crisis<br />
came <strong>in</strong> the wake <strong>of</strong> the Maori Wars, their five convents<br />
were found to be free <strong>of</strong> debt. However poorly the,y lived 9<br />
the culture <strong>of</strong> good books and good music was always<br />
cherished.<br />
Even Vihen poverty obliged them to economise <strong>in</strong><br />
food and cloth<strong>in</strong>g, the libr.aries were well stocked and<br />
1 •<br />
2.<br />
11<br />
Zeal andia 11 (M,. Gaul ter) NoveLiber 18th, 1937.<br />
Annals. Vol.·iL op. cit. p.619.
25<br />
every book that was a help to spirituality or education<br />
was ordered from Europe as soon as it appeared.<br />
(l)"Buy<br />
every good book for us" appears <strong>in</strong> lfother Cecilia's<br />
letters home alwost as fr·eq_uently as "send us subjects."<br />
In 1861 the present "Old Convent," St.l:Iary's, Ponsonby,<br />
becrune the Mother House, and Novitiate.<br />
For seventeen<br />
years this convent was hallowed by the presence <strong>of</strong><br />
Uother Cecilia and is still redolent <strong>of</strong> her self-sacrific<strong>in</strong>g<br />
spirit. Here still lives <strong>in</strong> her d~ughters,<br />
that wholehearted<br />
solicitude for the poor, the err<strong>in</strong>g, the sick<br />
and th.e orphaned.<br />
1. liLeaves from the Annals" Vol.ll. p. 632.
HOTHER CECILIA MAHER.<br />
26
27<br />
CHAPTER 11:l.<br />
MOTHEH CECILIA_ i',lAH}EH -<br />
A<strong>UC</strong>KLAND FOUNDATIONS<br />
<strong>of</strong> women pioneers <strong>of</strong> the Catholic Faith <strong>in</strong> <strong>New</strong><br />
zealand the name <strong>of</strong> ]',[other Cecilia (Ellen) Maher, like<br />
Abou Ben Adhem's name, might.easily lead all the rest.<br />
:1er arPival on these shores, at the head <strong>of</strong> the little<br />
band <strong>of</strong> Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> <strong>in</strong> ·J850, is a prom<strong>in</strong>ent landmarlc<br />
<strong>of</strong> Catholic Pl"ogress <strong>in</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>.<br />
Ellen Maher<br />
was born at ( 1 ) Fl~eshford,<br />
Co. Kill
28<br />
four years later, and with her outstand<strong>in</strong>z qualities <strong>of</strong><br />
m<strong>in</strong>d and heart vras elected S~perior<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Carlow Convent<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1842. This <strong>of</strong>fice she still filled when, <strong>in</strong> 1849,<br />
she generously answered Bishop p;)mpallier' s appeal f'or<br />
volunteers for his hazardous mission <strong>in</strong> a land shalcen<br />
by earthquakes and distressed by native wars.<br />
r brave<br />
and cheerful spirit counted not the cost, nor did it<br />
suggest to her that on accoui1t <strong>of</strong> age -<br />
she was nmv past<br />
her prime -<br />
she might well co:r.unend to someone younger,<br />
the sponsor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> such an arduous underta1c<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Prom<br />
her sev~n<br />
yeaPs' experience as Mother Superior <strong>in</strong><br />
Carlow, L~other<br />
Cecilia well icnew the burdensome cares<br />
attached to that<br />
fice, yet from' 1850 to 1868, she bore<br />
that ydce unfl<strong>in</strong>ch<strong>in</strong>gly, guid<strong>in</strong>g her Auckland c onununi ty<br />
through the toilsome years <strong>of</strong> furPow digg<strong>in</strong>g by "super<strong>in</strong>- (1)<br />
tend<strong>in</strong>g every detail connected. with the pioneer<strong>in</strong>g vroPk<br />
<strong>of</strong> the young cmrununi ty. 11<br />
Pi red with apostolic zeal r3.nd<br />
defiant <strong>of</strong> danger, ther•e hover•ed about her a radiance <strong>of</strong><br />
love and helpfulness as she struggled heroically with the<br />
scantiest resources to secure a foothold <strong>in</strong> the land <strong>of</strong> her<br />
adoption. Her (~) ardent piety and high executive ability<br />
so noteworthy <strong>in</strong> her life <strong>in</strong> Auckland, nave becone<br />
a treasured tradition.<br />
In 1868 she was given a well-<br />
1. nseventy-fifth Ann::..versary'' op. cit. Page<br />
2. Ibid. Page 23.
earned rest from her adm<strong>in</strong>istrative duties but was<br />
obliged<br />
29<br />
to resume <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>in</strong> 1871. Now, as before <strong>in</strong> her role as<br />
adrn<strong>in</strong>istrator or the affairs <strong>of</strong> the community, she displayed<br />
a keeness <strong>of</strong> discerrunent and an ad~ptation <strong>of</strong> means<br />
to the end, while ·always there was<br />
the sam,e compass <strong>of</strong> w<strong>in</strong>d<br />
the same. good sense.<br />
Ever cheerful, even when a loser,<br />
she served as a constant source <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>spiration to those<br />
aro,~.nd her. Her overwhelm<strong>in</strong>g earnestness, and the spirit<br />
she <strong>in</strong>fused <strong>in</strong>to all with whom<br />
she came <strong>in</strong> contact, .largely<br />
contributed to the perpetuation <strong>in</strong> the Auckland community<br />
<strong>of</strong> the real spirit <strong>of</strong> Cather<strong>in</strong>e. ticAuley.<br />
From Mother<br />
Cecilia hel~<br />
that should<br />
subjects imbibed the (1) Christlike spirit<br />
animate the approach to, and the sol uti ::m <strong>of</strong>,<br />
the problems connected with the poor, the suffer<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
and the neglected <strong>of</strong> humanity.<br />
J?or Maori and vlhi te<br />
alilce, she had the vvorcl <strong>of</strong>' personal appeal and <strong>in</strong>spiration,<br />
which particularly suited each case, her exhortations<br />
assum<strong>in</strong>g the form surest to impress the soul she desired<br />
to reach. Hav<strong>in</strong>g fully demonstrated by her life, (2)<br />
what charity means, what service means, what true progress<br />
means, her<br />
ow<strong>in</strong>g heart poured out its last words <strong>of</strong><br />
hope and consolation on November 25th, ·1878.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the two days that her rema<strong>in</strong>s lay <strong>in</strong> state <strong>in</strong> the convent<br />
chapel. she had loved so well, (3)<br />
crowds wllom she<br />
1 • Gately. op. cit. p~e 5.<br />
2. Pamphlet C. '1. 1 • S. t~elbourne. Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> - Centenax•y<br />
3. "<strong>Zealand</strong>· u (G lt ) 1931-W.J. Lock<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
la<br />
S.J.<br />
:rou er Nov.18, 1937.
had taught as well as numbers <strong>of</strong> non-Catholics whom she<br />
had befriended, carue to pay her their last respects. After<br />
Requiem Mass she was borne by ten Sisters to her last<br />
30<br />
rest<strong>in</strong>g place <strong>in</strong> Mount st. Mary's Cemetery.<br />
(1). If, as scientists tell us 1 not a leaf falls to the<br />
ground, not a pebble rolls upon the shore without <strong>in</strong> some<br />
1:1easure affect<strong>in</strong>g the harmony <strong>of</strong> the universe, what<br />
trer;1endous forces must have been put <strong>in</strong> motion, chang<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the cowardice <strong>of</strong> weru{ness <strong>in</strong>to strength <strong>of</strong> endeavour,<br />
round<strong>in</strong>g irnrnature impulse <strong>in</strong>to the shapel<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>of</strong> fixed<br />
purpose and keep<strong>in</strong>g alive the fire <strong>of</strong> prayerful devotion<br />
i~ the dark places <strong>of</strong> life, by the union <strong>of</strong> faith and<br />
good works which marked the earthly career or lilother<br />
Cecilia!<br />
( 2). FOUNJJATIONS SCHOOLfi.<br />
ST. EAR~~-PONSONBY:<br />
In a small wooden build<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
st. Patrick Is' Hobson Street' Aucl
31<br />
convent proper, a f<strong>in</strong>e board<strong>in</strong>g and day school for seconda1·y<br />
pupils, an orphanage for girls, and St.Joseph's, a primary<br />
school.<br />
However! schCJol accom.mcdat:Lon was still<br />
<strong>in</strong>adequate and aftel" the form<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the Sacred Heart<br />
parish <strong>in</strong> 1886 the church was used as a school.<br />
Roll<br />
nwnbers <strong>in</strong>creased and <strong>in</strong> 1.893 we f<strong>in</strong>d three Si<br />
ers <strong>of</strong><br />
1.:ercy and J.liss Foote teacll<strong>in</strong>e; <strong>in</strong> the church some 150<br />
pupils.<br />
In 1895 Sacred Heart Girl's School was opened, <strong>in</strong><br />
which girls and boys were taught. until 1913 when with the<br />
open<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong><br />
the Vermont Street Schools, the Marist Brothers<br />
too~;: over the boys. In 1929 ·at a cost <strong>of</strong> £36,000 st.<br />
r.;ary' s board<strong>in</strong>g and day schools gave ;Jlace to the<br />
present superstructure <strong>in</strong> Spanish Mission style <strong>of</strong><br />
archi tecttu•e so attractively girt \Vi th neat lavvns and<br />
friendly t:r·ees.<br />
The traditions <strong>of</strong> many generati01l2 <strong>of</strong><br />
successful pupils comb<strong>in</strong>ed with the most modern equipment<br />
for the irnpar•t<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> a many sided education by tra<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
teachers, several <strong>of</strong> \Yhom are University graduates, are<br />
marked features <strong>of</strong> st. Mary's College.<br />
The annual successes<br />
<strong>of</strong> the pupils <strong>in</strong> University and other public exam<strong>in</strong>ations<br />
v.;here<strong>in</strong> they hold their own with the public schools and<br />
:::alleges <strong>of</strong> the Dora<strong>in</strong>i on, together with the results which<br />
are achieved by its pupils <strong>in</strong> the exam.i.nations held by the<br />
two lead<strong>in</strong>g London Colleges <strong>of</strong> 1~usic - Tr<strong>in</strong>ity College and<br />
the Associated Board <strong>of</strong> Music -<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ue to give evidence
32<br />
<strong>of</strong> the high standard <strong>of</strong> wo:r'k ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed thl~oughout<br />
St. Mary's<br />
college.<br />
practice the i<br />
In addition~ the pupils are taught to put <strong>in</strong>to<br />
/<br />
als <strong>of</strong> Catholic education which Card<strong>in</strong>al<br />
Nemnan has epitomised as follows:-<br />
"I wish the <strong>in</strong>te ect to range with the utmost freedor:1,<br />
but what I am stipulat<strong>in</strong>g for is, that they should be<br />
round <strong>in</strong> one and the same place, and exemplified <strong>in</strong> the<br />
same person. I vvant the same ro<strong>of</strong> to conta<strong>in</strong> both the<br />
<strong>in</strong>tellectual and moral discipl<strong>in</strong>e. 11<br />
A junior <strong>Mercy</strong> Guild by its activities keeps the school<br />
children <strong>in</strong> touch with the needy, and an enthusiastic Old<br />
Girls' Association unites ex-students who joyfully look<br />
f o rv1ard to their ra-union$.<br />
1 85Q_z_ 8'-". PATRICK' 8 A<strong>UC</strong>;~LANl): T H , the first school <strong>in</strong><br />
v;hich the Sisters taught, gave place <strong>in</strong> 1880 to the new·<br />
convent and schools erected by Archbishop Ste<strong>in</strong>s, S.J. on<br />
the<br />
te now occupied by the l!,ai'mers' Parlc<strong>in</strong>g Area, corner<br />
<strong>of</strong> Hobson and Wyndham Streets. Thousands <strong>of</strong> scholars<br />
conned their daily tasks <strong>in</strong> this school which <strong>in</strong> time gav:e<br />
way to the new st. Patriclc' s, a handsome brick build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
erec<br />
d on a new site and adorned with the wooden crosses<br />
<strong>of</strong> "Old St. Patrick's," which it st<br />
rears al<strong>of</strong>t as it<br />
dail~r gathers <strong>in</strong> its three • hundred pupils. To this primary<br />
school is. attached a registered Technical School <strong>in</strong> which<br />
pupils pursue an efficient post-primary course.<br />
j_862, ST. JOHN'SLPARNSLL:<br />
A little cottage, to which the<br />
Sisters either wallced or drove <strong>in</strong> the Bishop's carriage,
";er·red for years as the first convent school hex•e.<br />
33<br />
st. John's was opened <strong>in</strong> 1862 by S.M.<br />
s, S.M. de<br />
Chantal and S.M. Ignatius. The present attendance is round<br />
1 oo.<br />
--<br />
1 861.+. Joseph's,.Onehunga~ Here S.M. Philomena,<br />
3 .1.!. Veronica and Sister r.larie opened a school for girls <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong> 1905 b were admitted. The roll is 263<br />
1866. st. Cecilia I ~Q_tahuhtU This school, founded by<br />
s.J.f. s, S,I,i. Philomena and S.I.I. Scholastica ,, has now<br />
a daily attendance <strong>of</strong> about 215.<br />
In 1874 the ~)is ters opened<br />
st. Thomas's, Thames, which <strong>in</strong> 1911 they gave over to the<br />
