SISTER MARY SCANLON’S PLATINUM JUBILEE

On Thursday 1^st July, Sr Mary Scanlon celebrated her Platinum Jubilee at Nazareth Chapel, Christchurch.  Some 60 guests rejoiced with Mary achieving 70 years in the Little Company of Mary.   Friends and colleagues, Frs Jeff Drane and Peter Head, S.M. led a liturgy which reached a highlight when Mary lit a Jubilee Candle and renewed the vows she had made in 1951.  Equally as moving for the congregation was a song played during communion that had been written by Mary’s sister, Norah Rumble, who had died only recently.  Entitled “The Spirit of Calvary” it personalised the spirit Mary lived by for 70 years, providing a poignant moment in the Liturgy.  On behalf of the Region Leader, Sr Kathleen Cotterill who was unable to attend because of Covid, Sr Helena Kearns presented Mary with a Congregational Blessing.  Mary’s brother Patrick and granddaughter came from Wellington for the event.  The congregation of 60 friends and neighbours then gathered in a nearby hall for a happy time of fellowship.  The afternoon celebration was completed when Mary cut the Jubilee cake, baked for the occasion by Margaret McGowan.  Mary expressed her deep thanks to God, her family and the many people who nurtured and supported her over these years of life and service in the Little Company of Mary.

Mary’s motto is: All for Jesus through Mary.