On January 17, 2004, Sister Claire O'Rourke celebrated her fifty years as a Columban missionary in New England, (USA).  Bristol, Rhode Island was chosen since her two brothers, Columban priests, are living there and it is their home State.  Both brothers were on the altar to concelebrate a joyful Eucharistic celebration, and they gave Sister Claire their blessing after her renewal of vows.  In all seventeen priests concelebrated.
 

During the Eucharist to celebrate Sister Claire's Golden Jubilee the first reading from Micah 6 was read by Sister Mary McManus, a former postulant of Sister Claire during the latter's time as Vocation Director in the U.S. region.  One of the Columban Sisters' Associates,  Ms. Sandra Scola, did the second reading and Columban Sister Patricia Quigley read the Petitions.  The homilist was Rev. Charles Flaherty, another Columban Rhode Islander and friend.  After Communion the music of guitar and flute and the leader of song accompanied the liturgical dancer in a beautiful and prayerful reflection of Michael Talbot's "Magnificat" 
 

"It was a day of great joy, thanksgiving, and peace,"  described Sr. Claire.  "Not being used to looking back but always moving along in deep friendship with the Lord, all these years have passed dotted with missions in several parts of the Philippines before returning to the States. For all these years one can only give praise and thanksgiving".
 

To contact the Columban Sisters email:
columbansrs@eircom.net