Sister~<br />
<strong>of</strong> St. Joseph.<br />
1882. st. I.Iary' ~Q._ramandel__;_ The re site funds for the<br />
bui <strong>of</strong> this convent were collect by Rev. Fathe:t:><br />
;,;ahoney, 0. F. M., V. G.<br />
The first Sisters to go there were<br />
S.M. Gabriel, S.Ivl. Barbara, S.B. Alphonsus.<br />
When nurses were<br />
badly needed <strong>in</strong> Coromandel, Sisters from this convent<br />
attended the public hospital<br />
daily~ anQ when the new public<br />
hospital was built there, <strong>in</strong> 1896, the Sisters took temporary<br />
charge and lived there until the open<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> their<br />
own hlater Hospital <strong>in</strong> 1900.<br />
1894. st. Joseph's 0r2hanage, Trucapuna: On their arrival<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> <strong>in</strong> 1850 the Sisters relieved the r~rarist<br />
Fathers <strong>of</strong> the responsibility <strong>of</strong> look<strong>in</strong>g after eight<br />
orphans, children <strong>of</strong> soldiers who had fallen <strong>in</strong> the Northern<br />
~aori Wars. In 1894 S.M. Alphonsus and S.M. ~ildred
34<br />
established st. Joseph's Orphanage at Talcapuna and <strong>in</strong> 1300<br />
·Nhen the board<strong>in</strong>g-out system was begun, an <strong>in</strong>dustrial school<br />
was opened.<br />
<strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g year -~t<br />
Fire destroyed the orphanage <strong>in</strong> 1923 and<br />
Archbishop Cattaneo and Lord Jellicoe.<br />
was rebuilt, and reopened by<br />
By 1927 the orig<strong>in</strong>al<br />
eight orphans had given place to hundreds and a new feature,<br />
that year, was the admission <strong>of</strong> bo·'s <strong>of</strong> the parish to the<br />
day school.<br />
·1896. st. Leo's, Devon12ort.: 'l'his school, called after the<br />
gl:'eat parent-house Carlow, vVaB<br />
opened by S.M. Peter,<br />
S.l.I. Columba and G.l.I. Stanislaus with a roll-call <strong>of</strong><br />
seventy children. The present roll is 125.<br />
1902. St •. Cather~ne's, Waihi: This, the first <strong>Mercy</strong> Convent<br />
opened <strong>in</strong> the present century <strong>in</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>, had for its<br />
"<br />
orig<strong>in</strong>al staff four Sisters, S.M. Francesca, S.M. Ray:mond,<br />
S.M. Frances and S.M. Stanislaus.<br />
It has six Sisters on the<br />
staff now and a roll <strong>of</strong> 100.<br />
1903. Te Aroha, OUr L~ <strong>of</strong> Lourdes: From the outly<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
scattered dairy-farms <strong>of</strong> this district two Sisters, Sister<br />
Mary Patrick and S.M. Columba, gathered. <strong>in</strong> thirty children<br />
with whom they opened this school <strong>in</strong> 1903. The roll has<br />
now risen to 188. In 1904 the Sisters opened St. Dom<strong>in</strong>ic's<br />
Convent, Gisborne, but <strong>in</strong> 1915 this convent was talcen over<br />
by the Sisters' <strong>of</strong> St. Joseph .<br />
.1~ Holu: Cr'oss 2 EJ2som: Three oisters, S.M. Benignus,
s.J 1<br />
l.<br />
Borrorneo and s.r,L Cecilia began work here <strong>in</strong> 1921 but<br />
35<br />
the build<strong>in</strong>g was burnt to the ground <strong>in</strong> 1928 when the<br />
were lent the presbytery by the late Rev. T.J. O'Byrne.<br />
sters<br />
The<br />
con vent vtas <strong>in</strong>unediately l"ebuil t and has now a roll <strong>of</strong> 1<br />
Desides the work <strong>of</strong> teach<strong>in</strong>g and the visitation <strong>in</strong> their<br />
homes <strong>of</strong> the sick poor, the Sisters also visit the Auclcle.nd<br />
I nfi rrnary.<br />
1)22. Iiiount Carmel, l1iilford: With the <strong>in</strong>tention <strong>of</strong> provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a rest-house women this house was opened. Hovvever,<br />
it has so far been used as a school for boys under<br />
twelve.<br />
rrhis foundation i.s <strong>of</strong> particular <strong>in</strong>te:t•est because<br />
the property adjo<strong>in</strong>s the farm and home<br />
ad <strong>of</strong> Thomas and<br />
Lary Poynton, whose daughter, !iirs. Shea, gave them to the<br />
Sisters.<br />
1223. St. Br·ide' s, Avondale: From a beg<strong>in</strong>11<strong>in</strong>g uad.e b;J five<br />
Sisters, S.M. Berchmans, S.M. I1~onica,<br />
S.Ivi. Josepha,<br />
S. Li. Aloysius and S. £,1. Mal achy 'l'li th eighty-tvYo childl"en<br />
this school has <strong>in</strong>creased its st to seven Si and its<br />
roll to 200. Three sters who serve Holy Cross, Henderson,<br />
reside here •<br />
.:!3.£2..! .... ........:?t ar <strong>of</strong> the Sea OrphanB£_~_:_.tJ.ov{j.ck: Prorn 1913 the<br />
''Pah 11<br />
had been used by the Sisters as a girls' orphanage<br />
but <strong>in</strong> 1925 the girls moved <strong>in</strong>to "Star <strong>of</strong> the Sea~ a new<br />
build<strong>in</strong>g, par"t <strong>of</strong>' which was <strong>of</strong> vrood. The v10oden part was<br />
destroyed by fire <strong>in</strong> 1929 a:nc. the follovv<strong>in</strong>g year saw the<br />
erection <strong>of</strong> the new block together with the beautiful<br />
Bishop - Cleary - Memorial Chapel - a fitt<strong>in</strong>g tribute to him
36<br />
who so loved the orphans.<br />
1926. r.;onte Cecilia College, Hillsborough H.d. ~ Onehunga:<br />
The residence knovm as the "Pah, 11 a build<strong>in</strong>g historic<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest, was purchased by the Sisters <strong>in</strong> 1913 and used as<br />
an orphanage until 1925, <strong>in</strong> vFhich year, it was turned <strong>in</strong>to a<br />
board<strong>in</strong>g school for bo;{s too young for t'.n ord<strong>in</strong>ary college.<br />
The children <strong>of</strong> the surround<strong>in</strong>g district were also admitted<br />
to th~<br />
day school.<br />
1 927. St. Iviary 1 s, Pawarenga :. The natives <strong>of</strong> this district<br />
';rere visited by Rev.<br />
Pathers Servant and Baty S.M. as far<br />
back as 1839. Four Sisters, S~l.I. Anselm, S.J·,~. J:,Iarcel<br />
s .. M.<br />
Helen and s.r,I. Cyril founded this school for the<br />
natives <strong>in</strong> 1927. The number attend<strong>in</strong>g is 92.<br />
11<br />
'rhe ( 1 ) Sisters<br />
conduct several schools for the native children, one at<br />
Whang<br />
e, an almost <strong>in</strong>accessible po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong> the extreme north<br />
<strong>of</strong> the North Island, where the little Maoris endear themselves<br />
to the Religious by their docility, <strong>in</strong>telligence and<br />
eagerness for <strong>in</strong>struction .<br />
.:l_ll?__.___Holy Cross, Henderson:<br />
This school as has been stated<br />
is serv by three Sisters who reside at St. Bride t s,<br />
Avondale. The roll is 115.<br />
( 2) Hosni tals: As the care <strong>of</strong> the sick is one <strong>of</strong> the cherished<br />
works <strong>of</strong> the Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong>, th·<br />
sters eagerly longed for<br />
·---·---- --- ..... ·---·<br />
1. Gately op. cit. p. 221.<br />
2. Supplement N.Z. Herald Feb. 23rd. 1938, (not signed.)<br />
11<br />
Zea1andialf (Goulter) Nov. 18th, 1937.<br />
Correspondence with Auckland Sisters.
37<br />
the day vvhen they would be able to open a hospital <strong>in</strong><br />
Auckland.<br />
At last the time seemed ripe for such an undertak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and on November 7th, 1900 the Sisters purchas<br />
a<br />
large private residence <strong>in</strong> Mounta<strong>in</strong> Road, on the northern<br />
slope <strong>of</strong> r.;ount Eden.<br />
With M.lii.IGnatius as Superior, and a<br />
staff <strong>of</strong> three Sisters and five nurses, the hospital<br />
entered on its career vii th eight patients, an6. after<br />
twenty years<br />
endur<strong>in</strong>g labour• was qu1 te free from debt.<br />
Then the need for greater aoconunodation was felt and soon a<br />
two storey brick build<strong>in</strong>g 'Nas added.<br />
By 1925 this too<br />
proved <strong>in</strong>adeccluate for their vrork and to comrnemorate the<br />
Silver Jubl<br />
e a f<strong>in</strong>e, large residence was co:r.verted <strong>in</strong>to<br />
a convent and chap and named "St. Ignatius 11 after the<br />
hospit foundress. As the tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the Sisters was <strong>of</strong><br />
vi t<br />
importance, several, vvho showed aptitude for the<br />
nurs<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>of</strong>ession, were sent to the lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stitutes <strong>in</strong><br />
Australia, St. V<strong>in</strong>cent's Hospital and the Mater Hospital,<br />
::lydney, where they specialised <strong>in</strong> several branches <strong>of</strong><br />
hospital nurs<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The thorough tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g ga<strong>in</strong>ed there formed<br />
the firm foundation for the strik<strong>in</strong>,:?; success and exc<br />
tional<br />
speed with which they have pressed onward for the<br />
thirty-n<strong>in</strong>e years <strong>of</strong> the present century.<br />
After the passage<br />
<strong>of</strong> legislation enabl<strong>in</strong>g approved,privately-owned hospitals<br />
to tra<strong>in</strong> nurses the Sisters pursued the irlea <strong>of</strong>' build<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
new hospital <strong>of</strong> the most modern style.<br />
For this purpose
liiother M.<br />
38<br />
G::mzaga and I.lother M. Agnes, nurs<strong>in</strong>g enthusiasts,<br />
were sent to America to see there all m:JclePn hospitals and<br />
appliances.<br />
As the Sisters travelled through the United<br />
states and Canada they visited each hospital <strong>of</strong> note, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the famous J..Iayo Cl<strong>in</strong>ic, and culled from each, wiclel,<br />
knowledge and experience.<br />
As a Pesult <strong>of</strong> that visit there<br />
now stands on the slopes <strong>of</strong> T;Iount Eden, a magnificent !':later<br />
I'Hsericordiae Hospital r1ith every conceivable convenience.<br />
This towe:c<strong>in</strong>g edifice can accornmodate one hunclr>,::cl and<br />
twenty patients and is c Olllhilete with the world's latest and<br />
best <strong>in</strong> hos: i tal appliances as well as x-ray rooms, private<br />
rooms a-la-Llode ancl pleasant public wards.<br />
In these vrar>ds the<br />
Sisters delight to lavish on the poor that lov<strong>in</strong>g car>e<br />
and attention <strong>in</strong>culcated by their revered foundress.<br />
The<br />
hospital is well staffed with twenty-three Sisters, fiftysix<br />
nurses and very full adm<strong>in</strong>istrative ancl domestic staffs.<br />
The two foundresses, !Jother r..r. Gonzaga and Eother I·,I. Agnes<br />
are still <strong>in</strong> charge <strong>of</strong> the <strong>in</strong>stitution and have grateful<br />
memories <strong>of</strong> the susta<strong>in</strong>ed progress ·;rhich it has made. On ( 1)<br />
Jan. 1st, 1937 the Mater Misericordiae was <strong>of</strong>ficially registered<br />
as an apprQVed, private hospital with Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
School capa.ble <strong>of</strong> tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g nurses.<br />
Ever solicitous for the<br />
happ<strong>in</strong>ess and '
38B.<br />
for them <strong>in</strong> 1938<br />
11<br />
a c omf'ortable, even stylish home" to<br />
vrllich they retire clur<strong>in</strong>2 their hours <strong>of</strong> rest and leisure.<br />
As testimony <strong>of</strong> the high esteeo <strong>in</strong> which the Sisters are<br />
held ·by the med.ical pr•<strong>of</strong>ession we have the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tribute from hlr. Frank Macky, President <strong>of</strong> the Auc~land<br />
Division <strong>of</strong> the British Uedical ~ssociation:<br />
(2) "The :~Jiste:r·s have eEn•ned the esteen o:C the pr<strong>of</strong>'essi.<br />
n thr'oughout the \Vorld. They have earned it <strong>in</strong> an<br />
unlimited sense for their enterprise, for their read<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
always to zo to t~~ last degree beyond the limits <strong>of</strong> a<br />
meagr•e pur:3e <strong>in</strong> the provision o:t' hospital acco[-Lmodati:~Jn<br />
and facilities. 'rhey m•e to be admired for• their :faith,<br />
and :f'oc:· t~~e c '):'Viction that 3 job rrell clone will earn its<br />
o·.ir. r'ertard. ''<br />
I,U;:evvise the ~.lister's are loud <strong>in</strong> their• praise <strong>of</strong> ti1e<br />
weH:ber•s oi' the n,:;Ci.ical lH':Jfession.<br />
'l'hey :eealise that the<br />
public warQs, <strong>in</strong> which doctors generou~ly atten~ <strong>in</strong> an<br />
honorery capacity; frequently r/i tness scenes <strong>of</strong> noble self<br />
sacrifice and sublir::e, .unostentiltious endu:r.'ance \J.nequallec_<br />
elsewhere; show<strong>in</strong>g as Pope says that:<br />
11<br />
In Faith anc_ Hope the world \7ill disagree,<br />
But all I.Iank<strong>in</strong>cl's concer>n is Charity."
