Launch of Tapestry In Mission
September 29,  2008

Pioneers of Intercultural Membership
in the
Congregation of the Missionary Sisters
of
St. Columban

The book, titled Tapestry In Mission includes short biographies of five Sisters who, from cultures other than Irish, left their homelands to begin life as members of the congregation and, later, to participate in its mission which began in China and subsequently spread to countries across the world.

Sisters Mary Francis Xavier Mapleback, Basil McBrearty, Therese Bolan, Teresita Yu and Consuelo Mercado, from Australia, England, United States, China and the Philippines respectively, led the way for other young women from each of the above countries who continue to participate in the congregation’s mission, enriching its membership and ministries with their cultural qualities and values.

From Sister Ita's After Words:

‘… These stories provide us with information regarding our congregation’s history as it unfolded during its early years and, in a small measure, up until the present time. When we know our lineage as members of the congregation we are not dismayed by the challenges of our times or overawed by the opportunities they offer. We remember those who have gone before us and find confidence for our present-day missions.

The stories, I believe, also offer us an invitation. It is the invitation to explore once more and maybe at greater depth, the mystery of God’s intervention in so many lives, with a plan to bring us together as one in a shared charism.  While our charism is new in each member the living out of it is integral to our congregation as a whole. I saw how this held true in the lives of the Sisters whom we honour today.

Sister Ita Hannaway

Perhaps now I should mention the cover and of the book and the pages which introduce each story. The glowing flame on the cover represents our common charism, while the smaller flame which leads into each story represents the unique expression which each Sister gave to our shared grace.

Recently I read a book about stories. The author wrote that each story which is true is an icon of God, the source of all truth. This profound reality may give us inspiration as we read the lives of our five Sisters.

I learned another thing as I read that book. The author, a learned story teller herself, gives this instruction:

When you read a story don’t judge it. Let it judge you!

I feel sure that each of these stories will judge their readers favourably’.
 

A limited supply of copies of this book is  available.
 

Email  us  at  weboffice@columbansisters.org