Celebration of the Life and death of Catherine at Baggot Street

During the week leading up to the 11th November, Sr Sheila Carney rsm led a group of Sisters in reflection on the blessedness of Catherine’s life and in exploring how the manner of her dying confirmed the graces of her living.

On the 11th itself, more than 100 Sisters and friends of Mercy gathered in the chapel at Baggot Street for a Eucharistic Celebration led by Father Ciarán O’Carroll, a member of the Canonisation Committee. The music, singing, readings and a special Mercy Eucharistic prayer all contributed to a very moving and prayerful celebration.  The address by Sheila Carney, drew the congregation into an intimate participation in Catherine’s last hours and opened up the richness of her parting words and the challenge of her legacy to the Congregation.

Following the Eucharist, the celebrations continued over dinner, in a tightly packed dining room! Then there was the opportunity for individuals to visit the grave or spend some quiet time in Catherine’s room, where no doubt ‘each got a blessing and parting advice’.

As the visiting Sisters left, the resident group remained and met in Catherine’s room for prayer which ended at ten minutes to eight – the time of her death. Afterwards all gathered for ‘a good cup of tea’ in the community room where the happenings and blessings of the day were recounted and shared.

Picture from left to right: Anne Hannon rsm, Sheila Carney rsm, Teresa Kilcourse rsm, and Noreen O’Sullivan rsm