Celebrating a Golden Jubilee with a sister in her late 90’s was a unique experience for her community. Sr. Joan belongs to St. Anthony’s Community, Cork but is resident in Marymount Older Care Services for approximately four years. The residents in St. John’s Ward are the people with whom Sr. Joan interacts on a daily basis. As a community, we discussed how to celebrate this wonderful Sister of Charity, without placing any pressure on her. It was decided to consult with the jubilarian herself and her preference was for a small celebration with the community.
On Sunday 28th January, St. Anthony’s community travelled to Marymount for Sunday Mass which was offered in thanksgiving for Sr. Joan’s fifty years of faithful service. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Declan Mansfield, chaplain to Marymount. Present at the Mass were some residents including Sr. Miriam Twohig, another member of St. Anthony’s Community, visitors and three members of Sr. Joan’s family, her niece Karen Henry and Karen’s daughters. During the Mass, Fr. Declan invited Sr. Joan to renew her Vows. As she is visually impaired she recited it slowly, with great clarity for those present. Following the Mass, the staff at St. John’s Ward entertained all present to tea and a special jubilee cake. At this stage, Sr. Joan made a speech in which she thanked the staff for the great care they gave to all residents. The second part of the celebration was planned for the following day so as to conserve her energy and not over tax her.
On Monday 29th a lunch was hosted by St. Anthony’s Community in The Barn Restaurant, Glanmire. Sr. Joan, the guest of honour, was joined by her niece and grandnieces, Sr. Geraldine Byrne, Provincial Leader and Sr. Mary Benton, former Provincial in England/Scotland when Sr. Joan was ministering in the Province. Following the meal, all returned to St. Anthony’s for the cutting of the cake and photos to record this most joyful event. We are grateful to Sr. Mary Benton for the photos capturing the joy of the moment. One needs to know Sr. Joan personally, to experience how she is living out her older years in such a positive, grace-filled disposition. In the late afternoon, Sr. Joan and Sr. Miriam were brought back to Marymount, tired, having had a great celebration. The St. Anthony’s Community were also tired but happy as all had been involved in making the day very memorable. A special word of gratitude to Sr. Geraldine and Sr. Mary for travelling from Dublin. Sr. Joan and Sr. Geraldine were novices together all those years ago.
At the beginning of the lunch a small tribute to the jubilarian was read by all and is quoted here:
Sr. Joan Congratulations
“For fifty golden treasured years you have served God well each day.
You’ve given guidance, help and strength to others on life’s way.
And for the faith that you have shown. for every deed and prayer.
God bless you now and every day and keep you in His care”.
