The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1909-09-06
BISHOP BLESSES
KAIMUKI CONVENT
(cOntinued from Page one.)

school to wish it success in the great
work for God and country for which
it is intended and to participate in
the rejoicing that must fill the hearts
of its builders, the Noble Sisterhood
of the Sacred Hearts.
Fifty years ago the pioneers or this
great Order severed all earthly ties,
and parting from France and all that
life holds dear they embarked for
these far off isles to labor among the
children of the poor. Their arrival
on our shores was marked by neither
pomp nor ceremony. They were poor,
there were few to greet them, and the
task that lay before them was freight
ed with doubts and fears, but with
courage born of hope and a confidence
strengthened by faith, they entered
upon their arduous duties.
Fifty years have passed away, years
of unremitting toll and unseltish sa-
crifice but withal years pregnant with
victory and progress, progress almost
unparalleled and seldom experienced.
Fifty years ago their pupils were
few and those few were gathered in
hut, often beneath the canopy or
the sky. Today their pupils are count
ed in the hundreds, and their schools
lacking in none of the essentials are
equal to the best in this Territory.
Fifty years ago their friends were
few and their presence engendered sus-
picion. Today they have many friends
for their kindly influence has touched
many hearts, and where they are not
loved they are respected. OF this
wonderful change, a change as it were
from a mountain stream to a mighty
river, it can be said that never acorn
grew into a nobler oak than we have
here, here in this great school, the
outgrowth of such inauspicious be-
ginnings.
The Inauguration of Catholicism in
these islands was an event of great i'm
portance to Catholics, it was one OF
the most important in their history.
Since then our church has made many
notable movements, each of them
standing out like milestones to mark
our progress. There was the coming
of the Brothers of st. Louis College
and openings of their school, the ar
rival of the Sisters of st. Francis to
devote their lives to the afflicted ones
at Molokai and their children; the
building of schools, churches and Or
phanage, all meeting the demands OF
the time and bearing willing testimony
to what our church can accomplish
in land where men are free and des-
potism is unknown. And yet giving
been done, and to those that have
done it / submit that the opening OF
this school, whilst not the most i'm
portant, is the most progressive step
Catholicism has yet taken in this
Territory-pregressiv because schools
are primarily the hope of our country's
life, the beacon light of a nations pro-
gress The opening of this school
marks a new era along lines OF noblest
endeavor, for here, irrespective OF
creed, is impaired to all who desire,
an education embracing the highest
ideals, an education that not only
fits our children for the duties and
responsibilities of this life but also
for that greater life that lies BEYOND
the tomb.
Education is one Of the most inn
portant, vital and far-reaching ques-
lions that can absorb the public mind.
1t is especially so in this great land
where freedom is the birthright OF all,
where every avenue of advancement
is open to those who try, and where
every citizen is bound to do his part
in the duties and responsibilities OF
government. If we are to survive as a
great republic and to keep our place
as a leader amongst the nations, then
our people must be educated, educa-
ton along patriotic and moral lines,
and wnere l speak of education l in
clude both men and women. 10 the
latter it is perhaps of greater import
ance, for the woman of character and
education is the strongest power for
good we have, and her influence is
supreme in every Christian land.
My friends, at this time l wish to
call your attention to an opinion pre-
valent among some few in this Ter