When Sister Mary Monica made her first vows on December 9, 1943 at the Little Sisters’ novitiate in Dublin, Ireland, certainly she didn’t think she would be in Queens, New York, 70 years later to celebrate her jubilee!
Her life took her from her native Dublin to England, to France, to Canada, and finally to Queens Village, NY, in the service of the elderly poor in the homes of the Little Sisters. Everywhere she went her beautiful smile and loving nature opened the hearts of Residents, and later on the pockets of benefactors since she was the beggar of the community for many years. Her Irish brogue would melt the hearts of anybody she encountered particularly in Montreal where she lived for over 25years.
Celebrating her long life of faithful service to the Lord was certainly a privilege for the Little Sisters and Residents. The Jubilee Mass was celebrated by our longtime chaplain, Msgr. William Rodgers, and attended by many friends, volunteers and Residents. In his homily, Msgr. Rodgers stressed the virtue of humility which made our foundress St. Jeanne Jugan a saint. The virtues of humility, mercy and compassion especially to the elderly, are virtues every Little Sister strives to embrace as daughters of St. Jeanne Jugan. Sr. Mary Monica has given us an example of how to live a life of humility, compassion and mercy.
After the homily, Sister Mary Monica renewed her vows. The communion meditation she selected Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All expressed her complete reliance on God, the source of her joy for these past 70 years as a Little Sister.
After Mass, Sister Mary Monica was thrilled to spend time with the Residents and staff in the dining rooms. She thoroughly enjoyed talking to each one and receiving their congratulations.
When asked how she made it to 70 years as a religious Sister, she cocked her head to the side, smiled and said: “It is all in God’s hands.”
Ad multos annos, dear Sister Mary Monica!
Sister Mary Monica’s Jubilee of 70 years of Religious Profession