Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy in New Zealand - UC Research ...

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hostile parties to become good friends. 11
At once both
tribes yielded to her entr'eaties and hostilities wer·e
averted.
During their second decade in the country of their•
adoption the Sisters experienced the horrors of the
devastating, hfaori Wars when they did much to assuage the
sufferings of the distressed and afflicted. ':i'he~',
themselves,
suffered such extreme privations that in a letter
Home, Mother Cecilia remarks that ( 1) there was not a
single pound.in the house.
"It was with anxiety c::nd
solicitude that they made out what was barely necessary. 11
The Sisters were often impressed by the gratitude of the
r,:aoris.
Whenever the slightest danger threatened their
dwelling, both parties gave them notice and. assured them
that, no matter what happened, the 'sacred girls' would
be safe. ( 2) Once, in the thick of war, a chief at the
risk of his life carne into the harbour and calling at the
convent warned the Sisters to be ready to flee if the worst
should. come.
He endeavoured to allay their fears by
pledging his word to give them timely notice and to convey
them to secure refuge.
the Sisters' work in Auckland during this time
Cardinal hloran writes:
(3) 11 They proved themselves true Apostles to both the
1. "Leaves from the Annals." Vol 11. p. 619.
2. Ibid. p. 608.
3. Seventy-fifth Anniversary. p. 21.