Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Sisters Eileen Roe and Valery Hetherton Feast of the Visitation 2012 Wicklow, Ireland

On this lovely feast of the Visitation we gathered in Magheramore to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Sisters Valery Hetherton and Eileen Roe.

Both sisters, from the Royal County of Meath, quietly and with full hearted gratitude pronounced their vows as we joined with them in thanking God for his blessings down the decades.

Jubilate Deo Omnis Terra

The choir sang the new Glendalough Mass of Liam Lawton and honoured our Lady on her feastday with hymns of praise. Although the day was somewhat overcast, the chapel was a blaze of colour with flowers to delight the heart. Fr Pat Donohoe, our chaplain, who earlier this month celebrated his 80th birthday, was the celebrant. The presence of several sisters from Dublin added to joyful celebration.

Sister Anne Carbon gave an inspiring talk, capturing the gifts of Valery and Eileen and expressing the gratitude we all felt for their lives of dedication, for their presence with us today. Having known both of them, in the Philippines and in Peru, she spoke of the inspiration they were, and are, in her own life and in the lives of the many poor they ministered to on mission. We recalled their two companions who have gone before them to the Lord, Joan Sawyer and Patricia Sweeney.
After Mass we had a sumptuous meal in the dining room where our two Jubilarians cut their cake to much applause. We wish Valery and Eileen great blessings on this, the year of their Diamond Jubilee as they continue their missionary journey in the Lord.

EILEEN and VALERY receive ‘CONGRATULATIONS!’
Sr Kathleen Geaney (Myanmar) extends her greetings…	…and Sr Catherine Lillis waits her turn after Mary Nolan!
Sr Ann Gray, Congregtional Leader, with the two Diamonds	…and the Bulletin Board sums up the day!

For the Homily click here To return to the Jubilee List page click here

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