Sixty Years In New Caledonia

From Fred Dunn, in Noumea On September 23, 1901, a Breton woman of 26 offered to God ter youth and her life by joining the Roman Catholic Order of he Sisters of Joseph de Cluny. Soon afterwards the young woman ook the name of Sister Pauline, and went off to New Caledonia . eventually she became Mother Pauline, and never returned to home and or family.

For 60 years this noble woman devoted her energies and love o the children of New Caledonia, teaching in the Catholic girls’ chool at Noumea. Girls she taught are now grandmothers. She was miversally loved.

Early this year, her health failing, Mere Pauline was put in harge of the school door. A month or two ago she had to take to er bed.

Then, in September, in a moving ceremony in her sick room , this •aliant women renewed her vows at a special private Mass said by ionseigneur Martin, Bishop of New Caledonia, with all the clergy f Noumea present.

The Bishop presented the Mother with gifts and amongst them ’ as a crucifix sent by Pope John, and blessed by him personally.

Though only able to whisper, the dying Mother Pauline expressed er joy. Two days later she passed away peacefully in her sleep. Her or rowing colleagues carried her to her last resting place, and a lass saw Noumea s cathedral filled with sorrowing grandmothers, wthers and children—all who had known “Mere Pauline”.