I treasure my happy memories of Magheramore over all the years since I entered in 1962. What a life-giving blessing to spend time here, when I came home on holiday from Hong Kong. The peace, quiet and beauty was palpable. We were always aware too that Magheramore was a powerhouse of prayer, appreciated near and far.
When I finally retired to Magheramore 4 years ago, I still remember, a thought provoking comment from Patricia Sweeney many years ago. Patricia, for medical reasons, had to move here, after she reluctantly gave up her much-loved ministry in inner city Dublin. I was in Crumlin at that time, and came to visit Patricia here a few weeks later. I was delighted to see she had settled in so well. Her reply “yes Mary, I have, but always remember, that Magheramore is the “LAST STOP”.
I am aware now, that for me, I have not yet reached my “LAST STOP”! I am still on my missionary journey, as I respond to the signs of the times, and prepare to leave my beloved Magheramore, knowing too that the Holy Spirit is with us, guiding us through our transitions. Last year, I wrote that “Missionaries never retire”. Recently I got a very clear reminder of this statement from a close Chinese friend in Dublin. Ben was a young man who was very terminally ill in hospital. In fact he was one of the first catechumens to be baptised 15 years ago in the Chinese community. He had an amazing deep faith and touched many lives, both Chinese and Irish, during the past 15 years. A few days before he died I sent him a message to say he was a great missionary! I got a message back almost immediately, saying, “I will be a missionary until I draw my last breath”.
Finally I am convinced that the Holy Spirit is leading us, as a congregation, at this time and the Lord is with us every step of the way, reminding us to trust in Him, “Fear not little flock”. So let us remember again Fr. Blowick’s – “WATCHWORD” FORWARD! FULL STEAM AHEAD!.
By Sr. Mary Greaney