The people there worked hard, played hard, and were very friendly and welcoming. It was in Broken Hill I realised that people are basically the same where ever we are. Then it was 200 kilometres away to the Aboriginal community of Wilcannia, where I stayed for the next 8 years. I was initially shocked at the stark poverty and oppression of the people – a contrast to the life I had known until then. I learnt much from the Aboriginal people–about patience, forgiveness, understanding and appreciating the environment. My time in Wilcannia ended when the Sisters of Compassion withdrew from there, and the apostolate was continued by the Mercy Sisters. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Compassion Sisters who went before me. Their impact on that community showed in the esteem and acceptance given to those who followed, including myself. Next stop: Chanel Home of Compassion, Fiji where I was treasurer for 10 years. It was refreshing to now be with people who had pride and confidence in themselves. This made for a happy community and a lively social atmosphere. I endeavoured to learn the language, a great doorway into the Fijian culture. I enjoyed the richness of life and social events. Village life was simple, but in relationships, there was richness and abundance. It was a happy time, and difficult for me to leave Fiji; some of my heart is still there. Since 1999 I have been the archivist for the Sisters of Compassion, happily working towards the canonisation of Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert.
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Sister Felix Breen
Sister Felix (Ellen Catherine) Breen was born in the Tapanui Hospital, about twenty miles from the family farm in Conical Hills, Central Otago. Ellen’s parents were Mary and Jim Breen and she was the second eldest of nine children, five sisters and three brothers...
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Sister Urban Leonard
Sister Urban came from a very supportive family in Waimate...
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Sister Joan Flannery
Agnes Imelda Flannery was born in Makikihi, Waimate, on 23 April, 1921, into a family of six siblings – all born within nine years. Their parents were John and and Mary Ellen Flannery (nee O’Grady)...