08/07/2020 - Ireland

 25 years ago the Sisters in Carrick Moved House!

Sr Imelda Layden writes:

It so happened that, on the feast of Jeanne-Marie Chavoin, 30 June 1995, the community of 13 Sisters from our big convent in Carrick, moved down the hill, to the new smaller convent, just built. This, now is our beautiful single storey house where we, too, are a community of 13 Sisters.

Over the past few weeks as the feastday of Jeanne-Marie Chavoin approached, we knew that there was an important occasion to be recalled for celebration and we were asked to ‘pray’ in preparation.

 Soon, we noticed that, there was some quiet planning and research going on behind the scenes - very low key, but as the strands came together the preparation became reflective to the core! This latter, through God’s Spirit, bore much fruit and brought blessings on all for our Silver Jubilee.

Yes, we have a wonderful occasion to celebrate and commemorate: 25 years of Marist Living here with many blessings., but also sad and difficult moments too. However, with our Foundress, on the vigil of the feast we were full of joy and anticipation, as we gathered in the community room, in very relaxed surroundings for a Powerpoint Presentation. This was followed by gifts and high tea.

The presentation was beautifully put together, very informative, interspersed with facts, prayers and commentary on all slides. We were shown some beautiful photos of the old and new convents, together with the ‘bridge below the town’ showing its perfect reflections in the water below. Then came the photos of the 13 sisters of the first community. 11 of these have now gone home to heaven. Memories were shared as ‘moments’ were remembered with affection. How quickly time flies. With gratitude for all that has been, we trust onwards along the journey. 

Next day we came together with the two remaining founding members of the 1995 community, Sr Brigid Jane McGuinness and Sr Mary T Duffy for Mass. We were joined in celebration by Sr Vera and Sr Veronica Kelly, Sr Mary C Duffy who works in Dublin. Sr Elizabeth Gilmartin who is also a member of our community but who works in Kerry was unable to be with us. 

The Readings were carefully chosen from the Mass of the Visitation and Fr Frank Garvey PP spoke of the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth and the sharing of their inner joy and peace while highlighting two important aspects of our Charism – hidden and unknown and contemplative in action.

Fr Garvey also recalled the wisdom and forward thinking of the Parish Priest of Carrick-on-Shannon who had in 1873 invited Marist Sisters to make a foundation in his parish

After Mass we had a delicious festive meal prepared in our own kitchen by our own staff. Sincere thanks to all who were part of the preparation.

Photos below: Special cake - showing two convents and sisters walking from one to the other!

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