New Members

Ireland | Peru | Kenya | South Africa | Nigeria

Ireland

Final Profession of Sr. Margaret Prendergast

6th September 2009

Srs. Peggy Collins (Provincial Leader), Margaret Prendergast and Coirle McCarthy (Congregational Leader)

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.

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

Final Profession of Sr. Michele O'Kelly
29th November 2008

‘What is seldom is wonderful!’ remarked Sr. Peggy Collins (Provincial Leader, SCP) in her Word of Welcome on Saturday November 29th 2008. This, she said, may be a cliché but it certainly was apt on this occasion, when Sr. Michele O’Kelly made her Final Commitment to the Congregation in her home town of Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Her family, friends and many Sisters had travelled from far and wide to the Augustinian Friary on this bright, frosty day to celebrate what was to be a truly wonderful occasion. It was made all the more special, as Sr. Coirle Mc Carthy pointed out, by the fact that there were Sisters present from each of our seven Provinces.

In his homily, Fr Seamus Murphy SJ emphasised the immensity of God’s love, encapsulated so eloquently in Michele’s chosen scripture readings, speaking of our need to open our hands in order to receive this abundant gift. He reiterated the words of the Sufi mystic Rumi from Michele’s Profession booklet, ‘Open your hands if you want to be held’. He also explored the challenge and the potential of the vows, reminding us that we were about to witness Michele’s response to God’s magnificent gift of love in her life. Michele prostrated before the altar as Fr Kieran O’Mahony OSA led the congregation in the Litany of the Saints.

Sr. Coirle received her vows on behalf of the Congregation to the joy of all present. She later affirmed and encouraged Michele in her choice of this ‘road less travelled’, assuring her of our ongoing support as we live together in Mercy. Following a witty reminder from Fr Seamus the solemn final blessing was confirmed with four rousing Amens. This prayerful liturgy was enhanced throughout by the musical talents of Srs Margaret, Ailish, Frances and Moira, and the hearty singing of all.

The celebrations continued in Lawlor’s Hotel over a delicious meal with much laughter and chat. Michele spoke from her heart as she expressed her profound joy, love and gratitude to all who had been part of her journey to this day, but most especially to the God of Mercy in whom she had found her true home.

All too soon time came to leave the ‘sunny south east’ and make our way home. Arriving in Dublin late, our bus having been delayed due to ‘engine troubles’, a Sister in her 90’s was asked sympathetically if she were tired, dismissing the notion she replied that she ‘had found the whole day exhilarating’. I must say I thoroughly agree - it was a wonderful day.

Congratulations Michele and may you be blessed always with a deep sense of God’s love in your passionate and compassionate heart.

Marion Ryan RSM

Final Profession of Sr. Bernie O'Grady
31st August 2008

‘God is Love’
‘The core of choice is groundless love, which may be answered only by total, unlimited love: the core of the I to the core of the You’ (quotation from Bernie’s Mass booklet)

Bernie, who comes from Hospital, Co. Limerick, made final profession of her vows as a Sister of Mercy at a public solemn ceremony in St. Senan’s Church, Kilrush, Co. Clare on Sunday, August 31. In attendance were her parents, sisters, and brother, nieces, nephews and friends and the people of Kilrush. Many Sisters of Mercy from the South Central Province and from around the country were also present.
Sr. Peggy Collins Provincial Leader welcomed everyone to this special liturgy. Fr. Michael Drennan was the chief celebrant at the Mass. In his homily he said that “God is Love and the only response to Love is Love”. He spoke about Bernie’s “wholehearted commitment to God’s call”.

Sr. Bernie receives her ring from Sr. Coirle McCarthy, Congregational Leader

Sr. Coirle McCarthy, Congregational Leader, received Bernie’s vows. She put Bernie’s’ call to Religious Live in the context of her family and spoke of how they nurtured her faith over the years. The moving ceremony was uplifting and joyful. Bernie’s niece, Mary, brought her ring to the altar. Her motto simply and profoundly states ‘God is Love’. Bernie prostrated during the litany of the saints. Then five sisters, representing the Congregation laid their hands on her head and prayed for her in silence.

Sr. Coirle McCarthy (Congregational Leader), Sr. Bernie O'Grady and Sr. Peggy Collins (Provincial Leader)

The Liturgy was enhanced by the beautiful music and singing led by the local folk choir of Kilrush. Children who are neighbours of Bernie and Teresa sang ‘This Little Light of Mine'. After the ceremony tea and refreshments were served in the local hall. Bernie, her family, friends and many Sisters later celebrated in Bellbridge House Hotel in Spanish Point.

