“The habit of seeing time as a precious transformation is a ritual in itself.  A journey becomes sacred when you pray” (Nóirín Ní Riain)

The date of May 12th, 2024 was a special day of thanksgiving and celebration in preparation for the pending closure of Callan Convent.  Those who lived, ministered or who had different roles in Callan Convent and the Kilkenny Cluster joined the present community to mark in ritual this historical event.

Since its foundation in 1872, Callan Convent had a strong missionary outreach with the setting up of a Missionary School for girls in 1884.  It was wonderful that three Parramatta Sisters were present on May 12th as Parramatta was founded from Callan Convent in 1888.

The great ‘outreach’ generosity of the Callan Sisters was evident in the wonderfully crafted ritual display of thanksgiving which depicted the many foundations that began from Callan Convent.  A word and photographic arrangement with some suitable images gave us information on each of them.  Relevant historical charts also enhanced the rich story of Callan Convent.

An inspiring and well prepared prayer service began with the hymn “This is the Day” and was followed by a quote from Jessie James ‘We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.’

His insight has much to say to us as we look to the past, trying to recall its many memories and acknowledge the debt of gratitude we owe to so many courageous, enterprising and progressive people gone before us.  A community is kept together by the contents of its history.

Today, we give thanks to God as we look in admiration at those heroic founding Sisters and those who joined them, who over the years responded generously and lovingly to the need wherever it was expressed….Callan Ritual.

The Prayers of Intercession evoked other inspired prayers of thanks from Sisters.  The ritual concluded with the hymn ‘Companions on the Journey’.  Eileen Troy thanked all those present.

A very enjoyable meal prepared by staff was received with grateful hearts when further sharing of memories and stories led to lively and soulful conversations.  Towards the end of the meal, Mary Feeman and Mary Kenny bought those gathered back to the past with humour and great creativity!

Callan Convent

We wish Hannah, Loreto, Maria Goretti, Ena and Kate well in this time of transition.  May they enjoy many years of good health and happiness.

‘We choose again to live our Mercy Mission in every encounter.’ (Congregational Chapter 2024)

 

Dolores Brophy rsm
Southern Province