DIAMOND JUBILEE DAY,
April 26th 2018.
This day was made by the Lord, Alleluia!
So our hearts sang as our Diamond Jubilee day came to a close yesterday evening. All four of us, the two Itas, Joy and Patricia, were slightly overwhelmed because of all we had experienced in the course of twelve hours.
The tone and spirit of the day were set at Morning Prayer when our hymn called all nations, including our Sisters in missions far and near to ‘sing out your joy to the Lord’ and as our Sisters from Dublin began to arrive, so indeed, did our awareness that, throughout the world, our Congregation was at one in thanksgiving and praise.
Our Jubilee day could be called a Eucharistic day. Worship, love, sharing and awareness of our place and privilege as missionaries in God’s plan for the world filled the hours from morning until evening when the day folded to a close.
Father Pat O’Conor, our chaplain, officiated at our Mass. It began with the hymn, EAGLES ‘ WINGS, the acknowledgement of God’s unfailing fidelity. Then our pledge to ‘SING FOREVER’ of God’s love preceded the Gospel. Our acknowledgement that nothing can exceed God’s love was expressed in our Communion hymn, while Mary’s exultant MAGNIFICAT sent us forth both heartened and humbled by a deeper realisation of God’s fidelity to us and to all he has entrusted to us in our different missions and ministries.
Our Eucharistic celebration extended then to our dining room when, as always, our Motherhouse, under Sister Rose’s leadership, showed hospitality at its best in serving a delicious meal in an atmosphere of happiness and love. When we left the dining room it was to settle ourselves in clusters here and there in the house, continuing our conversations and reminiscences of former times together, of mission experiences of fervour, fun and sometimes foolishness. Little by little our Jubilee day drew to a close. Our Sisters from Dublin left for their different destinations, and Magheramore settled once more for the night.
It might have taken the four of us jubilarians a little longer to settle; we had so much to savour, to wonder at and be grateful for – our Motherhouse and community, all who took time to come, to write, to wish blessings and to pray for us. Many prayers and Masses have been offered for us. We include all our Sisters in the riches that will surely come from such intercessions, such love and such great hearts.
With heartfelt gratitude from Joy, Patricia and the two Itas.