Bernie spoke of her Profession as an opportunity to give witness to her relationship with God and to publicly commit to that relationship through being a Sister of Mercy. Her mother Catherine stated that it was the most significant day of her life - a day she and her husband so looked forward to. “We are married 46 years and this is the best day of our lives. She is a wonderful daughter,” said her proud parents.
Bernie is currently living in Kilrush, Co. Clare with Sr. Teresa Hogan. Here she is immersed with Teresa in the local community, being with the people in a very genuine and sincere way. The Final Profession was a great day for the O’Grady family, for the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy and for all the People of God. May God bless Bernie and grant her all she needs to fulfill the words of her profession. May her consecration inspire others to say, “yes” to God’s sacred invitation and call.

Congratulations Bernie and may your life be richly blessed.
Sr. Phyllis Moynihan

Final Professions 2006

Sr Fiona Galligan

Sr. Fiona Galligan made her Final Profession 2nd December 2006 in St. Anthony's Church Craigavon Co. Armagh in the presence of her family and friends, also Sisters of Mercy from the Northern Province and many from around the country. The celebrant was Fr.Martin McAlinden PP, assisted by Fr.Tom McAteer.  Bishop John McAreavey presided.

Sr. Coirle McCarthy, Congregational Leader, received Fiona's vows in the name of the Church and the Congregation. Sr. Ann Marie McQuaid, Provincial Leader, welcomed everyone to this special liturgy.   The theme of " Only in God is my soul at rest" resonated throughout the ceremony.

 Srs Ann Marie McQuaid (Provincial Leader), Fiona Galligan and
Coirle McCarthy (Congregational Leader)

Sr. Coirle McCarthy expressed and reflected on the wonder of God's Call as the 'waiting,' watching,' and anticipation in joyful hope of the Advent Season was now upon us.

The Liturgy was enhanced bu the beautiful music and singing led by Srs. Marie Cox and Deirdre McKenna.  The solist was Fr. John Byrne. Instrumentalists were Katrina Herron on the keyboard and Ann Mullen playing violin.

Sr Aine Campbell

Sunday 27th August 2006 was a day to remember not only in Belfast but throughout the Mercy Congregation.  

"God of my life I long for you."

Sr.Aine Campbell made her final vows in the presence of her family and friends, and Sisters from the Northern Province and beyond.

Our Congregational Leader Elect Sr.Coirle McCarthy received Aine's vows in the beautiful setting of St.Gerard's Church Belfast.  Present also were members of the PLT Sr.Ann Marie McQuaid, Provincial Leader, Sr.Chris Hegarty, Sr.Philomena Finnegan and Sr.Anne Lyng who accompanied Aine throughout her formation years.

Srs. Coirle McCarthy (Congregational Leader Elect), Aine Campbell and Anne Marie McQuaid (Proincial Leader)

The theme of 'Longing and Committment,' echoed throughout the meaningful and reflective ceremony,expressed though music, song, and mime.The celebrant was Fr.Martin Magill, and the homily was delivered by Sr.Anne Lyng.

There followed  a celebratory meal in the Europa Hotel in Belfast city centre where all had a chance to meet and enjoy a wonderful evening to conclude a special day. Thanks be to God.

 

First Professions 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 and Sr. Marion Ryan. 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 both Marion and Margaret.

Srs. Margaret Prendergast, Helena O'Donoghue (Provincial Leader) and Marion Ryan

Their families, 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 and Marion join the long and varied tradition of mercy we wish them 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.McA)

2004

First Professions

Michele O'Kelly and Bernie O'Grady made First Profession in the South Central Province of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy in September 2004. The ceremony took place in the Parish Church in Coolock, Dublin and was attended by many Sisters of Mercy and Michele and Bernie's family and friends.

Michele and Bernie (front) and some of those who attended the Profession Ceremony

Sr. Mary Reynolds represented the Congregational Leadership Team and Sr. Helena O'Donoghue, Provincial leaders of South Central Province accepted Michele and Bernie's vows. The ceremony was followed by refreshments for all who attended. It was a wonderful occasion and we wish Michele and Bernie many years of happiness as Sisters of Mercy.

Srs. Michele O'Kelly, Helena O'Donoghue (Provincial Leader), Bernie O'Grady

Receptions

Margaret Prendergast and Marion Ryan were received into the South Central Province of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy in September 2004.  The ceremony was held in Naas, Co. Kildare, and was the beginning of the 'Spiritual Year', where Marion and Margaret will pray and reflect on their calling to the Mercy way of life.   Sr. Mary Reynolds of the Congregational Leadership Team attended as did Marion and Margaret's parents and former community members. May the coming year be a time of great blessing and happiness for them and we wish them well.

Srs. Marion Ryan, Helena O'Donoghue (Provincial Leader), Margaret Prendergast