Sr. Mary T. McDermott
Moving from the small counties of Roscommon and Carlow in rural Ireland to San Diego, California, and Gulfport, Mississippi, was certainly a cultural shock — over 40 years ago! The vast expanse of the country was a different experience. The overall golden color of California and the sands of the Mississippi Gulf Coast were a great contrast to the “forty shades of green” of the Emerald Isle! Native American, African American, Latino and Vietnamese communities have greatly enriched San Diego and Mississippi. This diverse population and their strong faith, pride in their culture, commitment to family and their wonderful capacity for celebration have been sources of inspiration in our ministries.
Now, as we prepare to leave the US Province and return to our homeland it is with hearts full of gratitude and praise to God that we reflect on the people and experiences that have enriched our lives during the many years of ministry in California and Mississippi.
Sr. Kathleen Byrne
Our involvement in the American Church has deepened our own faith and given us opportunities of moving out of our comfort zones. Besides teaching in the classrooms daily, we have often been called on to visit the sick, attend funerals and accompany the bereaved, take part in peace walks and be active in small faith-sharing groups. The transparency and openness of the American people in contrast to the more reserved Irish culture stretched and challenged us, as did their emotional and demonstrative method of celebrating liturgy and devotions. In times of crises, like fires and hurricanes, we worked side by side with victims of disaster and recovery efforts, encouraging and supporting people in their great need. In spite of being left homeless, their resilience and readiness to move on with their lives and their great trust in God renewed our own faith.
Adjusting to new terminology in our teaching ministry was an education for us. We were now interacting with children in first and second grades, erasing chalkboards, granting permission to use the restroom, storing items in closets, and on occasion telling a child he/she was bold, (bold was actually a compliment)! Adapting to the different foods and different ways of eating also posed a challenge, e.g. using a fork to pick up meat, vegetables and cake, not to mention spaghetti! We missed our bland Irish food and “proper” tea of our youth!
The trust so many people have placed in us has been humbling. In our teaching ministries parents made it known that they were privileged to have a Sister teaching their child/children. The spirit of welcome among parents and parishioners in California and Mississippi has been life-giving. They have opened their hearts and homes to us and made us feel part of a family.
What a blessing for us to have been given the opportunity of bringing the love and mercy of God to the many we have encountered during our sojourning. We have learned much from dedicated teachers, cooperative parents, fun-loving children, sensitive and compassionate parish ministers, Mercy Associates, and above all, friends.
We have been privileged to live in communities where the spirit and hospitality of our Foundress, Catherine McAuley, have been experienced. The love and support of our companions on the journey during times of celebration and moments of challenge will remain engraved in our memories. Our Leadership Teams have been a “vibrant, compassionate presence” and have supported, encouraged and affirmed us in our calling as Sisters of Mercy. Given opportunities for spiritual and academic growth have expanded our vision and acceptance of people and cultures. Our prayer is that as we go forth, we continue our mission of bringing THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL to all whom we meet.
As we embark on this chapter of life’s journey we bid farewell to familiar faces that have been sources of joy for us. We will miss our Sisters in the US Province who have loved and supported us, the people who have befriended us, the beautiful climate and the invigorating beach walks. However, we look forward to the gift of quality time for prayer and reflection and being in closer proximity to our family members and places of our childhood.
Aware that adapting to a new Province, community and climate will pose certain challenge, our hope is that this transitioning will be relatively smooth and filled with confidence that the God of Surprises will continue to nurture and support us in the years ahead.
Kathleen Byrne rsm and Mary Teresa McDermott rsm
(Returning from the US Province to Ireland in 2014)
