Centenary of St Patrick’s Parish Putaruru

Over the years, Sisters from across the Congregation have ministered in Putaruru; in addition to New Zealanders, Sisters from Ireland, Australia, and England served in both the school and the parish. The Sisters first arrived in Putaruru in 1941 and remained there until their move to Rotorua in 1994. The first two Sisters were Mother Ethelbert and Sr Christopher (Edith Horne). Interestingly, two Sisters — Gemma Wilson and Lorraine Campbell — attended the school for their primary education. Sr Rose O’Meara, who ministered there, sadly died in an accident in Putaruru in 1982.

Srs Gemma Wilson, Tulua ‘Otuafi, and Lorraine Campbell set out early on Sunday, 30th November, as the three Marist Sisters joining the Catholic community in Putaruru for its centennial celebration. The journey was easy at that hour, with the roads still quiet and empty.

As soon as the Sisters walked into the church, many familiar faces greeted them. The oldest parishioners were seated to the left of the altar, with Mrs Thomassen, aged 97, as the doyen. Also seated in this group were Mrs McCurran and Pat Schicker. Sr Rose O’Meara’s family were gathered in the centre pews, and the Sisters warmly greeted her sister Patricia and her nieces and nephews. Members of Sr Gemma’s family were also present and greeted with equal warmth.

Mass was celebrated by Bishop Richard Laurenson, Fr Robert Sharplin, the deacon from Tokoroa and one of the priests from Rotorua. A small and effective music group of adults and students of St Mary’s provided the accompaniment to the singing.

After Mass they began a procession through the school, along McKenzie St and Kensington St, and back to the Church. The flags of all the nations that make up the parish community were waved with gusto. On their return they were greeted by the school kapa haka group.

Then began the blessing of a plaque in Sr Rose’s honour, the planting of roses in memory of her and of the Marist Sisters. Her niece gave a speech saying how happy the family were to be able to participate in this memorial for her, a public recognition of her service.

Lunch ensued. A pictorial display of both churches, early parishioners, most of the sisters who served in Putaruru and the Mill Hill Fathers was available. Sr Gemma was especially excited to see a picture of her parents’ wedding. During lunch Sr Lorraine spoke on behalf of the Marist Sisters noting it was ‘home territory’ for both Gemma and herself. She gave thanks that they were able to join the celebrations.

The Marist Sisters regifted to St Mary’s School two wall plaques—Mary and the Child Jesus, and St Joseph—made by Maurice Schicker. These had been in the “new” convent and then went to Rotorua when the Putaruru house was closed. They came back to the archives on the closure of Rotorua. They felt it fitting to return them to Putaruru for safekeeping. Jenny McKenzie, the principal, received them with gratitude and said she would have them displayed with a plaque.

Sr Tulua thoroughly enjoyed the day—the beautiful countryside along the way and the many stories shared about the Sisters and their families. Srs Gemma and Lorraine showed her the school and the convent, and Sr Lorraine proudly pointed out that her father had helped build both the new church and the post office. They then drove along White’s Road to the Waihou River picnic area.

Sr Lorraine was able to show Sr Tulua her family home and those of their Catholic neighbours. At the river, Sr Tulua discovered just how cold the water was, even though a few hardy swimmers were braving it. The track there leads to the Blue Spring, from which water is bottled because of its remarkable clarity and purity.