Archived News Item

Commemorating the Sisters in Forbes

June 7, 2021

 

On Monday May 24, thirteen Sisters gathered with Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, the  Wilcannia-Forbes Catholic Education Office and Chancery to bless a series of plaques adorning the Catholic Education Office in Forbes. The plaques recognise the history, work, education, care and dedication of our Sisters past and present.

 

The wording and design of the plaques was by Carmel Carroll RSM, who worked with the office to recognise the building’s Mercy history.

 

Nerida Tinkler read out these words prepared by the Bishop’s office:

 

“Bishop Columba, we gather today as a Diocesan family under the Patronage of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to recognise the history, work, education, care and dedication of our Sisters past and present. This former convent stands as a sign of our dedication to the people of Forbes and to the diocesan family of  Wilcannia-Forbes. Today we pause, reflect and give thanks for my Sisters past and present and we ask you, Bishop Columba to Bless these history plaques. These plaques stand as a memory to the tireless dedication and work of the Sisters of Mercy not only here in Forbes but in the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes. Today we ask God, through the prayers of Our Lady Help of Christians and that of Venerable Catherine McAuley to bless each one of us on our journey and mission that we may be inspired by the same spirit of mercy, love, peace, justice, education and faith that inspired the Sisters to live a life dedicated to Christ and the service of God’s Church.

May the words of Venerable Catherine McAuley forever echo in our hearts who said:

“If we are humble and sincere,

God will finish in us the work God has begun.

God never refuses His grace to those who ask it.””

 

The blessing was followed by a Mass in honour of Our Lady Help of Christians and an abundant morning tea at the Chancery.

 

 

The plaques

 

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