The Newtown bee., 1904-12-30
Ten Pages.
TOWN TOPICS.
NOTES FROM ST ROSES.
A ELY LIFE ENDED.

The birth Of the Divine ln1anU was ushered into St Roses with all pomp and solemnity on Sunday, December 25, and despite the fact that the beau tiful decorations and Christmas carols bespoke this joyous event, genuine sorrow and grief was brought to many hearts by the sad news of the death of Sister M. Benedict, one of the faithful and valuable teachers at St Mary's school, Sandy Hook, who had passed away at the Convent of Mercy here at II p. m., Saturday, of heart disease. Early in the week Sister Benedict was taken ill with an attack of grip. Everything was done to make her con- fortable and although nothing serious was thought, callers late at the con- vent on Saturday learned she would be present at mass on Christm mas day. It was therefore a crushing blow to her many friends and loving pupils when Father o O'Reilly, who celebrated the first mass at 6.3O on Christmas day, requested the prayers of the congrega- tion for the repose of her soul. It was one of the saddest occasions in the history of St Roses. The sorrow of the little ones was very touching as was also the visible grief of the priests and her associate sisters. Sister M. Benedict chose her VOWS, poverty, chastity and obedience when quite young, and at the time of her death was in her 39th year. This good sister was an exceptionally gifted teacher, having taught in all the schools of the Order of Mercy community, and by her lovely disposition won the hearts of both Catholics and Protestants alike. She was always the personitica- tion of patience, goodness and devotion to the noble duties of the life she had chosen, always cheerful and happy and ever ready to give helping hand to all who were in need. Her last beau tiful earthly task was teaching the children to prepare for the proper eel ebration of the Divine Infant, expect ing to be with them on that joyous day, but she was called to her home. It is matter of deep regret that such a life of usefulness should be cut so short when the example of piety and goodness would have been such con-
 solation to the people of this parish. Among those who knew and loved her, her choicest friends and associate Sis ters, her death leaves gloom in ach- ing hearts that even time can hardly soften. On Monday at g o'clock sol
 emn high mass was offered for the repose of her soul. The officers of the solemn bigh mass were as follows: Rev F. Fox, pastor of St Roses, Rev N. Coleman of Danbury, Rev Father Donohue of New Milford, and Rev Father O'Reilly of this place. St Roses choir sang the Gregorian mass for the dead. The departed sisters favorite Ave Maria was Grendered at the ofrertory by Miss A. Nolan. At the close of the ceremony "Face to Face" was sweetly rendered by Miss M. Harrigan and also 8 duet by Miss Harrigan and Mrs !Kilbride of Passaic, N. J., Raise me, Jesus, to Thy bosom" was beautifully rendered. The remains of the late sister were forwarded to Middletown on the 10 o'clock train, where the funeral took place on Tuesday at the mother house of the Sisters of Mercy. May the night winds gently blow over her grave and may her sweet soul rest in peace. The clergy present at the services at Middletown were: Right Rev M. J. Tierney, bishop of the dio- cese, pr Donovan, Fathers Elty, Barry, P. G. McGiveney, J. McGiveney, Muriel all of Middletown; Dunn Of