​DOMINIKA WHITE
PORTFOLIO OF WORK
Irish eyes still smile, after 100 years
Sister Lua Murray is dwarfed by the large wooden chair usually reserved for bishops. She takes full advantage of a rare moment in the seat and leans right back, brings her small arms down to clasp the wings, purses her lips and lifts her nose regally.
It is clear that, after 100 years. Sister Lua has not lost her sense of humour.
Ask the nun her secret to living so long and she replies "Oh, I suppose I don`t do much housework."
Born in Dublin on January 31, 1900. Sister Lua can remember her early years on Primrose Ave in the Irish capital.
As a member of the missionary church of St Joseph, she came to New Zealand in 1932, teaching at primary schools in Temuka and then Auckland for 50 years.
Although she has been away from Ireland for more than half her long life Ireland still acknowledged her centenary with a gift of $6000 and a letter from its president presented to her by the honorary Consul General, Rodney Walshe. The Centenarian Bounty is a national award extended to Irish citizens Irish outside the country.
"Goodness me," was Sister Lua’s response when news of the honour reached her.
For the last 30 years, Sister Lua has lived in Mission Bay in a rest home provided by the Sisters of St Joseph "People used to say Lua looked like mother hen with all her chicks when on the playground with her class," says Sister Margaret O’Neill fondly.
Sister Margaret retails Sister Lua always being extra considerate of struggling families.
She made sure there was equality among the children by keeping supply of white holy communion dresses and veils for those who couldn't afford them.
"Wherever Lua taught over a span of 50 years, site endeared herself to the pupils, other staff and the parents with her sense of fun, fair play, kindness and love of children."
When Sister Lua retired, says Sister Margaret, she sewed pillowcases, curtains and clothes for refugees, and still occasionally breaks into choruses of When Irish Eyes Are Smilling.
For each of Sister Lua's successive birthdays, she will receive a commemorative coin from the Irish Government.
Although she is still fond of her motherland, she acknowledges "This is my home now".