Three Sisters celebrate their Diamond Jubilees in Brisbane

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Srs Carmel Coyle, Denise Hannebery, and Jan O’Grady met up in Brisbane to celebrate their milestones on a beautiful, late winter’s weekend.

Sr Denise pointed out that: “Our group was the first group to live in the new Wahroonga Novitiate and the largest group ever to join the RSCs – 17 of us! We now hold the record for the largest number of Diamond Jubilarians!”

Sr Jeannie Johnston reports: “Brisbane’s archbishop, Mark Coleridge, said the 11.30 am Mass and welcomed them to the Cathedral and told them that his long-time friend Sr Denise Hannebery was one of the three Sisters celebrating their Diamond Jubilees.

“Srs Jan and Denise took up the Offertory Gifts.

“After Mass they had their photo taken with the Archbishop. Following Mass was a high tea at ​The Keri Craig Emporium Fashion Café.”

Photograph right: Sr Carmel Coyle, Sr Denise Hannebery, Sr Jan O’Grady and Archbishop Mark Coleridge
Below: High tea at Keri Craig: Sr Denis, Sr Maureen Parker, Sr Dorothy Bayliss, Sr Jan O’Grady, Sr Suzette Clark, Sr Patricia Coyle, Sr Carmel Coyle, Sr Jeannie Johnson

   

There were, of course, words of thanks and congratulations from the Congregational Leader, Sr Clare Nolan:

To Sr Denise Hannebery

Your deep faith and genuine commitment to living the life of a Sister of Charity for 60 years is an inspiration to all… You are a quiet achiever of love! Thank you for your love.

Motto: In amore pro amore, per amore. (In love, for love, through love.)

To Sr Carmel Coyle

Pope Francis in his recent exhortation on the call to holiness encourages you “Always ask the Holy Spirit what Jesus expects from you at every moment of your life and every decision you make so as to discern its place in the mission you have received” (Gaudete Et Exsultate) and your motto To be one with Christ in All Things will continue to guide you.

To Sr Jan O’Grady

May you be encouraged by these words of Pope Francis: “We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and bearing witness in all that we do, wherever we find ourselves” (Gaudete Et Exsultate). May your motto All for Jesus through Mary continue to guide you.

There was a separate celebratory Mass in the Giovanni Chapel of St Vincent’s in Kangaroo Point, celebrated by Fr James O’Donoghue.

 

 

Images: The procession led by Sr Cate O’Brien; bringing up the gifts, Srs Carmel and Patricia Coyle; renewal of vows, Sr Carmel, Sr Jan, Sr Denise; Father James celebrating Mass in the Giovanni Chapel
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
When we have so much to praise the Lord for, we must not complain.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
True affection is to rejoice in the happiness of our dear ones. Never allow a sentiment of resentment to enter into our hearts.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Pray, reflect and consult – and may the divine spirit direct all to God’s greater glory.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
May our dear Lord Jesus fill your hearts with His own love. Amen!
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
We must have patience with others as He has patience with us.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Under every difficulty try to pray fervently.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
We have much to thank Him for, even for those little drawbacks on our comforts and conveniences.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Do pray that justice may be accomplished in peace and that truth may prevail.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Go on now as steadily as you can, relying on the Divine assistance and fear not.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
What we do ought to be done well.

The Sisters of Charity acknowledge the First Peoples and traditional custodians of this land where we live. We respect, value and honour their history, culture and spirituality. We are committed to standing in solidarity and to actively working for justice, peace and harmony in this land.

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