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At a certain
point you say Annie Dillard
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Touching farewell to the Esk Sisters
A TOUCHING farewell was given to
the Esk Sisters - Sister Mary Brennan and Sister Mary Ormesher on November 28.
Many local residents gathered to say thank you and goodbye. Special guests in
attendance were Sister Rita Carroll and Sister Genevieve Bannon, who are Sisters
of the Society of the Sacred Heart from Stuartholme College in Brisbane, and
Sister Mary Brennan's sister, Anne Brennan. There has also been interaction with other agencies, such as Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Care and Concern and Churches working together, providing a network of support for the folks of the Brisbane Valley. Sister Mary Brennan, the Director of Brisbane Valley Social Services Inc, and Sister Mary Ormesher, through their good work, their wisdom, and their non-judgemental approach, they have become symbolic of true Christianity for our community. Mrs. Spencer said never once has she heard even a hint of criticism. "Even the most agnostic people show the utmost respect. "It is not an exaggeration to say that the Sister Mary's are loved and respected by many, many people - more than they will ever realise. "The Sacred Heart Sisters are humble, yet so worldly, far beyond the average and their deep spirituality is evident without words or preaching. I see these Sisters as commanding great admiration in our modern society and being wonderful ambassadors for Christianity and the Catholic Church, and the genuine support these women give each other is also inspirational," she said. Sister Mary Brennan expressed how they both really appreciated the opportunity to see everyone, and being able to say goodbye to everyone. She referred to their years in Esk as the 'golden ones': "Not only in terms of retirement years, but in terms of our quality of our lives in Esk since we arrived in 1993 and 94." "One of the joys of living in Esk has been our participation in Churches Working Together. What has impressed us has been the prayer that has been the basis of our work together, and we have been enriched by the different patterns of spirituality that we have experienced. "Above all we thank everyone for their companionship and friendship and we thank the Lord for the years that the sisters of the Sacred Heart have lived in Esk" Father Hegarty, the Parish Priest of St Mel’s in Esk, paid tribute to both Sisters. He recognised how faithful they have been to their vows that they took so many years ago - the vow of celibacy, obedience and poverty, and how the sisters lived a simple life, unencumbered by material processions. "They have worked tirelessly, and people sort their help and sort their compassion through their Saint Vincent de Paul work; and in doings so they experienced the compassion of Christ. "When the time comes for judgement, God will reveal all the good they have done, and he will reveal it and it will surprise them that their influence and their good has spread so far, we acclaim their compassion, their skill at listening and not judging, and their readiness to go out and to help people, all done in a spirit of humble service." Councillor Lawrie Witham, representing the Esk Shire Council, referred to Sister Mary and Sister Mary Ormesher as two living treasures. He announced to the Sisters that Council will place on record the outstanding achievements and works they have done. "Council will also write to the Mother Superior of the Order acknowledging the good works of Sister Mary Brennan and Sister Mary Ormesher and thanking them for heir great deeds over the years to help the poor, distressed and unfortunate in Esk Shire," said Cr Witham. During a recent council meeting, Cr Burke, Cr Zabel and Cr Roberton endorsed Cr Witham's comments and added further commendations and thanks to the Sisters for their good work in Esk Shire. Cr Witham's presented a certificate of appreciation to the Sisters, and thanked them for labouring here for many years with grace and commitment. Dean Allan spoke on behalf of the kids in the community for all the support and help that the Sisters have given over the years, especially with the drama workshops. "The kids will miss you both," he said. Mrs. Margaret Moffatt presented both the sisters with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of St Vincent de Paul Society of Queensland for their work. Thank you to all who provided food for the morning tea, and those who assisted with the setting up of tables and chairs and the clean up afterwards. A special thank you to the SES for providing and setting up the marquee. |
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Society of the
Sacred Heart - ANZ |