This song of praise resounds in my head and in my heart. On the 4th September I celebrated my Golden Jubilee in Rowlagh, Clondalkin, Dublin. It was a memorable occasion and a great blessing with community family and friends gathered in our parish church. So much to be grateful for – my brother Martin, home from New Zealand, was there to celebrate the Mass and accept my renewal of vows and I was glad to express them publicly for the benefit of grand nieces and nephews who have no idea of what a vocation to religious life actually means.
Kathleen Bugler rsm
Six weeks of the “New Life’‘course followed in Mary Mount Mercy Centre, Sydney. This was a time for me to count my blessings and be further enriched. Becoming one with participants from around the globe and sharing life to the full each day was indeed a chance in a life time. Our outing to the Blue Mountain had to be memorable. It actually snowed and we huddled together in an open shed to eat our packed lunch. The simplicity of it was touching. Every valley was covered in fog. Tourists held their cameras high and we lined up to get on the train to take us to the mines where many of our ancestors slaved.
Another memorable event was a delightful evening spent in Monte Mercy Convent. It was the occasion of the Leaders’ assembly and Sisters were gathered from every region. I was very touched by the long list of names of the dead. Most of them had Irish roots. The Mass, homily, by one of the Sisters, prayer, reflection and song accompanied by a local orchestra was a great tribute to Mother McAuley and a remarkable binding force. I felt really at home and so part of the celebration. Refreshments afterwards offered an opportunity to meet and greet.
Of course Mary MacKillop’s canonisation offered us many a chance to celebrate. Two of her Sisters were part of our group in Marymount and we followed every detail of her life with great joy. Sr. Bridie O’Connell, a Josephite, was also one of the lecturers on the course and we all shared the delight of the Josephites.
To top off my Sydney experience, which was actually a stop off point, I resumed my journey to New Zealand, a gift from Martin who is now serving the people of Milford as their Priest and loving it in his so called retirement. How can I repay the Lord for His goodness to me? That is my daily prayer. Milford is a haven of delight. A lake at one side and the sea at the other, both within walking distance. Tree lined walks and lakeside nooks have been my daily prayer space. Drives with Martin, picnics and swims, the occasional meal out and visits to the local Mercy Sisters have filled me with the joys of life.
My appreciation of the priesthood and the great blessing of having a brother like Martin is boundless. The sharing in prayer time, meal time and above all the daily Mass leaves me without words to express the wonder of it all. How much he is loved and appreciated in the parish after his move here just two months ago leaves me without a worry for him as he enjoys -to quote himself, -his departure lounge and keeps an open heart and an open door.
There is now a week left for my departure from New Zealand. Yes, it will be tinged with sadness but also with growing excitement at returning to Rowlagh. Thank God for computers. In one way I have never left. First thing every morning I checked for emails and what a joy in receiving one and replying by return. Their harsh winter surely contrasts with the heat of “Down Under’.
Let me assure you that 50 years a Mercy Sister is worth celebrating and I wish to thank all who made it so memorable.
Kathleen Bugler rsm
South Central Province