39<br />
G!lA.FVEH 1 'T.<br />
-·----<br />
r; G ,_, o r:.<br />
~arly <strong>in</strong> 1850 Bishop Viard ~ith five !~rist 7athers<br />
and ten Brothers left Auckland for the ne~ly-created<br />
Diocese <strong>of</strong> ~rell<strong>in</strong>~ton ',\'11ic:: hr:d been entrust to the<br />
Dociety <strong>of</strong> =~ry. Shortly (l) after his arrivnl the shor1<br />
directed the build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> a ~athedral,<br />
presbytery and<br />
convent, and petitioned Aucl:land and I!elbourne for Sisters<br />
<strong>of</strong> :.:ercy to teach the children v:ho ·were _y;rov:i<br />
up '::i thout<br />
an? education, religious or secular.<br />
Sisters could then be<br />
only JITOtlised, and l)fmd1ng their .arrival he sta:"'fed tJ:e<br />
schools •.:i th four your:n; ladies '\'.'ho ;::ere desirous <strong>of</strong> becol"l<strong>in</strong>g<br />
nun.:;, anc1<br />
on Gepte:1ber f3th, 1850 OTJener1 .St. r:ar:r's,<br />
the :tst Catholic Girls I f.~chool' <strong>in</strong> '.'fell<strong>in</strong>r:;ton. ( 2) mhe<br />
two-acre sitE~, the town be , on v:!lich the convent \vas<br />
built y,•as the<br />
f't o:" 7oord r·ctre, \\'hose daughter BUbsequently<br />
beca:1e a 1 .1ell<strong>in</strong>c;ton f)ister. <strong>of</strong> l ~ercy.<br />
In 1861, the<br />
fai thfu.l :·:other Cecilia l:ep~c<br />
her Dronise and sent the<br />
Bishop three volunteers frau ./:..uol:land, 8. E. August<strong>in</strong>e<br />
·who had served at Gcutari, ''nd<br />
f;is ter ~'arie, a tulant, to establish tht.."l first convent<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1 dell<strong>in</strong>[ston. ( 3) ':'he tmm then extended ~'la<strong>in</strong>ly<br />
alons the<br />
beach aYlC. held a roimlRtion <strong>of</strong> nome f.i ve hundred, <strong>of</strong> whon<br />
1. "Zealn.ndia" L'ov. 18th, 1£3'7. (lr. Goulter)<br />
2. ".Annals!! o;;. cit. }'a-:;e o34.<br />
3. Ibid. p. 634.
40<br />
only forty were Catholic adults, while those <strong>in</strong> the outly<strong>in</strong>g<br />
districts, "dwellers <strong>in</strong> the pathless woods 11<br />
on account<br />
<strong>of</strong> bad roads or tr~acks,<br />
their town neighbours.<br />
were almost completely isolated from<br />
However, despite the small p·roportion<br />
<strong>of</strong> Catholic adults, the Sisters took charge <strong>of</strong> over (1) sixty<br />
children <strong>in</strong> the primary grades and forty-four others <strong>in</strong>elud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
t·wenty boarders, ready to start at the High School.<br />
Though by this time the natural wealth <strong>of</strong> the country vras<br />
'becom<strong>in</strong>g known and appreciated, the Sisters found their<br />
first twelve years <strong>in</strong> Well<strong>in</strong>gton the leanest imag<strong>in</strong>able.<br />
They experienced the chill<br />
meagre and uncerta<strong>in</strong> resources,<br />
the cramp <strong>of</strong> quarters so strai teneci that one ( 2)<br />
roop1 served as <strong>in</strong>firmary, community room, music-room and<br />
parlour, and the utmost anxiety on account <strong>of</strong> a staff<br />
numerically <strong>in</strong>adequate to cope 'iVi th the denanrl3 <strong>of</strong> ever<br />
<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g numbers <strong>of</strong> pupils.<br />
Yet, they pressed on, seek<strong>in</strong>g<br />
help from diverse sources until, <strong>in</strong> 1873, the <strong>in</strong>tensity <strong>of</strong><br />
their plight wrung from Lather :rA.<br />
Ursula Frayne <strong>of</strong><br />
l'.:elbourne two <strong>of</strong> her community - t~Jother 1.1. Cecilia Benbow<br />
and L:other I:l. Xavier Butler -<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ed to put St. Hary' s<br />
on its feet.<br />
Heartened by the potent enthusiasm· <strong>of</strong> the new<br />
Sisters the little group struggled on and slowly, but steadil;,\<br />
the tide turned <strong>in</strong> their favour.<br />
Better hous<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
1. · "<strong>Zealand</strong>ia 11 Nov. 18th, 1937.<br />
2. "Annals 11 op. cit. p. 636.<br />
( '' l'.i.<br />
Goulter.)
more spac,ious class-roorr.sbecaJne a necessity; so <strong>in</strong> 1876<br />
41<br />
( 1 ) Mother Cecilia Benbow left for> Europe <strong>in</strong> search <strong>of</strong> teachers<br />
nnd funds and returned t·.:ro years later VIi th sixteen Sisters<br />
and £2,000.<br />
She lost no time <strong>in</strong> direci<strong>in</strong>g the build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong><br />
new prenlises and before the year was out the present convent<br />
sroup, st. Uar~rr sr Hill Street, had been erected.<br />
Prom its<br />
<strong>in</strong>ception St. llary' s High School has stood for the best <strong>in</strong><br />
higher education; it aims at the ~ra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> young women<br />
for efficiency <strong>in</strong> th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>tellectual and social but its<br />
chief care is the development <strong>of</strong> character accord<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />
ideals <strong>of</strong> true Catholic woman~1ooc1.<br />
truly a picked band, children <strong>of</strong><br />
(2) Its first pupils were<br />
ioneers v7hose own (3) <strong>in</strong>tellectual<br />
pursuits had, perfo1·ce, to give way to susta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
effort <strong>in</strong> order to wr·est a livelihood from virg<strong>in</strong> soil. V.li th<br />
these pioneers (l.i.) 11 education was almost a passion 11<br />
and we<br />
are not surprised to f<strong>in</strong>d their daughters travellj.ng to<br />
school <strong>in</strong> a sail<strong>in</strong>g ship and liv<strong>in</strong>g on ship's biscuit and<br />
salt pork vvhen contrary w<strong>in</strong>ds made the journey longer than<br />
they had anticipated. So perilous were these journey<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
to and from sc~wol,<br />
that fwmetirnes on their return after the<br />
holidays, the children found the ;")lster·s pray<strong>in</strong>g for their<br />
souls as for those lost at sea.<br />
It was not any catalogued<br />
number <strong>of</strong> courses which the school pr<strong>of</strong>essed, that <strong>in</strong>duced these<br />
1 •<br />
2.<br />
3.<br />
4 ..<br />
11<br />
Ze alanc1ia 11<br />
Ibid.<br />
C.H. B.E.<br />
C.H. B.E.<br />
Nov.. 18th, 1937. (M. Goul ter .. )<br />
Vol. 7 Part 2 Ch. X11 Page 242.<br />
Vol. V11. Part 2. Page 243.
42<br />
pioneers to expose their children to such risks, rather was<br />
it the conviction that, side by side with <strong>in</strong>tellectual and<br />
artistic culture, v.'ent the pe1~s1stent leaven<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the<br />
moral character. ~ore up-to-date facilities <strong>in</strong> ace ornrnodati on<br />
and c lass-roow equipment call for attention and <strong>in</strong> (1)<br />
1930 at a cost <strong>of</strong> £20,000 the new college <strong>in</strong> Hill street,<br />
was upreared under the c:t.irection <strong>of</strong> t:other M. de Sales<br />
Goulter, wl1o for thirty years had served ~s Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal <strong>of</strong><br />
the High School. This new St. Uary's College with its excellently<br />
equipped class-room, library, studio, dresst:alc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
room and. large assembly hall furnishes ideal envirorunent<br />
for the pursuit <strong>of</strong> all branches <strong>of</strong> secondary work.<br />
(2) The roll for last year was 62 boarders, 154 secondary,<br />
From small beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gs at St. Lary's <strong>of</strong> 1861 on Golder's<br />
Hill the Order <strong>of</strong> Uercy has radiatect. branches throughout<br />
the Archdiocese and Suffragan Uees.<br />
(.3) GUIWJ
43<br />
is a speciality with the pupils as is annually testified<br />
by their achievement <strong>in</strong> this<br />
eld.<br />
St. J·oseph' s, UE.J2._er Hutt, 1852: Teachers 6, pupils 248.<br />
Bishop Vi<br />
with his marked predilection for the<br />
hiaoris built a home called "Providence It<br />
native and<br />
half-'caste girls on a strip <strong>of</strong> land ( 1) granted for the<br />
purpose by Governor, Sir George G:r.,ey <strong>in</strong> 1852.<br />
As soon as<br />
the Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> were <strong>in</strong> residence <strong>in</strong> ~ell<strong>in</strong>gton,<br />
they<br />
took over the char' <strong>of</strong> this ovidence and taught the<br />
Maoris to read English <strong>in</strong>telligently and fluently, to<br />
vvri te neatly and '.vel1, to malce<br />
ir own cloth<strong>in</strong>g and to<br />
:.eep their quarters clean and tidy.<br />
A visitor> to tha Pr>ovidence<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1879 wrote -<br />
( 2) 11 The children e seperate "bed-ronms and are all<br />
scru.pulously neat and clean. Each l"oom oper.s .. <strong>in</strong>to a long<br />
passage and there :Ls perfect ventilation. The teach<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and supervision <strong>of</strong>' the school is the gratuitous work <strong>of</strong> those<br />
<strong>in</strong> charge. 11<br />
rrhese Llaori girls on return to their tribes bee ame a potent<br />
<strong>in</strong>fluence <strong>in</strong> the spread<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> European culture for, as<br />
Sir Apirana lTgata claims -<br />
(3) "One the greatest services rendered by the<br />
schools, especially the secondary schools, to the ~aori<br />
race is the gradual sr~olub.:-1n <strong>of</strong> the comr:mnal idea<br />
for w .._ich the word 11 kianga 11 stands, and the persistent<br />
substitution <strong>of</strong> the pakeha idea <strong>of</strong> home •.•• The eclucatecl<br />
young women could not imbibe nev'i as and t es dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
their residence <strong>in</strong> the secondary schools without <strong>in</strong>sist<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on changes <strong>in</strong> the vill life. They have <strong>in</strong>··<br />
