On Thursday, July 1, Sr Mary Scanlon, LCM, celebrated her platinum jubilee at Nazareth Chapel, Christchurch. Some 60 guests rejoiced with Sr Mary achieving 70 years in the Little Company of Mary. Friends and colleagues, Fathers Jeff Drane, SM, and Peter Head, SM, led a liturgy which reached a highlight when Sr Mary lit a jubilee candle and renewed the vows she had made in 1951.
Equally as moving for the congregation was a song played during Communion that had been written by Mary’s sister, Norah Rumble, who had died recently. Entitled “The Spirit of Calvary”, it personalised the spirit Sr Mary lived by for 70 years, providing a poignant moment in the liturgy.
Representing the region leader Sr Kathleen Cotterill, LCM, who was unable to attend because of Covid, Sr Helena Kearns presented Sr Mary with a congregational blessing. Sr Mary’s brother Patrick and his granddaughter came from Wellington for the event. The congregation of 60 friends and neighbours then gathered in a nearby hall for a happy time of fellowship. The afternoon celebration was completed when Sr Mary cut the jubilee cake, baked for the occasion by Margaret McGowan. Sr Mary expressed her deep thanks to God, her family and the many people who nurtured and supported her over these years of life and service in the Little Company of Mary.
Sr Mary’s motto is: “All for Jesus through Mary.”
Hearty congratulations to Sr Mary Scanlon. Ad multos annos. God bless.
After seeing Fr Jeff at mass at All Saints By The Sea, Mt Mg, this evening, I thought I wd look him up and I’ve come across this Platinum Jubilee of Sr Mary Scanlon. I stayed with Sr Mary in Wgtn when I was Fuekdeirjef gir GRIW, a community mental heal org. If Sr Mary is still alive, please pass on my love and prayers. Kind regards. Bev Roach.
My texting is shocking. It shd read I was Field worker for GROW