Sr. Peggy Collins, Fr. Foley, Sr. Patricia reading her vows and Sr. Patricia O’Meara
On the feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Patricia Dunne celebrated her First Profession as a Sister of Mercy in St. Leo’s Convent Chapel in Carlow. We all warmly congratulate Patricia and welcome her to our Congregation.
Peggy Collins welcomed the gathering of Patricia’s family, Sisters from the communities where she has lived in Pinewood Avenue, Booterstown, Leighlinbridge and from her native Rathangan as well, of course, as the host community at St. Leo’s. And a special welcome was reserved for Phyllis Moynihan, Kathleen Delaney and Patricia O’Meara who accompanied Patricia at various stages and times on her road to Profession.
Signing of vows
Peggy noted the awe of the occasion as Patricia, in following Christ in her chosen way, was actually walking in the hallowed footsteps of Catherine McAuley in Carlow. Fr. Declan Foley was the celebrant of the Eucharist during which Patricia made her vows and signed the document recording this, together with Peggy, Kathleen Delaney (who had walked the road of her deepening year with her), and Fr. Foley.
The organ was played by Sr. Anthony McCabe and the singing was led by Catherine O’Hare which lifted our hearts and spirits even higher on this very special day and feast.
In congratulating and offering encouraging words to Patricia and all present Peggy reminded us of St. Paul’s exhortation to use only helpful words in speaking, words that build up rather than drag down. She quoted lines from Joyce Rupp suitable to the feast which we quote here as inspiration for all of us:
Epiphany
(Matthew 2: 1-12)
they listened deep inside,
far into the darkness
where even a tiny bit of light
seemed like sunburst in the heart.
they pondered the silent music
that echoed in their prayer:
“Go. Search. Look. Follow. Find.”
a journey without precedent,
adventure wrought with risk,
a time of travel filled with faith.
they went lovingly, eagerly,
into the night of their lives,
trusting they would find the way.
they paused to inquire, to study,
they went on in faith, patiently,
following with the hearts’ eye,
and “the sight of the star
filled them with delight.”
a journey not in vain,
a patient search rewarded,
their steady courage in the unknown
led them to their heart’s delight.
they found the long-sought One,
waiting to be found,
longing to be discovered,
as they travelled the far stretches
of their long and hidden night.
Joyce Rupp
After the ceremony we celebrated by dining in St. Leo’s and sharing the joy of Patricia, her family and the Province. We wish her joy and happiness and fulfillment in the future.
Patricia with her parents
South Central Province