1. "<strong>Zealand</strong>ia" Nov. 18th, 1937. (I-::.Goulter.)<br />
2.<br />
11<br />
Annals 11 op. cit. Page 639.<br />
3. C.H.B.E. V'i1 .Part 2, Page 2h9 quot The Times,<br />
N. Z. Nwnber 22nd Februa1.,y 1927.
f'luenced theil' elders and the young men to confoi'll<br />
to the new standar·ds. If<br />
Too soon, however, the Maoris showed a tendency to move<br />
<strong>in</strong>land and children <strong>of</strong>' the <strong>in</strong>com<strong>in</strong>g Europeans were also<br />
received at the Providence. The Maori-lov<strong>in</strong>g Bishop Viard<br />
died <strong>in</strong> 1872 and <strong>in</strong> 1876, ow<strong>in</strong>.~ to the need for greater<br />
accormnodation, his old house, the. gift <strong>of</strong> Bishop Hedwood,<br />
was converted <strong>in</strong>to an extra w<strong>in</strong>g for the Providence, which<br />
thus prolonged its existence until the end <strong>of</strong> the century.<br />
Ready by the new century stood a new stone orphanage on the<br />
old site but, by 1909, even this was over-cro\ided and gave way<br />
to the present St. Joseph's, Uppe,r Hutt, the land f'or<br />
which was the gif't <strong>of</strong> (1) Hon, H.W. Petre <strong>of</strong>' Woburn<br />
Estate. Later, a desirable adjo<strong>in</strong>i property was purchased,<br />
which exten on has made possible the flourish<strong>in</strong>g farm<br />
which now aff'ords no little help <strong>in</strong> supply<strong>in</strong>g the needs 1 <strong>of</strong><br />
some two-hundred and f'ifty children. Up to 1918 St. Joseph's<br />
was exclusively for girls; but the catastrophic epidemic <strong>of</strong><br />
that year depl'ived so many children <strong>of</strong>' both parents that<br />
the Sisters (2) improvised a boy's home out <strong>of</strong> a stout old<br />
stable vvhich still withstands the <strong>in</strong>vasions <strong>of</strong> vigorous<br />
youths. The upkeep <strong>of</strong> this double orphanage is a constant<br />
source <strong>of</strong>' anxiety to the Sisters <strong>in</strong> charge. It is ma<strong>in</strong>ly<br />
f<strong>in</strong>anced by a large, annual donation f'rom the T.G. I,1cCarthy<br />
Trust, by the yearly diocesan collection, and by devices<br />
1. "<strong>Zealand</strong>iau Nov., 9th, 1937. (M.Goulter.)<br />
2. "rrhe r,lonth 11 Dec. 1931.. (Leonard J. Cron<strong>in</strong>. )
such as Street Days.<br />
45<br />
ST. Philomena's, 1
took charze <strong>of</strong> the already exist<strong>in</strong>g school for girls. In<br />
1889 an Infant School vvas built and seven years later the<br />
Sisters accepted char-ge <strong>of</strong> the boys' school which,s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
1872, had been <strong>in</strong> the hands <strong>of</strong> a succession <strong>of</strong> rnasters.<br />
Soon after the <strong>in</strong>com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the present centu1~y the present<br />
f<strong>in</strong>e convent and High School were built <strong>in</strong> Liaxwell ltoad<br />
opposite the ole. site. ( 1) Total nuwber <strong>of</strong> pupils 249.<br />
<strong>New</strong>ton, 1820: Teachers 7, puptls 260:<br />
His GPace, Archbishop. Redwood, for·mally opened<br />
st. Joseph's Convent School <strong>in</strong> Adelaide Street, <strong>New</strong>ton, on<br />
June 30th, 1890. To this school the Sisters tr·avelled by<br />
tr'amcar for ten years until <strong>in</strong> 1900 they had the happ<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
<strong>of</strong> establish<strong>in</strong>g thei'e a branch convent, st. Anne's, toge tl:er<br />
with a new parish school and St. Joseph's High School <strong>in</strong><br />
Daniel Street.<br />
SeatoU1f:; 9<br />
__:!_209, Pal'()_~pjaJ Scho:Jl PreDaratory College:<br />
A little cottage sltuat on the present Church<br />
property served as Church and School for many ye0rs. In 1909<br />
the parochial school, St Anthony 1 s,w&s opened ana the<br />
Sisters who teach here reside at the preparatory call<br />
which was also built <strong>in</strong> 1909 under the title <strong>of</strong> Star <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Sea. The college is adrnir'ably si tuuted cowrnancUng a wide<br />
view <strong>of</strong> the sea G.nd is well provided with play<strong>in</strong>g-al,eas,<br />
marked <strong>of</strong>f <strong>in</strong>to tennis courts, croquet lawns and football<br />
1. Directory op. cit. Page 346.
47<br />
fields. r.rother E. Bernard Redwood has foP many :rears been<br />
<strong>in</strong> ch~rge here where she has received boys from all parts<br />
<strong>of</strong>' l'ievv :~~e and. Some these boys have become priests,<br />
some doctor's, others lawyers, but whatever ~heir<br />
subse
children who are as yet unable<br />
'<br />
Pic t on , 'I 91 4 ·:<br />
attend Catholic Schools.<br />
48<br />
Up to 1914 the Catholic children <strong>of</strong> Picton travelled<br />
eighteen rlliles to Blenheim convent school, but on August<br />
4Ll that year, the Sisters had the happ<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>of</strong> establishL1G'<br />
''~· ~Jl'".:·:C~- convent <strong>in</strong> Picton. 'l'he absence <strong>of</strong> a school,<br />
hovrever, necessitated their teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the clmx•ch until<br />
at length <strong>in</strong> 1924 His Grace, Archbisi1op Redwood, blessed<br />
and opened the present parish school.<br />
Dell back from the ma<strong>in</strong> roa~<br />
..<br />
Hu tt, Nai Hai pi'ovides yet cmother sphel~e<br />
at the foothills <strong>of</strong> Lower<br />
<strong>of</strong>' activity for<br />
the Sisters <strong>of</strong> l.Ier·cy.<br />
:B'or pictui•esc1ue scenery St. Thomas's<br />
Hc;Jtle stands second to none <strong>in</strong> hew <strong>Zealand</strong>.<br />
)rounds beautifully<br />
set out ace ord<strong>in</strong>g to Cllli \/orld patterns:· dis~;lay<br />
a<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>usion <strong>of</strong>' Nature's wealth - fresh-look<strong>in</strong>~ bush, bri~hter<br />
toned ferns and fronds; a whisper<strong>in</strong>g broo>: :L'lOY,EJ. beneath<br />
r'ustic bl'idges sunnounted by Old ~,/orld Statues~ rookeries<br />
and neat drives and perhaps dearest <strong>of</strong> all, the lazy sw1ms<br />
that glide up and down the slov1-mov<strong>in</strong>g waters.<br />
This<br />
beautiful home belonged tb the late John Dutchie and was<br />
purchased for the Sisters <strong>of</strong> :<strong>Mercy</strong> <strong>in</strong> 1917.<br />
Boys c owe to<br />
Hai Nai fro;n all parts <strong>of</strong> the .u~xn<strong>in</strong>ion,<br />
they are taken from<br />
five years <strong>of</strong> age and may be kept until they have passed<br />
standard V1.<br />
The fees are sufficiently low to br<strong>in</strong>g Nai Nai
49<br />
with<strong>in</strong> the reach<br />
tr1e work<strong>in</strong>g class and, <strong>in</strong> necessitous<br />
cases, boys are taken without fees, provision for them be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
obta<strong>in</strong>ed thrcmgh an annual church collection and through a<br />
donation from the T .G.I'.1cCarthy J?uncl.<br />
St. Thoraas' s is<br />
paPticularly suitable foro delicate b.ys, who after the<br />
first two months <strong>of</strong> its brac<strong>in</strong>g air, its football, svvil[lm<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
cricket, box<strong>in</strong>g and garden<strong>in</strong>g, feel the full vigour <strong>of</strong> boyhood<br />
cours<strong>in</strong>g thr.m~)1<br />
their ve<strong>in</strong>s.<br />
Mount Carmel, ar;<br />
up-to-eLate primary school at Hatai tai,<br />
was opened by the Sistc.a's <strong>in</strong> 1930 ·,<br />
is supplied with<br />
Sisters from Hill. Street who travel thence by tra.mcar every<br />
day. The thickly peopled st:cict l.liramar has its<br />
convent school, He>ly Cross, <strong>in</strong> which four Sisters from<br />
Seatoun teach one-hundred and. forty-tlu~ee<br />
pupils.<br />
In 1936 the Sisters frcm1 Hill Street opened a branch<br />
convent near the parish school <strong>in</strong> Ar'o Street to provide a<br />
co~venient<br />
residence for the staffs attend<strong>in</strong>g the Aro<br />
Street and Brooklyn Schools.<br />
A house <strong>in</strong> R,Dna Bay v1as purchased<br />
this year also, to serve as a convent foP the Sisters<br />
who teach 1<br />
already, nearly a h1JnU.red pupils <strong>in</strong> San Antonio,<br />
the old build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> which Mass was celebrated until the<br />
build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the present church.<br />
'fHE LIBRARY<br />
t~I'ITE:RBURY UNIVERSITY COLLEGB<br />
CHRISTCHURCH. N.Z.
50<br />
An Amalgamation:<br />
( 1) 1 'Under the rule, orig<strong>in</strong>ally established by the<br />
foundress, a Convent <strong>of</strong> t:ercy was an <strong>in</strong>depenclent House,<br />
elect<strong>in</strong>g its own ~uperior and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g its own novices. In<br />
more recent years, however, the need for centralisation <strong>in</strong><br />
government foP X"eligious communi ties, especially <strong>in</strong> the<br />
equ:l nt <strong>of</strong>' the novitiate has made i tsel:f :felt, with the<br />
result that <strong>in</strong> sowe c ountPies the ;3 :1 sters <strong>of</strong> Eercy, who<br />
are under Papal jurisdiction, have been organised <strong>in</strong>to a<br />
general ate, 'Nhilst <strong>in</strong> others, their convents have been<br />
grouped together v;i th<strong>in</strong> a diocese under one Superior, with<br />
a Cowman novitiate, as the first step, it is hoped, <strong>of</strong>' reorganisation<br />
cover<strong>in</strong>g a vtiuer area." Thus <strong>in</strong> 1927 His<br />
Grace, Archbishop, Hedwo:Jd, desirous <strong>of</strong> plac<strong>in</strong>g all the<br />
Convents <strong>of</strong> r ..:ercy <strong>in</strong> the .-".rchdiocese unc1er one Superior,<br />
amalgamated the H.eef'ton, \lestport and Grani ty Convents with<br />
St. tlaPy 1 s, Hill Street, '.lnder the present, I.;other I'.I.<br />
Francis<br />
Doyle as Superior General o:f the amalgamated Communities.<br />
It may be mentioned here that this lceen enthusiast <strong>in</strong> recognition<br />
<strong>of</strong> her services <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>terests <strong>of</strong> Education,<br />
received a Goronc;tion Leclal, Jt.me 1937 !'rom their Eajesties<br />
the K<strong>in</strong>g and Queen.<br />
Reefto!l.'- 1881 :<br />
(2) u,~uartz x•ee:fs o.iscoverecL at i;;urpay' s Creek some sixty-<br />
'<br />
11<br />
1 • English Catholic 11 T iri1es Dec. 11 th 1937.<br />
2. I.Iarist tlessenger, Page 9, Sept. 1st, 1931. (:a.ev. K. 1\IcGrath.S.M.<br />
'
51<br />
five years ago made Reefton' s name and fame." In 1875<br />
Rev. Pat:,er C:umm:i.ngs, s .. M., erected a church and school, and<br />
after la:r te: chers had taught '.l~e<br />
chilO.ren for twelve years,<br />
the question <strong>of</strong> religious t(;ac<br />
rs vms considered.<br />
Hev. Pather Rolland, f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g that Hoki tika was unable to<br />
supply him with Disters <strong>of</strong> },iercy, successfully appealed to<br />
the foundress <strong>of</strong> S<strong>in</strong>gleton, Mother 1-J.<br />
t:>tanislaus Kenny, who<br />
not only gave up four <strong>of</strong> her Sisters but even acc~mpanied<br />
them on their arcl.uous jourm:y, first across the Tasman and<br />
thence to \'/ell<strong>in</strong>gton, Greymouth, Hol;;:i tika, ac:cnsB t 1 1e<br />
Terematau by aerial tramvvay, and, by coach as :ear as the<br />
railway term<strong>in</strong>us W11er·c: they boarded the tra<strong>in</strong> fo1· ~.e<br />
ton.<br />
'l 1 he ;isters found a girls' school ax;aited them wlth some<br />
hundred and forty on roll; they added a Hi<br />
i3choo1 which<br />
opt:necl i'.'1th 30 pupils and almost at once began the v7orlc <strong>of</strong><br />
visitation 0f the Biclc.<br />
'l:'he Sisters visited Boatrnam regularly<br />
to truct the child~en <strong>in</strong> their religion.(1) A<br />
school was opened <strong>in</strong> 1893 at Ikamatua, a little fanr:<strong>in</strong>g<br />
settlenent <strong>in</strong> the Grey Valley, and \7as attended by an average<br />
<strong>of</strong> about forty children not all <strong>of</strong>' whom vvere Catholics.<br />
It<br />
was a gl'ate:ful work and. though it meant trwt the Sisters<br />
had to leave l?.eefton at 7: 30 a.m. and return at 8: p. rn.<br />
they d.id not grudge the sacrifice.<br />
However, a grr.::ater<br />
sacrifice was still to be made, for one <strong>of</strong> the two Sisters<br />
1. I.iarist L~essenger Page 12, Sept - November· ·1931.
52<br />
'.who travelled daily to Ikamatua ( 1 ) returned alone one night<br />
llalf-dr·mmec_ anc1 covered with blooCL, her coL~panion<br />
hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
been the victim <strong>of</strong> a f~t l'oau acci nt.<br />
Vlestport, 1 ~2_4_;_<br />
This town received its pioneer sters o~ Kercy from<br />
Reefton which gave the (2) late r.:onsignor ·' sh seven sters<br />
whoi on Pebrura:c>y 3l"d.,made tbeir horne <strong>in</strong> \/e:;tport.<br />
Alr;Jost<br />
<strong>in</strong>uaed.iately they too~-:: charge <strong>of</strong> • CJ·3.nice's School anc1 ened<br />
a Becondary school <strong>in</strong> Dhich pupils ~ere p~ep for' the<br />
public exmn<strong>in</strong>ationr3. In ~ St. Canice's School was anted<br />
Government <strong>in</strong>spec t.Lon.<br />
By ·1904 the old c :::nvent and School.,<br />
were unsui t<br />
le for further use by the :i.ncreased numbers <strong>of</strong>'<br />
teachers emu. ['Ltpils so a new convent snci. Schools were built<br />
<strong>in</strong> ;,iueen Stre where later, St. Joseph's Scho was opened <strong>in</strong><br />
·J The secondaP,y colle , st. ,,iary's, cu_1Pit the first<br />
tilenty rear-2. adr;1i tted. gi:cls only, but <strong>in</strong> later years large<br />
classes <strong>of</strong> boys also, have GOiilpletecl the<br />
seco!1Llary<br />
education s.t st. Lar•y' s. In ·ISYI vie f<strong>in</strong>d that there v;ere<br />
sixteen boys out <strong>of</strong> a total <strong>of</strong> fifty pupils.<br />
Extra classes<br />
at'e held f'or ambitious clerical Horl~ers<br />
who, hav<strong>in</strong>.s:; secured<br />
positions, are ti desirous <strong>of</strong>' pursu<strong>in</strong>g their studies<br />
under the Sisters' direction. In 1914 the Sisters opene~ an<br />
out school <strong>in</strong> Grani ty and <strong>in</strong> 1921, vthen free rail':;ay tid:ets<br />
were wi thdravm1;a convent was established <strong>in</strong> the township.<br />
1. Marist ssenger. November 1934. Page 13 article not signed.<br />
2.<br />
11<br />
\Jestpor•t 1:ev1s" Dec. 1 L~ th 1·1931 .0-nsigned a:r·ticle).
