There are few joys greater in the work of Provincial Leadership than accepting an invitation to a function where one of our Sisters is being honoured. This is particularly true when the Sister has so recently made the passing from this life into the fulness of eternity. Sister Veronica O’Brien (RIP) died on 20th November, 2022. She had been an active member of the Northern Ireland Branch of the Council of Christians and Jews for a number of years. On 1st March, 2023, I was invited to the 25th Annual General Meeting of the Council where the Committee members would acknowledge the contribution of Veronica.
What an evening! What a testimony to Mercy! What a grace-giving presence!
As I sat among strangers and listened to the acknowledgements and appreciations of the profound impact Veronica had made on the Members of the Committee and their work, I experienced great pride in my own association with Veronica. Those who testified to her contribution to the Council of Christians and Jews, did so with acutely felt gratitude. And as I heard the Members speak, something beyond words captured me in the moment. In the literal meaning of the word ‘humble,’ (on the ground/from the earth – humus) I experienced a humbling awareness that, through Veronica’s discreet, consistent and particular gifts others – beyond Mercy, beyond culture, beyond faith traditions – could, with such certainty, come to know the living expression of the Mercy charism.
She was a steady, faith-filled reassuring presence to this group. When challenges came, they heard Veronica gently whisper that ‘everything will be ok’ or ‘things have a way of sorting themselves out’ or ‘no need to worry, the Lord will look after us!’ The confidence with which different members quoted her mantra-inspired trust in the Provident God evoked the spirit of Catherine as an almost tangible presence in the gathering. In the anecdotes and vignette-sharing of those few hours, Veronica was a live presence in that room. Her hovering spirit permeating the conversations, and her ministry among this dedicated group lingering on and, I sensed, never to be forgotten. The frequent references too, to the late Sr. Marie Duddy (RIP) who had been a founding member of the Branch, as with Veronica, were a reassurance that something from those we have known and loved lives on in us through their inspiration, their witness and all that they have brought to our lives.
The piece of Belfast glassware presented will be a reminder of Sr. Veronica’s great work in the Council.
Perpetua McNulty rsm
Northern Province
