I was born in Belleek Co Fermanagh, to Mary and Patrick McManus. I began my Mercy journey when I went to Mount Lourdes Secondary school, Enniskillen and was taught by many wonderful Mercy Sisters. I was attracted to their lifestyle and during an Easter school trip to Lourdes, France in 1954, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to serving God’s people.
I entered the Convent of Mercy, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh on September 24th, 1954. On August 12th, 1960 I made Final Vows. During my 3 years of Temporary Vows I attended college in Leeds, England and graduated with a degree in Home Economics. A new Girl’s Intermediate School opened in Enniskillen in September 1960 where I taught for eight wonderful years and enjoyed being part of a new education system.
I was assigned to Hialeah, Florida in August, 1968. Leaving my family, community and school friends was a traumatic experience. I was one of four Sisters from the Clogher Diocese to arrive at Immaculate Conception, Hialeah on August 15th, 1968. We were then a community of 16. Hialeah was changing with the constant arrival of Cuban exiles. There were 1,700 students in the school and I was introduced to my Second Graders the first week of September. Thus began the many transitions: methods of teaching, community living, involvement in parish life and attending College courses in the summer. Vatican II brought new life to church and community. It was an exciting time to be a religious.
The call of Mercy led me from classroom teaching to Director of Religious Education in our Bilingual program of about 1,000 students. In 1993 I moved to our regional house in Deerfield Beach and continued as D.R.E. at a newly formed St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish with 1,600 students in the program. While it was an awesome, affirming experience, I knew I could not keep up the pace and schedule. I accepted a position at St. Maurice parish in Pastoral Ministry in August 1999.
At St. Maurice for the last 9 years, I have been involved in many areas of parish life especially in senior ministry. Our Thursday afternoon weekly gatherings include prayer, hospitality, activities and service. I co-ordinate Eucharistic ministers to our Homebound, visit our parishioners in Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes and hospitals. I facilitate a weekly Bereavement Support Group.
Our parish mission has always been to feed the hungry. Our Hunger program has a separate parish fund with board members responsible for decisions, fund raising and project contact leaders. We support 21 missions in various parts of U.S. and worldwide.
This past year I became a member of our newly formed Broward County interfaith group, a coalition of 26 religious congregations with the goal to press a response from Broward County Civic Leaders to make changes for the poor. What a growth experience to share with leaders of so many denominations and to be part of 1,500 persons at our Nehemiah gathering in February, 2008.
I had the privilege of attending the Congregational conference in Dromantine. I was renewed in every aspect of our Mercy call to be a compassionate presence. I was inspired to continue to educate myself and others in understanding the spirituality of the new cosmology. I am presently attending an 8 week seminar at our parish “Care of the Earth, A matter of Justice” and will keep involved in further programs.
I have been enriched by the many opportunities Mercy life has given me. I have valued the support of community, family, parishioners, and friends over the years. My present ministries continue to help me live my Mercy Mission. In 2007 I celebrated my Golden Jubilee and I am grateful for the privilege of spending 40 years of my religious life in the Archdiocese of Miami.
Pat McManus rsm