In (1) 1912 the O'Conor Home for the Aged was opened <strong>in</strong><br />
53<br />
accordance with the wi<br />
<strong>of</strong> the late Eugene O'Conor, Esq.,<br />
and har3 been conducted by the Sisters <strong>of</strong> 7vestport s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
then. '.::'he present number <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>mates is twenty~n<strong>in</strong>e. Dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the <strong>in</strong>fluenza epidemic <strong>of</strong> 1918 the Sisters <strong>of</strong>fered the<br />
authorities one <strong>of</strong>' the<br />
dormitories as a Wai."'d for out-side<br />
patients, and for weeks they nursed all who were sent to<br />
thelrl. Ihur <strong>of</strong> the ~)iste:r.'s nur·sed <strong>in</strong> the public homes.<br />
rrhe total nlill:ber <strong>of</strong> pupils attend<strong>in</strong>g the Westport Sisters I<br />
Schools last year (1938) was as follows:- St. Canice's 80;<br />
St. Joseph's 106; Granity 53; St. J;Jar~·'s College 48; rnalc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a total <strong>of</strong> 287. In the year that followed its foundation<br />
~estport's need exceede~ that <strong>of</strong> its parent, Reefton,<br />
accord<strong>in</strong>.:ElY the l.iot.her House and Novitiate were tr•ansferred<br />
frOL, Heeftcm to Fv'estport and, after arnalgamation <strong>in</strong> 1927,<br />
to ·~Iel<br />
ngton.<br />
'rhe little band <strong>of</strong> three who left Auckland to found<br />
the first convent <strong>in</strong> Well<strong>in</strong>gton has <strong>in</strong>deed <strong>in</strong>creased and 'multiplied<br />
until at the present tirae the amalgamated Communi ties<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Archdiocese m:unber slightly over two hundred while the<br />
.<br />
nlilnber <strong>of</strong> ch1ldren ·taught <strong>in</strong> their schools approximates<br />
to four hundred out <strong>of</strong> a<br />
(2) . Catholic Population<br />
<strong>of</strong> 66,714 accord<strong>in</strong>g to Government Census <strong>of</strong> 1 6.
0 H.'>.PT ER V •<br />
54<br />
Almost ei~hty years , <strong>in</strong> 1860, provider;t, :Car•-<br />
seei. ,John Lac foP ( 1 ) purchased the excessively<br />
disproportionate area <strong>of</strong> the prov<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>of</strong> ~estl<br />
i to pre~:;cnt clay valu.es. Soon aftel"'V·tarcls that il.'resist<br />
e ruagnet - gold. - allured thither flo <strong>of</strong> cosmop<br />
i tan s <strong>of</strong> eve v.ralk <strong>of</strong> li who surged tlu"ough<br />
Hokitika and converted it from an unimportant t<br />
<strong>in</strong>to one <strong>of</strong> lead<strong>in</strong>g ports <strong>of</strong> thecolony. Dy the <strong>of</strong><br />
186h population had 1·1sen fr•ow (2) 100 to , 000 Y:18.ny<br />
o:t' vrhom were Irish Catl10lics anxL\Us thei1~ new hon1es to<br />
secure the m<strong>in</strong>istrations a priest. su:9ply thei:r.' ne<br />
Icev. Pather Ste HaJ.lun was appo<strong>in</strong>ted f:l. priest for<br />
the West Coast an(t was ly succe by a cha<strong>in</strong> selfs<br />
u.c :.·if ic<strong>in</strong>g men, l1'ostly Ear ist Pathe1•s, vvho exlli bi ted<br />
<strong>in</strong>t<br />
id C;!nstancy <strong>in</strong> theiP service <strong>of</strong> l)oth God and man.<br />
r/e f<strong>in</strong>d, as a str•one l<strong>in</strong>k <strong>in</strong> ti1is cha<strong>in</strong>, Rev.<br />
ltp I.;art<strong>in</strong>,<br />
S.l.~.<br />
viho, born <strong>in</strong> the South <strong>of</strong> France <strong>in</strong> 1830, <strong>in</strong> due tiLe<br />
became a I.~a:dst Pather and volunteered for Australasian<br />
::.iission. After rende valu.able service <strong>in</strong><br />
Duned<strong>in</strong> anc1 Inverc argi<br />
, Father I.:aPt<strong>in</strong> was sent to t<br />
his gener·ous,<br />
1. "Zealanclia' October 13tll, 1938, (not signed.)<br />
2. Harist L:essenger. !>.larch 1938. (Editor. )
55<br />
franl(, unPeser'Ved tLough prudently guaro.ed raann:cr quickly<br />
Vlon him the esteem and affection <strong>of</strong>' the 11arishioners vrho<br />
were frankly proud <strong>of</strong> hav<strong>in</strong>g a priest <strong>in</strong> their midst.<br />
A<br />
man <strong>of</strong> untir<strong>in</strong>g ener<br />
Father J:.Iart<strong>in</strong> projected and<br />
accomplishe _ many '•dorlt.s <strong>of</strong> zeal, anci. h.Ls LU1::oelfish devotion<br />
to the :Lnter-e <strong>of</strong> souls led him to spare nei :c fat<br />
nor anxiety <strong>in</strong> the shepherd<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong>' his numerous flock.<br />
Shortly after his appo<strong>in</strong>tmet
56<br />
own CorruH.lni ty to form<br />
the nucleus <strong>of</strong>· the Hoki tika<br />
foundation.<br />
The eight Sisters selected were:<br />
Mother M.<br />
Clare hlolony, Superioress <strong>of</strong> the band,<br />
S.M. I::echtildes Boland, ,~).:.:.<br />
Gabriel Kennedy,<br />
S.M. Cecilia Sheehan,<br />
S.M. Juliana Hyan, S.M. Claver<br />
Ryan, S.LI. Aloysius LlcGrath, Sister Angela O'Keefe<br />
and two postulants.<br />
This little group <strong>of</strong> ten left<br />
London for· L!elbourne via the Cape <strong>of</strong> Good Hope, on<br />
the stearner 11 Garonne 11 on July 23rd, 1878.- After a<br />
short break at Melbourne the Sisters proceeded to<br />
li/ell<strong>in</strong>::;ton where they were warnly received. by Bishop<br />
Hedvrood and ( 1) the Ron. T .A.<br />
Bonar then Super<strong>in</strong>tendent<br />
<strong>of</strong> Westland. From 1iiell<strong>in</strong>gton on 'board the 11 Tararua 11<br />
they enjoyed the company <strong>of</strong> Mr. Bonar vri th vrhorn<br />
they<br />
established a fr1end.ship vVl1icl-" v;as to end only v1i th his<br />
death. 11 Hever once"<br />
records I.:other L. Clare, "did<br />
this great \1es ~.<br />
Coaster fail to call at the Conve:1t on<br />
Christmas Day to express his good-will on the festive<br />
season. 11<br />
(2) At mid-day on October 15th, 187t3 the 11 Tararua'<br />
appeared oi'f Port Holci tile a.<br />
Its appearance vras a<br />
signal for universal Pejoic<strong>in</strong>? equalled by the ardency<br />
with WDich the entire town population had prepared for<br />
the com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the nuns.<br />
described by Mother ~.<br />
Their' actual land<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
Clare as follows:<br />
1 •<br />
11<br />
<strong>Zealand</strong>ia" October 13th, 1938.<br />
2. I'bid.
57<br />
11<br />
,,midst the acclamations <strong>of</strong>' the people, who had<br />
::...;.-::ambled <strong>in</strong> vast numbers at the wharf to r:·reet them, the<br />
~: ters arrived at tika. Mr. ~atthew Cleary, the<br />
:-:-ern or <strong>of</strong> Hoki tika gaol, and l'.'fr. Edward A. Burke accompan-<br />
~ them ashore, hav<strong>in</strong>g gone out to welco~ne them on l::ehalf<br />
:: the Catholic parishioners, RcN. PhiL~p L , the<br />
~: :ri p :1st or. was the first to meet them and welcome them<br />
::::·iia1ly the land <strong>of</strong> their adoption. He then conducted<br />
:...:.::::: to the carriages <strong>in</strong> wait<strong>in</strong>g, Wllich drove <strong>of</strong>f rapidly<br />
-::.:_:;h ths tovm to their temporary residence, a charm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
: -:; tae;e <strong>of</strong> eight r00ms, with garden and paddock."<br />
:-= the f'<strong>in</strong>e convent which had ·been erected for the:.1 on the<br />
: _ ...,ner <strong>of</strong> Sewell and staffoPd Streets was not then quite<br />
:·;; .:.dy for . occupancy, the Sisters took up residence <strong>in</strong> the<br />
- :se <strong>in</strong> Stafford Stre t, <strong>in</strong> which the Hon.H.L.Michel ~nd<br />
rs <strong>of</strong> his f,'ll:Jily aftervlai'ds dwelt.<br />
On October 28th.<br />
fHster's took charge <strong>of</strong> the girls' school which had been<br />
::~ducted<br />
by a succession (2) <strong>of</strong> three lay teachers-<br />
__ ::s Jones, Miss Anne Brogan (later to bee orne l.Irs. McKeever)<br />
:...:.::. l:ass Blanche Stevens who handed ove1, the chaPge to the<br />
_ :: ters. urrhe attendance was 105 and the children <strong>in</strong><br />
~ :::.eral vrere very <strong>in</strong>tellit::ent" - Such was Eother ClaPe' s<br />
~-~st report <strong>of</strong> their new pupils. January 14th, 1879 thou~h<br />
: .'lll, wet day -~rom the weather> po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> vieY'/, was for the<br />
:_3ters, a day <strong>of</strong> great rejoic<strong>in</strong>g; for on that day they<br />
· -i <strong>in</strong>to their new convent called St. Columbkille' s. 11 The<br />
.:> m" as their pastor was far:'lil<strong>in</strong>rly c led by his parish<br />
.:..:::ers, had suitably furnished it and provided all the<br />
to<br />
--:;tle c omforto vthLch he thougLt the Sisters uight have been<br />
1\<br />
Hokitika Records unpublished.<br />
l;'!arist ssenger. November 193L!.. (unsigned. )
accustomed <strong>in</strong> their loved Ennis convent.<br />
Not many pioneer<br />
58<br />
religious fac<strong>in</strong>g li<br />
<strong>in</strong> a new cauntry have had. such an<br />
encourag<strong>in</strong>g generous 1'riend. \Yi th the solicitude <strong>of</strong> a<br />
fond parent, he ed them from the possibility <strong>of</strong> nancial<br />
worries by provid<strong>in</strong>g theE ·. i<br />
neans sufficient to<br />
cover their< ex tu~e for over a year. January 20th,1879<br />
saw the SL> rs PesULle teac not only <strong>in</strong> the primary<br />
school <strong>of</strong> long stand<strong>in</strong>g but also <strong>in</strong> a select school later<br />
to orne the present Hi Sc ol. By ( 1 ) PebrD.ary the roll<br />
num1Jers had <strong>in</strong>creased to 1 and <strong>in</strong>cluded s music pupils.<br />
In the follow<strong>in</strong>2: l.iar>ch, Bishop Hec1.W.iQd vi ted Eol~i tika<br />
:, ;,d perfox'ued the rst solnnn religious ceremony - tht~<br />
Reception to the igious fe Sis tel, J.:. Patr and<br />
Uister J',;.<br />
Columba, the two postulants vrho had accompanied<br />
the eight pr<strong>of</strong>essed Sisters from 3nnis.<br />
Before he returned<br />
to Well<strong>in</strong>gton the Bishop adm<strong>in</strong>istered the Sacrament <strong>of</strong><br />
Confirmation (2) to forty children, and on two consecutive<br />
days, visited the e.chools and<br />
pleased with the spiritual, :Lntel<br />
res sed himself as •;·-311-<br />
tual and cultL'l,al progress<br />
already manifest <strong>in</strong> children. On Eastel' Uonday,<br />
)880, st. Columbkille's accep its first postulant who was<br />
soon followed by ~70 many others that tvvo year>s 1 r the<br />
Sisters were ~ble to comply with shop I?.edvrood' s request<br />
to open a conv<br />
<strong>in</strong> Greyli1outh, then a promis<strong>in</strong>g seaport.<br />
