Two sisters in the English Scottish Province celebrated their Golden Jubilee in September. Sr Angela Murphy and Sr Teresa Harmon share with us what the day meant to them.
Angela writes: “Many years ago on the 7th October 1963, The Vatican Council 11 was in session, Pope John XX111 issued his encyclical “Pacem in Terris,” the world was introduced to “The Beatles” and in Dublin twenty one young women crossed the threshold of Mount St. Anne’s to “enter the convent.”
That was fifty years ago so 2013 is the year of my Golden Jubilee. I have been privileged to serve the people of God in so many ways. Life seems to carry us along, minute by minute, day by day, year by year until a milestone is reached and we look back and say “Where did the years go?” I can hardly believe that so many years have gone by.
I celebrated my Golden Jubilee on the 14th September at our convent in Hackney and what a wonderful day it was. It was good that all the community were able to be present and that one of my set, Teresa Harmon was able to join us. When Sr. Jacinta Boland and all the visitors arrived from various places they chatted, laughed and mingled throughout the day.
It was an honour to be the first Jubilarian to have Mass celebrated in our new convent chapel. I felt the Mass celebrated by Fr. Maurice Gordon was very special yet simple, the hymns and the readings all spoke to me of God’s tender and loving care of me. My Jubilee most of all celebrates my life-long vocation, my thankfulness for His call, His faithfulness and His mercy, which as I so very well know. He has been the anchor in my life, my magnet ever drawing me closer, my compass setting my life and all that goes into it, in perspective. The concluding hymn to our Mass was “Tell out my soul, the greatness of the Lord.”
Following the Mass, in the spirit of the day, we moved into a beautifully decorated room which was truly a work of art. The community and staff excelled themselves in producing a delicious meal which was enjoyed by all. As the day came to a close I was left with many happy memories for which I am most grateful.”
Sister Teresa Harmon held her Golden Jubilee celebrations in St. Anne’s Church, Rock Ferry on September 7th. She relates: “I celebrated my Golden Jubilee with sisters, family members, friends and co-workers. The Readings and hymns chosen by myself were beautifully produced in the Mass Booklet by Sister Rita Dawson (Clydebank). The Choir members (I am a member) were pleased to be joined by the congregation in the singing. It was a joyful Liturgy in thanksgiving. The celebrations continued with a meal in the parish Centre after the Mass. I am very grateful to the Lord for the love and support received as a member of the Congregation and for the many friends who have helped and supported me along the way.”
