Mass was celebrated by Bishop Michael Smith in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rochfortbridge on Sunday 11 November 2012 to mark 150 years of ministry by the Mercy Sisters in Rochfortbridge.
The Mass was concelebrated by Fr William Coleman, Parish Priest, and other clergy who served in the parish, or are natives of it, or past students of the Sisters. Students, former students and staff of the Convent Primary School and St Joseph’s Secondary School, both founded by the Sisters, also took part and a very large congregation was present.
Following the Mass, a commemorative book “To Serve with Gladness” edited by local man Danny Dunne was launched.
In the words of Bishop Smith’s message marking the book’s publication, the Sisters “have left a legacy which must be preserved and developed over the coming decades. It is indeed right and just that their dedicated service to this community is recorded and acknowledged.”
The book, which costs €25, is available in the Convent Primary School, St Joseph’s Secondary School and in Centra, Rochfortbridge. It will soon be more widely distributed.
