WelCom March 2024
Ruth Thomas
Sr Patricia Hanaray was presented with the Benemerenti Medal by the Archbishop of Wellington Paul Martin sm at a ceremony held last month at Whitby Lakes Retirement Village.
Dating back to 1842, this medal from the Pope is awarded for long and exceptional service to clergy and laity of the Catholic Church.
‘The medal captures her work for the ministry and Church,’ Archbishop Martin said.
Residents of Whitby Lakes, Patricia’s family, members of St Theresa’s Parish Plimmerton, including parish priest Fr Andrew Kim, were at the ceremony. It was organised by a group from Whitby Lakes’ and led by Eddie Conroy.
Former teacher at St Mary’s College Wellington and Whitby Lakes resident Anne Miller outlined Sr Patricia’s life as a teacher and at the village where, known as Trish, she has lived for more than 12 years as a much-loved and respected member of the community.
As a young woman working in an office, Patricia spent some time with the Brigidine nuns and felt at home and found her vocation.
In 1956, she began her training in Sydney at the novitiate. After three years she returned to the Brigidines in New Zealand, a semi-closed order where life revolved around Church, convent and school. For five years, she looked after her sick mother, showing her caring skills.
Much of her teaching life was spent working in the Wellington area, being principal at Holy Family School in Porirua and at Pius X in Titahi Bay. She spent many years at St Bernard’s College in Lower Hutt where she started a Learners’ Support Programme. When she retired, she continued as a parish worker for St Peter and Paul’s Parish [Te Awakairangi].
‘Trish senses when things are difficult for people and is there to help them through bad patches in her own quiet way,’ Anne Miller said.
‘She epitomises the true Christian.
‘In the village we also see her sense of humour and fun – in extravaganzas, pantomimes and talent shows. We won’t forget Trish playing the part of a fairy godmother in a pantomime, wearing a pink lei, pineapple earrings, a long flowing skirt and riding a scooter.
‘What an amazing, wonderful, caring, committed and inspirational life Sr Trish has led. We here are all the better for knowing her,’ Anne Miller said.
