First Profession Of Sr. Margaret Prendergast – 27th August 2006
St. Brendan’s Church, Birr, Co Offaly, Ireland was the place where all roads lead to on Sunday 27th August 2006 for the First Profession of Sr. Margaret Prendergast. At the geographical centre of South Central Province and in the place and Church where Catherine McAuley renewed her vows for the last time, St. Brendan’s Pugin Church in Birr was the chosen place for the First Profession of Margaret.
Srs. Margaret Prendergast, Helena O’Donoghue (Provincial Leader) and Marion Ryan
Family, friends and Sisters gathered in prayer, excitement and anticipation for the two o’clock Profession ceremony set in the context of the Eucharist presided over by Fr. Mike Drennan. S.J. Sr. Helena O’Donoghue (Provincial) accepted their vows. In her homily she reminded us of the significance of the event and among other things quipped that it was in Birr Catherine said ‘Hurrah for foundations; they make the old young and the young merry’. Both old and young were in good spirits, enjoyed the hospitality of the Birr Sisters and Dooly’s Hotel and the welcome of the Parish of Birr. There was no need to ‘keep hot turf under the butter to enable us to cut it’; even the weather was kind to us and the rain stayed away. As Margaret joins the long and varied tradition of mercy we wish her well and a blessing each day ‘knowing they have one solid comfort … their hearts can always be in the same place centred in God’ (C. McAuley)
Final Profession Of Sr. Margaret Prendergast – 6th September 2009
A wonderfully joyful celebration took place in the Parish Church, Paulstown, Co. Kilkenny on Sunday September 6th as Sr. Margaret Prendergast made Final Profession with the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy.
As a large section of the population of Kilkenny headed towards Croke Park, Dublin for the All-Ireland hurling final against Tipperary, Sisters of Mercy, family and friends of Margaret travelled in the opposite direction to be with Margaret in her home town for this happy occasion.
Srs. Peggy Collins (Provincial Leader), Margaret Prendergast and Coirle McCarthy (Congregational Leader)
Despite the torrential rain which fell during the day, the atmosphere in Paulstown Church was one of joy, peace and celebration. The solemn liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Larry Malone, Parish Priest of Paulstown. In his homily he spoke about the commitment which Margaret had made to God through her profession of vows and assured her of the support of her family, friends and Congregation in the years ahead. Margaret’s late parents were remembered especially throughout the ceremony and, though not physically present, were present in a very tangible way.
The music of the Paulstown choir, led by Sr. Celsus, added significantly to the beauty of the liturgy and the choir was joined by Fr. John Egan on guitar and Ailish O’Brien rsm on violin.
Sr. Coirle McCarthy, Leader of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, received Margaret’s vows and spoke of the great work of mercy which Margaret had engaged in prior to joining the Congregation. Sr. Coirle welcomed Margaret wholeheartedly as a fully professed member of the Congregation and reminded those gathered of the ministry of the Sisters of Mercy to the poor in Ireland since 1831.
Srs. Michelle O’Kelly, Margaret Prendergast and Bernie O’Grady –
the three most recently professed Sisters in the South Central Province of the Congregation
The celebration continued in the Lord Bagenal Hotel, Leighlinbridge, where a delicious meal was enjoyed by all. It was a great opportunity for Margaret’s family and friends and the Sisters of Mercy present to get to know one another. In a speech after the meal, Margaret paid special tribute to her parents and thanked her family for the great love and support they have always shown her.
Congratulations Margaret and we wish you great happiness and fulfilment in your life as a Sister of Mercy.
Ailish O’Brien rsm
South Central Province
