On a beautiful sunny day in California, Saturday May 4th, we celebrated Sr. Francis Maria Monsimer’s Golden Jubilee! The Liturgy , meal and entertainment all took place outdoors decorated with nature’s finest beauty. We put Sr. Margaret Mary FitzSimons RIP in charge of the weather and the birds! Her prayers worked as we witnessed three falcons fly overhead, a Mallard duck, mocking birds and many other birds singing who had been rehearsing for weeks!
Sr. Francis Maria loves natures and enjoys conversations with the birds and roses. They responded generously to her celebration!
Fr. Tim Freyer presided at the liturgy, with Srs Margaret Walsh and Bernadette Moran reading. Sr. Marsha Moon welcomed all at the beginning of the liturgy. James, Sr. Francis Maria’s nephew, made a speech near the end of Mass about his “Aunt Margaret” and how much he loves her! Sr. Francis Maria was surrounded by her family, friends even as far back as high school, religious sisters and former colleagues.
After a lovely meal, we were entertained with laughter as Srs Eva Bryan, Michelle Hetherington and Kathleen Bryant danced the hula to “My Little Grass Shack”! Ten things people might not know about Sr. Francis Maria were revealed to her friends and family e.g. that she vigorously coaches the Lakers Basketball team (from our community room) as well as other sports teams!
Photos of her childhood and family were enlarged and exhibited – poster size – around the property! We were able to surprise her with a few details! We honored the diverse ministries that Sr. Francis Maria has given herself so totally to over the last 50 years: nurse, pastoral associate, maintenance engineer, quality control and safety, and now regional treasurer (bursar)! What’s next? We know that Sr. Francis Maria gives herself completely to her ministry and has been a faithful daughter of Mary Aikenhead for 50 years!
For photos click HERE.
