Two of Sr Catherine’s profession companions, Sr Kate Sullivan and Sr. Anne Reddington as well as Sisters from our Leadership team joined Catherine’s community for the celebration. Mass in the convent chapel was celebrated by Fr Jim Crampsey SJ. Present, too, was Fr Gerry Hassay SJ, friend of the community over many years.

The theme of ‘Mercy’ was woven like a golden thread through the readings of the liturgy: God’s promises exceed all our expectations, his mercy is with us as we heed the cries of those who are in trouble, as we listen compassionately to the voice of the anawim. Fr Jim spoke of Jubilee as a transfiguration, a moving on in urgency to allow God to make something new happen to us in our maturity as he did to Mary and Elizabeth, as narrated in Luke’s Gospel. This analogy is most appropriate to Catherine Marie who, after many years teaching in secondary schools, answered the call to another ministry caring for the poor and the marginalised in Edinburgh, in St Catharine’s project for the homeless.

After Mass, we moved to the refectory for a celebratory meal with the Sisters and friends, there was lots of laughter as we reminisced about the past. No celebration would be complete for us without a sing song and Fr Jim obligingly led us in favourite songs.

As we thank God for his gracious mercy to Catherine Marie, we thank her for sharing the joy of her day with us and ask God to grant her many more years of health and strength to show God’s merciful love to his people.

Sr. Patricia Orr rsm