1 • tr Zeal andia'' October 20th, 1 ~; , (unsigned. )<br />
2. Ibio ..
With<strong>in</strong> the follovf<strong>in</strong>g five years schooJ.B were<br />
opened at<br />
59<br />
Kanieri and H.imu ar1d to these the<br />
sters travelled daily.<br />
In (1) 1<br />
8 the Ri::::;ht f{ev. J.J. Grimes, S.1J •. establj_shed the<br />
diocese <strong>of</strong> ::Jhr'istchurch <strong>in</strong> which was <strong>in</strong>corporated the \'fest<br />
Coust vrhich until then had been adm<strong>in</strong>istered fr:)tl ri<br />
1 <strong>in</strong>J:ton.<br />
Two months after his consecr'ation Dr. Grimes paid his<br />
first episcopal visit to Hokitika where he was enthusiastically<br />
received by the par•ishioners.<br />
He visited the schools,<br />
ws.s fully satisfied with the. pr<strong>of</strong>iciency <strong>of</strong> the pupils<br />
ancl confir'J,ted<br />
ty-five <strong>in</strong> St. l .. ary' s Chruch, \:~lttich<br />
for the occ~'Bton v'/8.~3 c;:mst:c-a<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong>t'o hold<strong>in</strong>g, but by no<br />
to<br />
that the E3:i.ste1.'t3 should<br />
orJen 1:1 b1:anch Convent, at :~oss and ( 2) <strong>in</strong> Lay ·1889,<br />
i:lt. Patrick's Convent,<br />
ss ·,/as es tabli f;hed v;J. tl1 a ~J.uno.red<br />
and tvrent;;r chilC:,:een tlle schools. . 1.:ary' s, the first<br />
Board<strong>in</strong>ir ~3chool<br />
on the \iest Coast, vras also opened <strong>in</strong> ·1 El89<br />
and enrolled pupils f'roL E1;..::1.ny arts <strong>of</strong> stland. st. Dr-ic"i..Q'et Is,<br />
Kumara Has also opened that year ancl soon e.s ma.n.y as one .<br />
hundred ard:l. fifty pupih3 vr0Pe <strong>in</strong> attendance.<br />
The :.:ollm;i<br />
y·eo.r sa·;i a little bane_ <strong>of</strong> three Sis tel's lep.ve Hoki tj,l.;:G. and<br />
cross the s to open a convent <strong>in</strong> I~tt ton.<br />
The Sisters had. now worked for- twelve years 8E1ong the<br />
peo)le <strong>of</strong> Westland with wany<br />
whom they had become<br />
1.<br />
11<br />
Zealcmdia 11 Octobel,. ·J3th.193,3.<br />
2. Hoki tika ords, unpublished.<br />
--- -------·-----·-·---·---~-
60<br />
acqua<strong>in</strong>ted vVhile visi t<strong>in</strong>:£ the sick, the poor Sl1cl the imprisoneo..<br />
To raany a heart sore-distressed they the<br />
balm cheerful resign~1tion while to more than on': Godee<br />
spi t the:r lp to sclose the sec <strong>of</strong> his<br />
scontent sl. him lEJV/ - "Pear Vlist not to evade, as<br />
Love st to pur'sue. 11 Throughout the period <strong>of</strong> expension<br />
Uothei."' ~~1.<br />
Clare cont<strong>in</strong>J.ed to fill the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> L~other<br />
Superior 811d <strong>in</strong> 18S;2 she retired that resnon~ible position.<br />
r.Phe full extent hel~ work for Catholic educ r;ti on <strong>in</strong><br />
stland will never r-ealised,· ?or over forty years she<br />
v1as actively engaged ln the <strong>in</strong>ter'ests <strong>of</strong> education among<br />
the children ·anc1 youth <strong>of</strong> the \fe Goast: Bless 'v'fi th<br />
that rarest <strong>of</strong> rare [:ifts - a clear accurate u<strong>in</strong>;:1 - she<br />
posse a cheerful, e:et natc .. r-e Vi had the povrer <strong>of</strong><br />
excit<strong>in</strong>g effort and arous<strong>in</strong>[~ ide · <strong>in</strong> others, Vll1ile her<br />
knowledge, and the amaz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
cla.ri ty and. chs.rrn her exp tion, earned i'o:t.' her a unique<br />
reputation as a te r. She never H1iss an op ~~ u .:.·t·uni ty <strong>of</strong><br />
pour<strong>in</strong>g her' own<br />
at love <strong>of</strong> scholarslli p and ac hi ev er;Jen t<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the heaPts <strong>of</strong> the young.<br />
.A pupil <strong>of</strong> hel's <strong>in</strong> the<br />
11<br />
{ 1 ) Only \·;e who v1ere pri vilesed to sit <strong>in</strong> her classes, or<br />
those who hac1 the honour <strong>of</strong> liv<strong>in</strong>g with her, cc-)ulcl r>ealise<br />
the spirituality, the cieep lear·n<strong>in</strong>g, the sirnplici ty and<br />
s<strong>in</strong>cere unclePstancUng <strong>of</strong> this woman <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ciple. Her<br />
knovrledge <strong>of</strong> the classics, her love <strong>of</strong> history <strong>in</strong> all i<br />
branches ancl., a·bove :::tl1, her absolute joy <strong>in</strong> 1..m:Cold:i.nz the<br />
·1.<br />
11<br />
2:ealan~lia 11 October 13th, 1938.
61<br />
beauties tlili Faith, <strong>of</strong> Scripture and <strong>of</strong> the Liturgy,<br />
made her a rare teacher for alv1ays · s~1e c om'b<strong>in</strong>ed vri th<br />
love <strong>of</strong> lmowlec1ge a love <strong>of</strong> heP pupils. 11<br />
Second only to her<br />
at love <strong>of</strong> God cmne her ardent love<br />
<strong>of</strong> her native land, thOUc.Th she eschewed c ontr'cwers~r <strong>of</strong><br />
all k<strong>in</strong>ds, yet, vvhen occasion deuano.ec5. it, she could launch<br />
a crush<strong>in</strong>:?; rejo<strong>in</strong>der barbed with a polite ir·ony altogether<br />
disaru:<strong>in</strong>g. Por the ')ris she had a very special love and<br />
her stronJ s<strong>in</strong>~lici<br />
gave her an empire over: then1 which<br />
no diplo;:wcy coul1i have her to ac qui ''e, They, as<br />
well as their: white neig11bour:c~,<br />
sought he1·counsel and<br />
syrnpatny <strong>in</strong> times <strong>of</strong> trouble, know<strong>in</strong>g full '.;ell t."'at her<br />
frienC:Lship lmew no hesitations, r:o ehills, no wear•y<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Great was the mourn<strong>in</strong>::r at the Arahaura pall when on Octobe:r<br />
20th, 1 1 they heard <strong>of</strong> her death. In the mess e <strong>of</strong><br />
sympathy ¥7l1ich t se L:aoris sent to the Iioki til(a Si rs,<br />
and ';,:n:Lc!: the Sisters fondly che:ei , vre read - "The rata<br />
flower l:la;~; f'slllen at last and we grieve for· her. u "\nd ·the<br />
flmn<strong>in</strong>g rata 1<br />
k<strong>in</strong>dl<strong>in</strong>g the hillside with t<br />
aze <strong>of</strong> its<br />
glor•y., is <strong>in</strong>deed a fitt<strong>in</strong>g SYJ:lbol <strong>of</strong> her glow<strong>in</strong>g charity,<br />
soue sparks <strong>of</strong> \~Jllich<br />
<strong>in</strong>flcuaed the he art ; <strong>of</strong> nany rrho v;ere<br />
so fortunate as to come under the spell <strong>of</strong> her <strong>in</strong>flu.ence.<br />
Of the orig<strong>in</strong>al band. <strong>of</strong> ten pioneer Sisters who began<br />
the vtorks <strong>of</strong> the Institute <strong>of</strong> l'.'iercy <strong>in</strong> the South Islano.<br />
sixty-one years ago, five are not only.still<br />
ive, but<br />
still mentally alert, tho<br />
wont to view with yearn<strong>in</strong>g gaze
62<br />
the· progressive course <strong>of</strong> life's day-star•, now,<br />
for them,<br />
near<strong>in</strong>g the western horizon.<br />
Gr'e;ymouth, 1 882 :<br />
In 1870 Rev. Father C<br />
omb, S,l,;. built the first<br />
Catholic School <strong>in</strong> CJ.reyrnouth on a stte ( 1 ) later p1.H'chasec~<br />
·by tLe Government for hLu•bour requirements.<br />
In 1882 at<br />
the request<br />
Bishop Redvroocl the Iloki tika Cornr.mni ty sent<br />
a founctation to open a Branch Convent Gre;ymouth. In<br />
those e<br />
y days the j curney frorri Hoki tika to Greywou.th<br />
v1as both tedious an(\ danger>ous. Short as was actu<br />
distance it had to 1Je cover·ed <strong>in</strong> successive sta'2:es,<br />
<strong>of</strong> which v.; a0 the horse-t:r:sm journey as far al::; Ku:
63<br />
necessity ancl llO'Ii/<br />
that tl1ey had tasted the joys <strong>of</strong> such<br />
travelli , they decided to rel<strong>in</strong>quish them by constitut<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Greymouth foundation an <strong>in</strong>dependent Convent b<br />
the end<br />
<strong>of</strong> the year 1882. At once Sisters <strong>of</strong> s new foundati<br />
on opel}ed a p:Pimary school gir-ls, and boys up<br />
to andarcL i , as l as a high school with bo p r:iwary<br />
an1\ secondary depar·tments.<br />
The present St. Lary 1 s High<br />
School, Alexander Street,. dates 'back to those early days<br />
anci holds an admil'able r~ecorcl<br />
annual successes <strong>in</strong><br />
scholastic uusic eire Out-schools were ened<br />
Brunnerton, Cobden a..11d Runanga a total L!-1-~5<br />
C ic children vii:~o are ta~J.[Sht GreyElouth fli ers.<br />
Lyttel ton, ·1890 :_<br />
( 1 ) In 1 Sir> Prederic:·: ·:reld then Prime L<strong>in</strong>i l<br />
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>, out <strong>of</strong> l1iD orm 1Jo1.mty presented the Gat ,o' ics<br />
<strong>of</strong> Lyttelton with a strip<br />
ground for the erection <strong>of</strong> a<br />
Chul'ch. St. eph' s Chui'ch, now oldest Church <strong>in</strong><br />
ocese Chriscchurch, and the olde stone Gimrch <strong>in</strong><br />
l'i. Z. vras ·built <strong>in</strong> ·J 865 a..11d the school erected<br />
staf':i.'ecl vri th lay teachers until ·J 890 when thl'ee Si<br />
v1as<br />
ers <strong>of</strong><br />
rcy arrived from Holci tika to take chal'ge<br />
the parish<br />
sc On account <strong>of</strong> the diffic ties tr•av <strong>in</strong> those<br />
days, the Lyttel ton Convent from the 1Jeg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g \7as made an<br />
<strong>in</strong>dependent house ;ai tl1 the <strong>of</strong> self - gover.nrnent and<br />
s<br />
-~-------<br />
1 .. ChUI'Ch il) H.Z. • cit. Vol. ·) L page 104.
