FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

I have received two beautiful photographs from Darrin Feehan.  Darrin is the son of Rita WALSH Feehan.  Both photographs are from the years 1946/47. 



The first photo is of, as Darrin says,   "The Walsh sister's from Southside Rd". The girls, smart in their school uniforms, are Helen (Feehan), Imelda (Murray) and Rita (Feehan).  Darrin informs us that the picture was taken in his Nan's back garden on the Southside Road.  The year was 1946/47 and the occasion was Rita's first day of school. 

The Walsh Sisters, Helen (Feehan), Imelda (Murray)
 and Rita (Feehan)

This second photo certainly is  one to be treasured.  It is Rita's First Holy Communion picture.  Her teacher was the famous Miss Margaret Murphy and the year was still 1946/47.  Rita thinks one of the Nuns in the photo is Mother John but she doesn't remember who the other Nun is.  That is quite an impressive number of First Communicants.  Unfortunately, we don't get anything near that number today.

First Communion group 1946/47

Darrin, I am grateful to you for these special photos.  I think they will be enjoyed by so many who follow this blog and its facebook page.  Just one little query, Darrin.  Can you tell us where your Mom is in the First Communion picture?  And, Darrin, if you happen to come across any other gems like these, please, please share them with us.  You can send anything you have to mcallistersmith@gmail.com and I will be forever in your debt.  Thank you Darrin and thank you Rita.

FIRST COMMUNION CIRCA 1958

This beautiful First Communion picture has been received from LIZ FINNEY CROFT.  She said it was 1958 and she was in Grade 2.  Liz is in the front row, far right.  While Liz remembers the day well, she cannot remember the names of the other girls in the picture.  Do you recognise yourself or anyone else on this picture?  Let us know if you do because Liz, as well as the rest of us, would love to be able to put names to the young faces.

First Communion, St Patrick's Convent, circa 1958
(Right click any picture to enlarge it)

Thank you very much, Liz, for sharing this lovely memory with us. If anyone else has First Communion or Confirmation photographs to share, please send them to us at mcallistersmith@gmail.com and we would be glad to post them on the school blog and facebook page.



FIRST COMMUNION 1911

This time of the year seems to be when, in Parishes all over the world, children are making their First Holy Communion  and receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.  For this reason, I am going to do a couple of posts on that theme.

 

This post is, I think, very special and a really beautiful slice of our School and Parish history.  I hope you enjoy this 102 year old photo and, if you would like to share a  First Communion or Confirmation photo, certificate or story  on this blog, you would be most welcome to send it to us at mcallistersmith@gmail.com

 

This is the First Communion picture and certificate of Mary Margaret Williams.  She was born in August 1900 in Petty Harbour.  When she was very young, her family moved to St John's and became parishioners of St Patrick's, Riverhead.  Mary, always know as May, attended the old St Patrick's Convent School on Convent Square.  Here she came to know such distinguished teachers as Mother De Sales Walsh and Mother Rose Reddy.  At that time, Mother Rose was a  Novice, still with her white veil. 

 

On 29th April 1911, May received her First Holy Communion.  The certificate states; "Mary Margaret Williams Baptised in the year 1900 received First Holy Communion in the church of St Patrick on the 29th of April 1911 and the Holy Sacrament of Confirmation in the same year".  She was 11 years old.

 

Mary Margaret Williams,
First Holy Communion, April 1911

 

 

First Communion and Confirmation Certificate
of Mary Margaret Williams,
St Patrick's Church, April 1911