In Memory of Sr Amabile Speranza RSM
19 November, 202420 December 1937 – 6 October 2024
Sister Amabile Speranza was born Maria Corradin on 20th December 1937 in Townsville, to Italian parents who had migrated to Australia. Many adversities were to beset Amabile as a child and throughout her life. Amabile’s mother, because of a severe illness, found it impossible to care for her young daughter. While her father did his best to raise Amabile, she spent most of her childhood in care, firstly at St Joseph’s Home at Neerkol, then later with the Sisters of Mercy in South Melbourne.
As a young woman, Amabile worked as a sewing mistress at the Royal Melbourne Hospital for Women. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Rockhampton on 22nd March 1956, and was then professed on 31st May 1959. Originally known to many people as ‘Sr M Bonaventure’, Amabile was involved in teaching younger children in many of our Diocesan schools, including St Theresa’s and Our Lady’s in Rockhampton, South Bundaberg, South Mackay, Marian, Springsure, Farleigh, Barcaldine, North Rockhampton, Walkerston and North Mackay. Amabile also ministered at the Mater Hospital (Mackay) and in the Bethany Linen Room (R’ton).
Amabile was very proud of her Italian heritage. She researched family history and made contact with several relatives, both in Australia and overseas. This awareness led to her changing her name from ‘Maria Corradin’ to ‘Amabile Speranza’. For Amabile, her Italian heritage was not only a guide to the origin of her ancestors but gave meaning to her own story and her own sense of identity. She looked forward to the annual Multicultural Mass in the Cathedral where she would wear the national dress of Italy, and was so proud when she was asked to carry the Italian flag in procession.
Amabile had many interests including needlework, photography and singing. Her talents were recognised by the number of prizes that Amabile won in the various local Shows. Many of the Sisters and her friends have fine examples of her craftwork. She was always very generous in sharing the fruits of her hard work with so many people and without doubt, there are steering wheel covers, cushions and rugs, to name just a few, in numerous places throughout Australia and indeed the world. With a deep interest in the British Royal Family, Amabile sent greetings and handcrafted gifts to members of the family on a variety of occasions. She treasured the responses she received.
In the latter years, Amabile developed an interest in photography. She loved to walk to the Botanic Gardens and take photos of the sunset, and with her generous nature, she often had the photo put onto a canvas and gave it to someone to brighten up their life. There was a simplicity about Amabile and this often led to her making friends in unusual places, for example, among workers at the Botanic Gardens. Amabile loved music and liked to sing. As a member of St Joseph’s Cathedral choir, Amabile was a very familiar face, committing her time and talents to singing at numerous week-end Masses, Funerals and other liturgical celebrations.
Amabile was to suffer from mental illness in varying degrees throughout her life and in latter years, she developed cancer. Her resilience and courage in the face of these burdens had to be admired. Daily, Amabile spent time in quiet prayer, where, despite the difficulties she faced in life, she was able to draw strength and peace from the God she loved. In the last few decades of her life, Amabile lived in Bethany Village and later in the nursing home. We are all grateful for the kindness and care shown to her by the staff of Bethany Home and the Mater Hospital over many years.
During her life, Amabile walked many paths, some smoother than others, yet she has always tried to live by her motto: ‘Jesus for you I live. Jesus for you I die’. Bishop Michael McCarthy presided at the Funeral Mass for Amabile in the Range Chapel, Rockhampton on 14 October 2024. Together with the Sisters of Mercy, many people who claimed Amabile as a friend, honoured her by their presence. May Amabile now rest from her labours in the warm embrace of our loving God.