64<br />
consequence - self-support~ From small beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> a<br />
house formerly mvnecl by Capta<strong>in</strong> Gibson <strong>in</strong> Exeter Street, .<br />
the Sisters pressed onward vti th great endurance under the<br />
leadership <strong>of</strong> 1·1er U. Aloysius McGrath, one the<br />
orig<strong>in</strong>al band <strong>of</strong> pioneers from Ennis.<br />
Their new mission<br />
was not one to fire the blood -<br />
it demanded constant<br />
sacrifice and only after years <strong>of</strong> suffer<strong>in</strong>g and str•uggl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
did they triumph.<br />
':Pheir perseverance was <strong>in</strong> large measul"e<br />
clue to the <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g e:-;:arople <strong>of</strong> . other M.<br />
Aloysius whose<br />
ever-<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g self-restra<strong>in</strong>t moved forward progressively<br />
with a daily enlar.:Jed <strong>in</strong>nulgence foi' the weakness <strong>of</strong><br />
other's.<br />
Slle was an able and well-balanced guide wJ.wse<br />
earnest spirit, comb<strong>in</strong>ed 'Ji th an aptitude organis ion,<br />
preser•ved her fr•om discouragement snd <strong>in</strong>fused additional<br />
vigour· <strong>in</strong>to those amon::; whorn she vvox•ked.<br />
Organis<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
super<strong>in</strong>tend<strong>in</strong>g everyth<strong>in</strong>g rrith a skill, presence <strong>of</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d<br />
and cheer<strong>in</strong>ess which endeai•ed her to<br />
woraan laboured on, know<strong>in</strong>g well that <strong>in</strong><br />
1, this zealous<br />
s O\Vll time God<br />
would give'the <strong>in</strong>crease'.<br />
(1 )In 1902 rauch needed improvements<br />
vYere effected <strong>in</strong> the Convent and a new school was<br />
built. Four years previously I.,yttel ton sent foul' Sisters<br />
to open a Branch Convent <strong>in</strong> i\karoa and aga<strong>in</strong>, <strong>in</strong> 1912 and<br />
1913, similar Convents were opened <strong>in</strong> Rakaia and Llethven respectively.<br />
In 1934 the present artisically-constructed<br />
----~-------------------------------<br />
1. Lyttelton Records, unpubli
65<br />
build<strong>in</strong>g was erected on the site <strong>of</strong> the old convent.<br />
St. IJ:ary' s High School and St. Joseph's Sci·1ool a1 aga<strong>in</strong> strove to malce<br />
him seek forgiveness for his cri~tie<br />
and hacl the great<br />
1. Ashburton Police Gazette 1897.
66<br />
happ<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>of</strong>' tt<strong>in</strong>g him to pr'ay. She taught him hov1 to say<br />
the Rosar;;,r and <strong>in</strong> a shor't tiue this hal"dened s<strong>in</strong>ner had become<br />
a model penitent. He asked the mother <strong>of</strong> t girl<br />
whose life he had taken to forgive hiL:; he thanked the<br />
people <strong>of</strong> Lyttelton who had prayed foX' him, and he faced<br />
::md met the death he had deserved, with such admirable dispas<br />
ions that those who witnessed the sad spectacle realised<br />
the force <strong>of</strong> Tennyson's claim that-<br />
11Llore t<br />
ngs ar'e wrought by prayer<br />
Than this vrorld dx'e81TIS <strong>of</strong>. 11<br />
J.iother L. Aloysius is still a member <strong>of</strong> the Lyttel ton<br />
Community ancl though life's ve<br />
ers have come, lit by a<br />
slant<strong>in</strong>g sun, still her rem<strong>in</strong>iscences <strong>of</strong>' those early clays<br />
are clear and vivid as<br />
old.<br />
St. l.lar'r' s Convent, Christchurcllj 8)L•_:<br />
The Greymouth foundation prospered so well that on<br />
July 25th, 1894 it v1as strong $Dough - o give a band <strong>of</strong> Sisters<br />
to st. Llary's pari<br />
, Christchurch v/i:lich had been established by<br />
the persever<strong>in</strong>g ( 1 ) ef:f:'orts <strong>of</strong> H.ev.<br />
Chesnais, &.ti. and his curate I~ev.<br />
t:n.el' Le Uenant des<br />
Pather> Earnane, S.M.<br />
Five<br />
Sisters <strong>of</strong> Liercy and a postulant crossed the Alps and on<br />
August 1894 too~\: charge <strong>of</strong> the pariG.il school, • Mary's, a<br />
f<strong>in</strong>e brj.ck build<strong>in</strong>g situated beh<strong>in</strong>d the Church and separated<br />
from it by the play-ground. At first the Sisters occu~;iecl a<br />
1. The Cyclopedia <strong>of</strong> N.Z. Vol. 3 (Ch.Ch. 1903.)
house at tlle corner <strong>of</strong> l.iancheste:r anc1 Salisbury Streets<br />
but <strong>in</strong> the lovi<strong>in</strong>g 1-iovembex- they pure CL a tlu·eequarter·<br />
an acr•e site on vri1ich Vie:re two jacent houses<br />
fac<strong>in</strong>::E C olc.lmbo Strec.::t.<br />
'.Chese houses for- wany ye r:n·s sel'ved<br />
as st. L:ary' s Convent until it became nece s<br />
to secur·e<br />
better i'acilities <strong>in</strong> h :'us<strong>in</strong>g accor:Lodation. In 1900 the<br />
present convent chapel so lfully ~xecute~ <strong>in</strong> grey stone<br />
was erec te, .. as os<strong>in</strong> __: buildi<br />
1GlO\Yn r1s Ut. M 's, Uol:Jrnbo· Street. ,.i,.icll lncludes<br />
• l.lax-y' s Collegiate Hi::;;l1 Scl1ool bt.tilt <strong>in</strong> 19·12; t Convent<br />
e rec teL <strong>in</strong> l:JlG and ti1e l.:usic Elock upreaPe~_, 1 . In<br />
LancLe ;c;ter Street Sci:co s ti;.e i ster·::; teac!1 present 2<br />
tendr:tnce at<br />
• Lo.ry' s Col1egiate Hign<br />
0chool is :.:: <strong>in</strong>cluO.<strong>in</strong>g 3) boys. ilere as <strong>in</strong> ·~11~~ other<br />
Gee onclal'y c)C ciO s c ncluc teci. b~r Sisters, pupils are pre-<br />
L. '<br />
<strong>UC</strong>l1tJ u .. annually :L'or· publ:fc exm~<strong>in</strong>atians <strong>in</strong> v;hich their<br />
succes . testifles to<br />
ies ·.:Jn<br />
anu. pooP <strong>in</strong> tilei r ,es anc, <strong>in</strong> iwspi tal, and by t iP unostent<br />
ious charity 'bl'<strong>in</strong>g l'elief to son:; ·! 1 '10<br />
are too<br />
c rushect to let their want 'bee ome known to pu.blic charities.<br />
Eother Ll. 1.1echtildes Boland, as I'i:l t tperioress, gui d<br />
the worki<br />
<strong>of</strong>' St. Liary' s Convent for tnan;,r yecu-·s. A pioneer,<br />
who hai begun her lifo as a Sister <strong>of</strong><br />
rcy <strong>in</strong> Ennis and who
68<br />
had filled .. the <strong>of</strong>1 iee <strong>of</strong> Assistant <strong>in</strong> the J::o'
M1algamation until ill-health supe1~ened <strong>in</strong> 1921. A ard<strong>in</strong>g<br />
School<br />
girls was built<br />
jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the Convent anc1 a<br />
splendid<br />
·imn was added 1 ater.<br />
sters who live<br />
at "Villa L:aria" have charge <strong>of</strong> the High School with both<br />
primary and secondary departments; the parish school, and<br />
the new k<strong>in</strong>dergarten school <strong>in</strong> Puiriri street; opened <strong>in</strong><br />
1937.<br />
In 1930 a boys' junior college was opened <strong>in</strong><br />
\i<strong>in</strong>derrnere Hoad, Papa:nui under the title, J_,ol~eto<br />
College<br />
and re the Sistel'S conduct a flouri~3h<strong>in</strong>g board<strong>in</strong>g ai1d<br />
day scl1ool for bo:rs <strong>in</strong> the primary s. The<br />
saw th.::: transfer 'o:r the Lother House and novitiate frmn<br />
nvilla ;,:ar•ian to Tiuaru where the Sis rs had purchasec~ a·<br />
grand old Convent and property frou the Sisters<br />
t11e<br />
Sacred rleart Order w~o<br />
were desirous <strong>of</strong> giv<strong>in</strong>g their<br />
services <strong>in</strong> other s <strong>of</strong> their Order re help 1Nas<br />
needed.<br />
Convent <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercy</strong> 2 Tirnaru, 1936:<br />
• :.:other' LI. Agatha LlcDonnell, Superior'ess <strong>of</strong><br />
t11e A.lJo.lgamated<br />
Convents <strong>of</strong> L:ercy <strong>in</strong> the Christchurch<br />
diocese, t:Jo~c<br />
up Pesidence <strong>in</strong> wllat had been the Sacred<br />
Heart Convent, Craigie Avenue, ri'imaru.<br />
Here with the<br />
novitiate and a steff <strong>of</strong> Sisters selected from ttte various<br />
Convents, <strong>in</strong>itiated the v10rks <strong>of</strong> the Ue Order. 3he<br />
brought to her' task a highly cultivated <strong>in</strong>tellect, are-
70<br />
marliox•ess whose very presence VIas an<br />
<strong>in</strong>spiration and a stepp<strong>in</strong>i_i:-f3tone to nighel, th<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Sacred<br />
lie art Girls 1<br />
College w"l1ici1 is both board<strong>in</strong>g and. clay school<br />
has at present 120 pupils and Sacred Heart School adjo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the<br />
Convent . roperty t1.as an attendance <strong>of</strong> 210. This year· ( ·1939)<br />
the Sisters took charge <strong>of</strong> St. Joseph's School, <strong>in</strong> the<br />
North Enc:.. <strong>of</strong> tlle parish, anu. have at present a roll <strong>of</strong> 53<br />
pupils.<br />
Thus has spread. the seed sovm by the 1i ttle band <strong>of</strong><br />
pioneer Sisters <strong>of</strong> ~ercy who arrived <strong>in</strong> Hokitika <strong>in</strong> 1878<br />
and g:we the S:)uth Island its fir-sec religious community <strong>of</strong><br />
women.<br />
They sowed the seed, the people tilled the ground,<br />
but God gave the <strong>in</strong>crease.
