Sisters shine on big day
IT’S seven bright and shining diamonds for seven sisters of Mercy who have hit a milestone.
Sisters of Mercy of the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea - Anita Ready, Marie Therese Langan, Mary Philomena Lowth, Regina O’Riordan, Josephine Martyn, Paul Mary Hindom and Nina Barra celebrated a Diamond Jubilee on June 27 at St Joseph’s, North Ward.
The women made their first Religious Profession in Townsville in 1958.
Sister Beverley Strong said the occasion was special in many ways for each sister.
“It is a milestone in their lives,” she said.
“It’s a time for reflecting on the journey as a Sister of Mercy, the ministries in which they have been involved and the places where they have ministered.”
Sister Bev said it was also a time of gratitude for the rich blessings they had received during the 60 years.
“For their many achievements, the people who had touched their lives and the lives they had touched, for family love and support and the love and support of their Congregation/ Institute,” she said.
“Throughout these years they have experienced on a daily basis the love of God whom they have served.”
Sister Bev said each of the sisters had been committed to living as a Sister of Mercy.
“They each listened to the call of God to be a Sister of Mercy and responded to this call,” she said.
“They have shown perseverance through the good and the not so good times.
“It is their love of God that has sustained them during this time.
“Each of the Sisters has dedicated their life to serving others through ministry and other areas of the Church and local community where she lived.”
Between them the women have ministered in primary and secondary education, nursing, pastoral care and hospital chaplaincy, visitation and other areas of need within the Townsville Diocese and beyond including Papua New Guinea.
Sister Bev said throughout the 60 years, the Sisters had been supported by their Congregation/ Institute.
“This includes the basics of life such as a home, food, clothing and health needs,” she said.
“They have also been provided with opportunities for further education and training, spiritual and personal formation and regular retreats.
“They have been supported through changes in ministries and in times of ill health.”
The Diamond Jubilee was celebrated with a Mass in St Joseph’s Church Fryer St, North Ward with Bishop Tim Harris as the Presider.
Several other Priests were present along with Sisters of Mercy from across the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea, family members and friends of the Jubilarians as well as many people from across Townsville.