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Born in Carrigcannon, Kilbrittain, I am the third in
a family of eight – two boys and six girls. During my
time in Secondary School many Missionaries Sisters
visited the school each with a gripping story of
mission life in Africa and the urgent need of volunteers.
The desire to help in these far away lands and influenced
by the deep faith of my parents I was inspired to enter Ardfoyle.
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After my training I was thrilled to be posted to Ghana
where I spent a number of happy years among friendly, laughter
loving and appreciative people. I remember briefly my going to
the port of my destination, cape Coast and passing through the village
of Elmina where our two OLA pioneer Sisters arrived in 1883, 70 years previously.
In the intervening years many OLA's followed in their footsteps filled with
zeal for the spread of the Good News and the desire to raise the status of African womanhood. |
I was involved in Education and the evenings were devoted to extra curricular activities, visiting homes, hospitals etc. etc. To day our African OlA's continue these activities whenever they find themselves whether in their own countries or ad extra. Later I was challenged by a service of administration in the home front where I spent nine years.During those post Vat II years I often visited Africa which was going through turbulent times of coups and counter coups. It always amazed me to see the natural resilence of the African people which helped them to cope with change and suffering. My next assignment was in the formation ministry of our West African Sisters. Though demanding it was most enriching and worhtwhile to see young women eager to devote their lives to The Lord’s work. As I remember these years I am filled with gratitude to God for my missionary vocation and for the growth of the Church in these lands and to see our African OLA Sisters living out the charisma in diverse circumstances to day. The beauty of the African continent with its rich culture and numerous tribes taught me much. They have a wealth of wisdom in their stories, proverbs, customs and culture; their love for the extended family, family gatherings where they discuss issues. Their sense of celebration and thanksgiving has much to teach us. Since 1990 I’ve been in the home front where I live out my missionary vocation in a different way. “To remember the past with gratitude, to live the present with enthusiasm and to look to the future with confidence” Pope John Paul II.
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| back to our story.... |
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| If you are interested in a life serving God following the Charism of the OLA Congregation, Contact us on |
| labyrinth@olaireland.ie |
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Sisters
of Our Lady of Apostles
