Sr Judith Christy, a listening ear for children, celebrates her Diamond Jubilee

Motto: Pater si vis, Father If thou wilt

There is no doubt you were called to care for the little ones because you were doing childcare work prior to your Entrance to the Novitiate on July 2, 1958.  Your heart has always been open to them.

You trained as an infant/primary teacher and taught in many of our schools during 20 years.

You then felt the need for Spiritual Renewal which you did at Assumption Institute in Melbourne.  Many good friends were made in that year. You returned to Primary Teaching at St Columba’s Essendon and became another fanatic in the Bomber’s ranks. Then you had many years at St Joseph’s Child Care Centre in Tassie.

In 2000 you returned to Melbourne especially because of the cold  aggravating your already severe arthritis. You lived at Essendon and became a very present and loving Sister of Charity to many in St Therese’s Parish.

Soon you found God guiding you back to the children again this time as a Volunteer Ward Grandparent at Melbourne Children’s Hospital. Some of the children are still very much in your life. Such is your dedication that only an earthquake or a pandemic could keep you away from the Children’s Hospital.

You are faithful to your ministry not only with the children but to the staff, who  know what you stand for. You brought a listening ear to them when there were very sick babies, children and distraught parents.

Life is about ‘being’ dear Judith, not ‘doing’, and you reflect to me the life of a person who simply waits in faith for the next step.

The motto you chose on your Profession Day was Pater si vis: Father If thou wilt.

Although your days at the Children’s Hospital are shortened now, you have an important role at Mononia as a community member supporting the Staff there, the Sisters, looking out for the little things to do to make community homely and happy.

• Sr Clare Nolan rsc