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It is not what you are nor what you have been that God sees with
all merciful eyes,
but what you desire to be.
The Cloud of Unknowing
There
is something wanting in education where a child has not had its share of
leisure, to be rapt in silence and alone…
Janet Stuart rscJ
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GOLDEN JUBILEE OF FINAL PROFESSION
SISTER PHILIPPA
WITTERING, RSCJ
Sunday, 12th
February, 2006, was a very special day for Philippa, as it was for all
of us who celebrated with her, the occasion of her Golden Jubilee. About
sixty people attended and at her request, the only family members
invited were her first cousins and their spouses, three daughters of
deceased cousins and a few very special old friends. Thus there was a
good balance between family and RSCJ. Philippa herself had prepared the
Mass and brought with her from New Zealand, the booklet and attractive
little Jubilee candle which she held as she renewed her Vows, a moving
moment in the Chapel which held so
many memories for
her of schooldays and Noviceship.
Everyone remarked on the beauty of the readings and hymns, which
although brief, could not have been more appropriate.
As we
adjourned to the Hughes Centre for the celebratory afternoon tea and
toasting of the Jubilarian in champagne, family members assembled for a
“photoshoot” of the different groupings – i.e. first cousins, then with
spouses, then with next generation and finally the whole family group
that was present. Anne McGrath proposed the toast, followed by Ian McKay
who said a few words on behalf of the family before inviting Philippa to
cut the Jubilee Cake, which had been made and iced by Diana Simmons,
daughter of deceased first cousin, Paula Druce (Ryrie) and current KRB
parent. Diana’s daughter, Penny, and three other young cousins who are
students in the school, Gabby and Samantha McKay and Jessie Druce,
acted
as altar servers, ushers and later, gracious hostesses at afternoon tea.
While the cake was being cut up and passed around, Philippa responded to
the speeches by acknowledging the kind words spoken and the generosity
of the Society and the family, an emotional moment but one which was
quickly brought under control. For the rest of the afternoon, guests
and RSCJ mingled happily and informally, which gave Philippa an
opportunity to catch up with each one. The general consensus seems to
have been that the occasion was indeed a fitting celebration and one
that was marked by a simple dignity.
Margaret McKay, RSCJ
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Australia-Aotearoa
New Zealand ,