Sisters of Compassion, family and friends gathered at the St Joseph’s Heritage Life Care Chapel in Heretaunga on Sunday 15 September for a thanksgiving mass to celebrate 60 years of Religious Profession of Sisters Margaret Pugh and Josephine Gorman.

Sister Margaret Anne expressed to Sisters Margaret and Josephine, “Your time has not been so much about what you have done, or what you have accomplished, it is about the gift of your deep commitment to your vows as Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion.”

Sister Margaret cared for many people, both young and old, at the Island Bay hospital, in Auckland, at Broken Hill in Australia, in Whanganui and Heretaunga. Many of those admitted to our Homes needed special care and a listening ear. She took the time to listen and added balm to their wounds. She was the chaplain for the Catholic Women’s League of the Wellington Archdiocese for many years including the Heretaunga Branch. Today, Sister Margaret is a resident at St Joseph’s and continues to give joy to visitors with her warm welcome and gracious smile.

Sister Josephine cared for children and the elderly at Island Bay, at Broken Hill and Wilcannia in Australia and in Fiji. While in Fiji, she familiarized herself with the Fijian language, which gave her a doorway into Fijian culture. Sister Josephine returned to Wellington and, for over 25 years, she has worked as Archivist for the Sisters of Compassion.

Sisters Margaret and Josephine are examples of faithfulness, following the model of Meri Hohepa Suzanne Aubert. They continue to combine the lives of Martha and Mary, walking arm in arm together, their faith and good works are never separated.