Sr Anne Curry writes about the many events and happenings in Lakelands community in Dublin this year – home to many active and retired sisters: “We had many occasions to celebrate during the year. We began on January 20th when we hosted the ‘Christmas Party’ for the senior sisters.
Sixty sisters came together for a chat and light refreshments followed by Evening Prayer, high tea and a rendition of ‘The Sound of Music’ which brought peals of laughter as the members of the community enacted Maria Von Trapp with the Captain and their children lined up in attendance.
On May 8th Sr. Ellen Galvin launched her book ‘Walter Carpenter: a revolutionary life’ at the Sean O’Casey Community Centre, East Wall. The book is about her grandfather Walter Carpenter who was a prominent socialist and trade unionist in Dublin. A plaque erected in Caledon Street in his memory was unveiled by his grandson Eamon.
Sr. Bertha Lee received the Sean Moore Community Award for her work in Donnybrook Parish. She was presented with a plaque by Alice Foley, Mayor of Ringsend. The awards took place in Clanna Gael Fontenoys, Ringsend on May 24th.
On June 1st the sisters who entered on the same day as Sr. Sheila Geaney in 1966 joined her for Mass and refreshments to celebrate her Golden Jubilee. Sadly Sr. Sheila has since gone to her reward with the Lord but it was a memorable evening and Sheila was radiant and able to enjoy the gentle celebration.
Sr. Magdalen Bluett reached the wonderful age of 101 on June 4th and was joined by her two nephews and a great grand niece for Mass which was celebrated by her nephew Fr. Tony followed by a meal. Sr. Magdalen received a commemorative medal from the President of Ireland, Mr. Michael D. Higgins.
We welcomed three new Sisters to our Community, Sr.Marie Therese Clare and Sr. Carmel McAteer in July, and Sr. Therese Culhane in November.
On August 15th our Patronal Feast, we hosted the prayer service in our Chapel and then crossed the garden for refreshments in Caritas. There was a great spirit among us and all the Lakelands community enjoyed meeting the sisters from the different areas of the Congregation.
Sr. Anne Clare Salamo and Sr. Helen Namutami from Zambia and Sr. Pat Kenny from the English/Scottish Province stayed with us for some days prior to and following the International Formation Meeting in Emmaus. It was very life giving to have two young enthusiastic sisters in our midst and we will continue to hold them and their Region in our prayers. They were very impressed with how the older sisters lived community life. Seeing the sisters help with the little dining-room chores and the garden made a lasting impression on them.
Sr. Mary Judge celebrated Earth Day with the sisters and planted flower seeds which are growing nicely and hopefully will flower next year.
As we move towards Advent and Christmas we continue to hold all in our Prayer Ministry as we continue, as our Foundress said ‘to serve God with a great heart and a willing mind’
A statement by an anonymous person sums up our Ministry ‘Every job is a self- portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence’.”
