Sr Colleen Holohan: “What a joy!”

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One day when I was walking down Katoomba Street, I heard a voice call my name, rather excitedly.

“Sister Colleen!” I looked around and there was a young man standing in front of me.

“Sister Colleen, you look exactly the same as you did when I went to St Canice’s. Do you remember me?”

I did indeed remember him; let’s call him Joe. It must be 10 years since he left primary school The young lad I remembered found school tough going.

He struggled with the routine, and he struggled to fit in. He and I had many informal chats but I never felt as though I got to the bottom of his restlessness.

Joe is a young man now, and he told me about his interesting job, his new partner, and their new home.

As we came to the end of our conversation, Joe said, “Oh Sister Colleen, please give me a hug!” What joy!

St Canice’s is a small school. The principals, teachers and staff over the years have built up a homely, accepting environment, where the individual child and her/his concerns really matter.

This is my 22nd year as Parent Liaison, so no wonder I know so many of the parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties of the present pupils. In 1985-86 I was the Principal at St Canice’s School.

My three days a week are busy and varied, but never too busy that I can’t drop everything and be with whoever is in need.  Sometimes I am a listening ear and sometimes I am a helping hand.

Being a Sister of Charity for 52 years means that my motto, “Love Strengthens” is my daily inspiration. The Sisters, my family and friends are my support.

Editor’s note: Sr Colleen concluded her ministry at St Canice’s in November 2017, after 24 years working with children, parents, and staff. Here is the presentation given by the Congregational Leader Sr Clare Nolan at her farewell from the school.

FAREWELL TO COLLEEN HOLLOHAN rsc

 

Sisters’ Stories

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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