Golden Jubilee of Sr. Majorie Lavery
The Golden Jubilee Mass for Sr. Marjorie Lavery was celebrated in September at Mutuini by Fr. Felice Molino, Fr. Eugene Hennessy and Fr. Gianni Rolandi in a colourful liturgy animated by the 17 Novices.
During the homily Fr. Felice said that Sr. Marjorie was the right person to be in the house of formation. She forms the new generation of the FMA not so much by words, but by the example of her every day life.
Two very significant moments suggested by the ritual for the Golden Jubilee Mass took place: the renewal of Profession (after the homily) and the presentation of a lamp – a symbol of faithful watchfulness.
Following a delicious lunch Sr. Marjorie was given a special place near Our Lady where Sr. Teresa Fernandes crowned her with golden flowers. The Novices then presented the life of Sr. Marjorie in a TV interview and expressed their love and gratitude through a Kenyan and an Ethiopian dance.
Sr. Rosetta Guarnier and Sr. Serah Njeri presented her with fruits of the “English” garden: cauliflower to be prepared with cheese, rhubarb for a drink, celery for salad, red apples for apple pie and green apples to keep the doctor away. A golden melon crowed the “procession of fruits and vegetables” as a symbol of the Golden Jubilee.
Sr. Marjorie shared in her talk that the joy of a Sister whom she met at a Vocation Day attracted her to the FMA. In times when religious and the clergy kept aloof from the people, it was unusual to be spoken to by a Sister who not only talked to the young people, but smiled and joked. She also said that during the time of her initial formation, she always heard that only the best could go to the Missions so she never thought of becoming a Missionary. However, to her great surprise she was asked first to become a Missionary in Malta and then i n Ethiopia and now in Kenya. Her obedient heart did not know how to refuse. Today, after 50 years of religious life Sr. Marjorie is a happy FMA and enthusiastic Missionary. She herself said: “… If I were born another time, I would become a Salesian Sister again. I don’t regret even one day of my life.”
Sr. Catherine Urbanska, FMA