71<br />
CHAPTER V1 .<br />
When the Hight Hev. Dr.<br />
ran was trans rred <strong>in</strong> 1 D70<br />
Grahcnfistown, South Africa to the new See <strong>of</strong> Duned<strong>in</strong>,<br />
secured a foundation <strong>of</strong> Dorn<strong>in</strong>ic an<br />
sters frou Sion<br />
Hill, Dubl<strong>in</strong> wi til whose assistance he openeci the first<br />
Catholic priuary school <strong>in</strong> the diocese on Pebruary 20th,<br />
1 1 a school a week later. The education <strong>of</strong><br />
tile girls <strong>of</strong> __:une6.<strong>in</strong> re111a<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> cap hands <strong>of</strong><br />
t[J.ese <strong>in</strong>dust ous nun:3 until ·1897. In the. L:ay <strong>of</strong> 1 6<br />
iii s Lordship,<br />
shop Verdon, was consecrated Bishop <strong>of</strong><br />
Ltmecl<strong>in</strong> where he saw the need e ablish<strong>in</strong>2· an ,.,l,der,<br />
the mern'ber•s <strong>of</strong> i would carry aut visitation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
s poor <strong>in</strong> their· homes as 1 as <strong>in</strong> hospitals,<br />
woc.lci. t care ox'plwno. th s object <strong>in</strong> view lle<br />
e d to Hev. her Lo ani acl.S :'~enny \'ill a v;as then<br />
f"3uper'ioress <strong>of</strong> the Convent <strong>of</strong> Ler·cy, J<strong>in</strong>gl on,<br />
.. " ·-~: I''<br />
l'i ::, •. /.<br />
and obta<strong>in</strong>ed froL1 !1er already<br />
lete6. Coumunity a group<br />
to lay t!1e foundations af the Order <strong>in</strong> l~une6.<strong>in</strong>.<br />
'his<br />
i ant Community unLier leade p l,:other 1.:. t.:a<br />
r~irby,<br />
landed at Port Ciialmers on Sunday, Jannary '17th,<br />
1 897, and were welc or:1ed to ir future home ·Ly IIis<br />
Lordship, Bishop Verclon anci_ the priests <strong>of</strong> the ::a ty.<br />
For<br />
three days the Sisters were the gue<br />
s <strong>of</strong> the hospitable<br />
Dom<strong>in</strong>ican Sisters who oesto1.'ted on them evel'Y conce<br />
able
72<br />
l
73<br />
a c1aily attendance <strong>of</strong> 215.<br />
this SemirH'J.PY town the Sisters <strong>of</strong> tiercy <strong>in</strong> Lay<br />
1898 opened t.heir first t3chaol ta which they tl'avellecl<br />
daily by·tra<strong>in</strong> 1~1 Duned<strong>in</strong>. 'rhe tr·a<strong>in</strong> sel .... Vice did n<br />
prove satisfactory for their' wor'k ·so it '>'!as decided to<br />
establish a Convent <strong>of</strong> the t orm. · Pro1~1 'I G u.ntil<br />
·i 912 the c:J.ildren were taught <strong>in</strong> ·t;he Church but <strong>in</strong> ·1912,<br />
llev. Fr.~iston then Parish Priest, ( 1 ) pur·cllaseci frol•l the<br />
Losgi ~orough Council a btiil whicil was re ly conv<br />
<strong>in</strong>to an aCI.mirab scJ.1ool. r;U>.ib e·~· <strong>of</strong> pupils at<br />
present <strong>in</strong> attenCJ.ance at Liosgiel Convent •3choo1 is· 60.<br />
'.VI:le founclation stone o:L· s chm•i t e <strong>in</strong>stitution<br />
vras 1 a few 1.1onths after the ~3isters arr <strong>in</strong><br />
Duned<strong>in</strong> and received the<br />
rst little orphan<br />
July i 896.<br />
Here ol";Jhan gir:::.a are received even <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>fancy<br />
and ar•e looked after with suci1 tender solicitude that<br />
many ti:.ern, <strong>in</strong> later• li , cheris!l ir rtJel!lOl.'ies <strong>of</strong><br />
St. V<strong>in</strong>cent's as .J...· vne 1<br />
na iest their lives. These .::;i<br />
a1·e c aref ly<br />
ated accord<strong>in</strong>g to the pr<strong>in</strong>ciples <strong>of</strong><br />
Catholic r.::1mrcl1 which l::elieves <strong>in</strong> sendi<br />
the wll:)le child<br />
to school - the art ns well as the m<strong>in</strong>d - so that she<br />
ac Lees ,,a taste fol~ uo<strong>in</strong>s rrood", a taste for· j;~ght liv<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
-·- -----··---- -----~-----·---<br />
1. C onve Records, Duned<strong>in</strong>.<br />
- -----
74<br />
Children ~ith<br />
special aptitudes, as well as tLJsa with<br />
special disa'bili ties, are treated apart end prepared. to<br />
fill, <strong>in</strong> later life, the positions for which t~ey<br />
are best<br />
sui ted.<br />
At prer:;ent the Uisters have sixty-two oi'[Jh9J1s <strong>in</strong><br />
st. V<strong>in</strong>cEnt's.<br />
Rev. P.O'~eill, paris~ priest <strong>of</strong> ~<strong>in</strong>ton applied <strong>in</strong><br />
·1898 to the Superioress oi' tlle :_;onvent <strong>of</strong> : .. ei'cy, Duned<strong>in</strong><br />
for· a Conn:J.111.:. ty oi' Ststers fu:c· his pa:c•i::;i1.<br />
It has alvvays<br />
·been the aifil <strong>of</strong> the ~:listers<br />
<strong>of</strong> Lercy to supply, to the<br />
best <strong>of</strong>' ti~eir<br />
ar)ility, Catholic School;:; for the suallei'<br />
r•arL:.lws <strong>in</strong> each cliocese, so the i·e(Juest t·J provide<br />
\l<strong>in</strong>ton r;i th a Cor.]:JUni ty Vfc\S reacl.ily gPc:mtecL Cn the feast<br />
oi' Jt. 3er•nar•ci_, August 20th, 1898, three ;)iste:cs ope~1ed<br />
:=lt. Be:r'nard's C:)onvent, \Hnton.<br />
ll'r'om t .. is cent.·; Siste:es go<br />
This settle1nent was a1most entir·ely Catl1:-,lic <strong>in</strong> i C!)_.<br />
and foi' sm,,.~<br />
yeal's the children had been attend<strong>in</strong> · the ~)l~'i•J'ic<br />
schoo1. r;:'hat year, o~1 the :J?east <strong>of</strong> st. Joseph, ::arch 19th,<br />
the Sister's opened a Convent ancl schoo1 here and the<br />
public school auton:atically closed.<br />
Alexandra, 1912:<br />
At the re c~uest<br />
<strong>of</strong> I{ev. :L' 1 atJ:1er Hunt <strong>of</strong> Alexandra,<br />
Central Ota
75<br />
e<br />
there a convent and school, L1 Hhich there ar•e :J.t<br />
prefJent tln•ee Si ers and seventy-tv1o c1lilLLr'en re ectively.<br />
Dis rs nd sc ::rp e 11g Ol1~t<br />
v e r.'y 1 m·<br />
e:cton p sh, he found t there<br />
no Catnolic<br />
t·,,enty-threc<br />
Irl1:n1ediately s about -:;n·ovid.<strong>in</strong>g a rJ(::anG <strong>of</strong><br />
rel ous <strong>in</strong>str·uction fo1• the chil ·en and obta<strong>in</strong>ed 0!;1<br />
five Sistel'S <strong>of</strong><br />
!.Jerc3r (Y)enecl a Convent :;nd school <strong>in</strong> Riverton. Ohil<br />
froL the ous s."'t le: .. ents, Tev1aewae, , Tikaka,<br />
Ot a at au, Thor'nbU.I\'{,<br />
ly ~y t~aiil t~ 2iverton<br />
Conv nt<br />
JI'e~r 1 s 3ush openecl., <strong>in</strong> ·1916, a sc<br />
ol<br />
<strong>in</strong> coal-m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g tormship <strong>of</strong> Hightcaps, five es<br />
cdstant, 8.l1CL t:eq.vell thither daily 1.mtil. ·1936.<br />
year<br />
school at 'Hrey 1 s Dush had :Callen to a r-oll<br />
nu.n1:;er <strong>of</strong> seven while that at Nightcaps ha0. :eiDen to<br />
eighty. Oonsec;uently the sterc-; clos the Convent at<br />
·,irey 1 s Bush and opened one at r"iightc aps rfi::.ere they nort<br />
reside.<br />
rrhe p:eesent m.m1ber <strong>of</strong> children is n<strong>in</strong>ety.
..\t this little tovmsl:ip. <strong>in</strong> tl~e<br />
suburbs <strong>of</strong> Duned<strong>in</strong><br />
the :)is , at r-equest <strong>of</strong> His Lordship, Bisho:) rdon,<br />
openec1. a Convent and School <strong>in</strong> ·1 S'1 •<br />
In 191 p it became necessary to acl.r.dt -snall bo~rs<br />
to<br />
St. V<strong>in</strong>cent's Girls' Orphanage but as these proved to<br />
too at a tax on st<strong>in</strong>g accommodation the ters<br />
sought 8<br />
sui table property on \Vhicl"l to open an orphanage<br />
for lJO,:·s. In 19 0 a beautiful hor:·1e at 'Javerl , till then<br />
by the late Llr. Scobie McKenzie, rras purc~1ased<br />
l)y<br />
Lessrs • ."-.ndrev1 and Henl'y Hagerty c1 tc:> the<br />
Dunechr; Dister·s :.·ercy. Here St. ~oseph's ' Howe<br />
was e<br />
by t<br />
a·blishecl ct.nd the present new buil<br />
generosity<br />
Dec.m Lie lan <strong>of</strong>' y. At present the Home<br />
is taxed to capacity and Sisters hone t;:; to the<br />
<strong>in</strong>stitution <strong>in</strong> the near future. \i8.'/el'l Doys 1<br />
is a populs.r<br />
ature <strong>of</strong> the Hor:1e and is ably c ondu.cted<br />
by l.ir. \·:·helan. The peo:;:>le oi' ~)uned<strong>in</strong> ~ r-ovide an annual<br />
out<strong>in</strong>g for the .iaverly Boys and nm'e than c:>ne clwri table<br />
citizen has, fro1n tiDe to time, su.ppli eve~y boy <strong>in</strong> the<br />
th boots, overcoat or suit <strong>of</strong> clothes.<br />
:Pive ;~isters<br />
attenCl to<br />
igious, mor·al and <strong>in</strong>tellectual tr'a<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>of</strong> boys and rfi th noble purpc:>se and hi endeavour
ar'e mov fo:c·-,;e_rd con antly to a h1gl.ler e:Lfici ncy <strong>in</strong><br />
77<br />
their menazeoent. The boys are he tlw and happy, they<br />
C acqUil'C(L its 1 OUl.' ste i nc1us tr ,'.', are<br />
lee i11 t Eport ~nd ev1nce filial respect for<br />
i .. e:ccy the Gistel'S a:..··~<br />
a.Lways glac:L <strong>of</strong> an<br />
oppor>tuni. ty to<br />
en a llospit<br />
co tc~ by nuns waG a lonB- t vtant <strong>in</strong> dioces <strong>of</strong><br />
the 0<br />
ic uitizenc<br />
rille<br />
i.,<br />
o.e.<br />
selectec:L for· nu.:·si haci unaer!onc tra<strong>in</strong>i <strong>in</strong> and<br />
an~ the Superiorcss, anu ·e ss <strong>of</strong> the hospi t ::1, ci.i(,<br />
):Jssible to<br />
the Sisters for their nev vork.<br />
'l'hc Ho it i f:t ne bride on a site ::Jl' ;:;ne<br />
a hal ac1·es <strong>in</strong><br />
a r·s(_·nnel ei ~c.t ;Jistel'S 8lld a cap;::tci ty o:r<br />
be~-.s. I ti.L se be nn<strong>in</strong>e;s .::-re :eel ati vel~r l, ;ret<br />
te1"l ser·ic or ae gives promise <strong>of</strong> p i<br />
:::nrth<br />
In Ot<br />
.;<br />
a·· 0 ll s att 'G.:J nm:1e ~.3 ann.<br />
.. ie rc ·r have<br />
e :3tabli ities Confraternities which<br />
tend towards the uplifti yotm v1omen <strong>of</strong> the
78<br />
oc ese. l.:ercy lcLs ach the alusgiver hov1 to be ov1<br />
her aln:s, hov/ to see <strong>in</strong> the poor rec:::_pient o1' her charity,<br />
one sent by God to test her justice ann to enable<br />
l' to<br />
hear fr01:1 Justice Hirl1self:<br />
II<br />
a use did it to one <strong>of</strong> t se,<br />
least bretJ:u•en, yc>"l). cliO. it unto ue."
79<br />
CH.i\.PTER V11 .<br />
COlfCLUGIOJ.Y.<br />
Co<strong>in</strong>cident wit1l the esta'blisllrJent <strong>in</strong> Ne.i <strong>Zealand</strong> <strong>of</strong>'<br />
the 'i/Orlcs o::. ti:re Or•der <strong>of</strong> Lercy there proceected tl1e daily<br />
perfect<strong>in</strong>g oi' the religious life <strong>in</strong> eac:C. Corm;mni ty.<br />
The fire k<strong>in</strong>cJ.leCL <strong>in</strong> th:Jse pioneer<strong>in</strong>G.· ·.·0.ys 1Jy valiant<br />
vw;:·;en ha::; ~een<br />
steaci.il;yr fannec1 <strong>in</strong>to "ever q'licken<strong>in</strong>g life''<br />
as is Low· attested ·b~r<br />
the 473 I!ev1 <strong>Zealand</strong> S LSters <strong>of</strong> r.:ercy<br />
who, vi vifieC:t 'by the sa.me u.is<strong>in</strong>terested spirit, have bc.n.md<br />
ther:lSelves unresei"/ec~.ly<br />
to the· service o:L' God, and <strong>of</strong>' nan,<br />
by the thr:..cc V·.J':rs •Jf ~'overty, Chastity and Obedience. r.::'he<br />
\ rder has ever been r·er:larl
so<br />
not only to the Catholic section~ 'but to the CoLJ.nuni ty <strong>in</strong><br />
gen~ral.<br />
s:'hese nuns are at present the educators <strong>of</strong><br />
(1) 8,94L+ young Hew Zealanc1ers; they mothei' the orphan;<br />
they a:ee the guai>d.ians <strong>of</strong>· the aged; the :nealers <strong>of</strong> the<br />
sic:\:; the comforters <strong>of</strong> the <strong>in</strong>fir'Li and. <strong>in</strong>cur~a·ble.<br />
'liwugh<br />
the Order' wa,::, specif'ically founded for "the service <strong>of</strong><br />
the pool', sick ancl ignorant, 11 yet Sistel~s are engaged <strong>in</strong><br />
all depar-tuents <strong>of</strong>' eC:iucational as <strong>of</strong> ilO:=·~:>i tal rror'~;:.<br />
The<br />
gr•eatel' nur:1ber spend, <strong>in</strong> general, five days a-v1eek <strong>in</strong> sc~cool<br />
or> LiUsic-rOOLl ancl the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g t'HO, <strong>in</strong> ,:; al':c·yi ng ot
81<br />
and under the rule she then established to suit the<br />
exigencies <strong>of</strong> the time, eac11 Convent <strong>of</strong> Uercy was en <strong>in</strong>dependent<br />
Hou~:;e, elect<strong>in</strong>g its own Sup o:: and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
its O\tn novices.<br />
With the expansion <strong>of</strong> the Order the need<br />
for centralisation <strong>in</strong> government has made its f<br />
felt<br />
especially <strong>in</strong> consideration <strong>of</strong> the noviti e tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g,<br />
as a step toward:3 Pemedy<strong>in</strong>g this Viant, the C;)nvents<br />
i,iercy<br />
<strong>in</strong> FieH <strong>Zealand</strong> have ·been oup ther w~th<strong>in</strong> each<br />
diocese under one Supe<br />
oress and vri th a common novitiate.<br />
Had i.iother Ec.Auley th r p.r:actical con:r,on sense lived<br />
to see the rwrld- .. ide ezpcmsion <strong>of</strong> the Order, she w;::~ulc1<br />
have b3en one <strong>of</strong> the first to eli cern the advisability<br />
secur<strong>in</strong>g tl1e unific iDn <strong>of</strong> the Ol"'der; which u.ni<br />
cation<br />
is the aPdent hope, if rw~ also 'tL·;. fel"'Vent ,·r·ayer, <strong>of</strong> the<br />
vast majority <strong>of</strong><br />
r 20,L1.62 Siste.::s scattered throughout<br />
the v10rJ.d.<br />
THE LIPP.