While perusing an old scrapbook, which belonged to my late Aunt, I came across this clipping from a 1920's newspaper. The writing certainly differs from today's reporting style and the degree of respect is also quite evident.
The article very respectfully announces the death of a member of the St Patrick's Convent Community, Sr M Patrick Wadden. A native of County Wexford, Sr Patrick left her native Ireland to enter the Presentation Congregation at Riverhead (St Patrick's) in 1883.
The article very respectfully announces the death of a member of the St Patrick's Convent Community, Sr M Patrick Wadden. A native of County Wexford, Sr Patrick left her native Ireland to enter the Presentation Congregation at Riverhead (St Patrick's) in 1883.
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| THE NEWSPAPER CLIPPING FROM MARCH 1920 |
The newspaper does not give any details of Sr Patrick's funeral but I did find her resting place. She is buried in the little St Patrick's Convent Cemetery which is nestled between the Convent and St Patrick's Church.
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| THE RESTING PLACE OF SR M PATRICK WADDEN |
As you probably noticed, there is a discrepancy between the day of death reported in the newspaper article and on the headstone. If, as the article states, Sr Patrick died on a Saturday, then the date on the headstone is incorrect because 6th March 1920 was actually a Saturday. On the other hand, if the newspaper got the day wrong then it is possible that Sr Patrick died on 8th March, which was a Monday, and the headstone indeed carries the correct date.
A little mystery for us to solve perhaps? In any case, because today could be the anniversary of Sr Patrick's death, let's just give thanks for her courage, her faith and her work among the people of St Patrick's. May she rest in peace.
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