Srs. St John Enright, Josepha English, Colmcille Roche, Elaine Pearton, Gertrude Ryan, Kathleen Power, and Majella Quinn
Our celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy was rendered more meaningful this year as we celebrated the jubilees of seven of our Sisters, six Golden and one Diamond. Holy Mass was celebrated in St. Columba’s Church, next to our Convent, and the celebrant was Archbishop George Daniel, emeritus Bishop of Pretoria. As a young Anglican Priest, Fr. Daniel requested to join the Catholic Church. After some years spent studying in Rome, his first appointment was to St. Columba’s Church as assistant Priest. Ten years later he was appointed Archbishop of Pretoria. In his homily, he recalled that the Sisters of Mercy were the first Catholic Sisters he met. He also reminisced about his long association with the Sisters of Mercy over the years. He was a gentle and true shepherd and supported us in all aspects of our apostolate. Among other things he mentioned Sr. Evangelist’s role, as Chairperson of the Catholic Schools’ Forum, in driving the process for the integration of our schools during the bleak era of Apartheid in our country. He also encouraged our new foundations in Mmakau and Winterveldt. In him we had a friend and guide.
“To God be the glory ….” was a very fitting opening hymn for the celebration of 360 years of consecrated life. The celebration was characterised by a lovely spirit of joy and simplicity. It was an inspiring moment when the jubilarians publicly renewed their vows in the presence of Sisters, family and friends. I could not help thinking about the contribution of these seven Sisters to the people of South Africa, particularly to the poor and deprived. As a group they have been involved in the following ministries over the years: Leadership; Education; Shelters for the Homeless; Catechesis; Ministry to those suffering from HIV/Aids; Care of Refugees; Visitation of hospitals, prisons and the aged.
Hall decorations
From the Church we proceeded to the school hall. The decor set the tone for the festive part of the celebration. The statue of Our Lady and the picture of Mother Catherine had pride of place. Candles, lights and floral arrangements gave the hall a festive air. Sr. Gertrude, our diamond jubilarian, was blessed to have her twin sister, a Bon Secour nun, at the jubilee. Almost all of Sr. Elaine’s family were present. Also among those present was Carmel Quinlan, who entered with the Golden Jubilarians fifty years ago, but followed another path. Requested to speak at the jubilee, she made the point that she still has strong ties with her former companions. We all enjoyed the camaraderie and the beautifully prepared food. I was reminded of something I read in Jean Vanier’s book, Community and Growth, about celebrations. I quote:
‘Celebration expresses the true meaning of community in a concrete and tangible way, so it is an essential element in community life. Celebration sweeps away the irritations of daily life; we forget our little quarrels. The aspect of ecstasy in a celebration unites our hearts; a current of life goes through us all. Celebration is a moment of wonder when the joy of the body and the senses are linked to the joy of the spirit. It unites everything that is most human and most divine in community life. The liturgy of the celebration which brings together music, song, dance, light, and the fruit and flowers of the earth – brings us into communion with God and each other, through prayer, thanksgiving and good food. The harder and more irksome our daily life, the more our hearts need these moments of celebration and wonder’
Celebrating 360 years of dedicated service
I think I can say, without fear of contradiction, that each one of us present at this jubilee experienced the true meaning of celebration.
Berchmans Dowling rsm
South African Province
