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