A Jubilee is special at any time, but a Golden Jubilee Celebration of Missionary Religious Life is extra special!

On Sunday, 29 April past, Sister Joan O’Connor who hails from Lisselton, Co Kerry, celebrated 50 years as a Columban missionary religious. As she did 25 years ago for her Silver Jubilee, Sr Joan celebrated in Hong Kong, China. For as she said ‘I have spent 39 years of my life working in China Mainland and Hong Kong so I belong here!’

Members of both branches of the Columban family came from China Mainland joining with those in Hong Kong for a very joyful and happy evening in the Sisters’ apartment in Kowloon City. The celebrant and homilist at the Eucharist was Fr Eamon Sheridan SSC, one of the Columban Fathers General Council, Hong Kong.

Joan, being a good organizer, had everyone involved from preparation of the venue to catering, singing, photography etc. Nothing was left wanting.

But the last word was with Joan: during the Mass she expressed how full of gratitude she was for her life as a Columban Sister and for her Columban community, and for how she had experienced the Lord so powerfully throughout her life.

Joan renews her vows during the Offertory