Sisters of Mercy Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
18 May, 2021
Family, friends and Sisters of Mercy gathered on Saturday 1 May 2021 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of four members, namely Sisters Mary Madonna Watts, Bernadette Mary Reece, Lila Galvin and Mary Della. A special welcome was extended to Sr Eveline Crotty, the Institute Leader of the Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea who travelled from Sydney for the event.
The celebrations began with a time of prayer before the luncheon, during which the four Jubilarians were honoured with a fitting tribute. Later that day, the Sisters and their guests gathered with Bishop Michael McCarthy and the parish community in St Joseph’s Cathedral for the celebration of Eucharist. During the Mass, the four Jubilarians, together with the Sisters of Mercy present, renewed their vows. At the conclusion of Mass, Bishop Michael presented a Papal Blessing to each Jubilarian.
On 14 January 1961, Sisters Mary Madonna, Bernadette Mary, Lila and Mary, together with Sisters Mary Dolores Donnelly and Barbara Callaghan (both now deceased), declared their intent to follow Jesus. Though they have ministered in different ways, these Sisters have shared and been faithful to the call to live as vowed women religious in the example of our founder, Catherine McAuley.
We offer a sincere and heartfelt ‘Congratulations’ to each of these Sisters whose gifts have enriched the lives of many people in our Diocese and beyond, in the places where they have witnessed to Gospel values and a Mercy way of life.
Joanne Molloy RSM
