On 29 September, 1914, Margaret began her Novitiate training, and was given the religious name of Sister Mary Berchmans. Sister Berchmans was professed on 28 September, 1916, and after the completion of three years of Annual Vows, she made her Perpetual Profession, the first Sister of Compassion to do so under the revised Constitutions.
In 1924 Sister was made Local Econome of the Mother House, an office she held until June 1929. In March, 1933, she was transferred to Jerusalem where she resided at Ranana until 1939. From there she went to Wanganui Home of Compassion until 1945, and then to Buckle Street where she was Second in Charge and Procurator until 1957.
Sister Berchmans had a quiet though keen sense of humour and enjoyed the company of the Sisters, especially at recreation. She was a good card player and excelled at the game of five hundred although she found it difficult at times as increasing deafness made conversation with others hard for her.
For many years Sister had very poor health, and in June, 1962, she was admitted to the Infirmary for the final time. On Saturday, 4 August, Sister received Holy Communion as usual, but during that morning she had an internal haemorrhage and went to God. May she rest in peace.
Born Entered Professed Died Place of Death Place of Burial
23.12.1883 19.03.1914 28.09.1916 04.08.1962 Island Bay Karori
