On Sunday 8 September, seven Sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus from Australia celebrated a combined 420 years of living as consecrated women, of living as Faithful Companions of Jesus.
Sr Rosemary, one of the jubilarians, extended this occasion to her our country parish St. Brendan’s Shepparton making it a celebration of religious life in that parish during the 11 am liturgy on 15th September.
The liturgy honoured the religious who had served the parish over the past 117 years. The Mercy sisters came first followed by the Marist brothers. The FCJ sisters arrived in 2010 followed by the Community of the Children of God.
We were happy to have two Mercy sisters join us. Banners, posters, photos and FCJ News were on display while the organist and his singers entered the spirit and chose appropriate songs beginning with Amazing Grace and ending with Rosemary’s favourite Well Done. Fourteen FCJ companions travelled to Shepparton for the occasion and Rosemary’s relatives flew in from other parts of Australia.
Visitors appreciated the vitality and the hospitality of the parish priest and the whole St Brendan’s community. After Mass the celebrations continues in the parish hall. It was a very happy day for visitors, parishioners and for Sr Rosemary.
Read Rosemary’s vocation story.
