Memoirs of a Platinum Jubilarian
Our Jubilee celebration Mass at Rosary Priory on 30 th April, was a coming together to give
thankful praise to God for having called us to serve him in the Dominican Order. We were
celebrating four Jubilees, two Platinum, two Diamond and one silver. Our Mass was one of
celebration and joy with the added special moment when we each received our papal
blessing. Following the Mass we enjoyed a celebration meal which gave us the opportunity
to share memories. My generation had experienced the pre-Vatican II and post-Vatican II
Church, as well as the enormous developments in the world at large. We were amazed at
the changes that had taken place in our life time.
Seventy years ago, on 1 st Aug. 1952 I made profession taking vows of Poverty, Chastity and
Obedience. The 70 years since that time have been spent in living out those promises to the
best of my ability. As I look back I can only thank God for His guidance, His mercy and for the
many blessings I have received on the journey. It is a time for gratitude to family and friends
and to the many people who have supported, inspired and who, in one way or another have
shared the journey with me
Our vocation has two parts – our relationship with God and our ministry of service. My
relationship with God was supported by our daily Mass and prayer life together as
Dominicans, this was also a preparation for mission work. For many years my mission
service was in the field of Education and so I was assigned to teach in schools in this country
and in S. Africa. I was quite familiar with the English cultural life but when I arrived in S.
Africa it was a huge cultural shock as this was the era of Apartheid and very confusing for an
18 year old. However during my time there I grew to appreciate the scenic beauty of the
country, its multicultural society as well as the dignity and endurance of those who lived
under such harsh and unjust laws. After spending many years in Education my focus of
mission changed and moved into other areas. I spent some years in Parish ministry working
with others in Sacramental preparation, involvement in Ecumenism, Peace and Justice and
visiting the frail and elderly.
My most recent mission of service came as a result of the establishment of a new
community in Kidlington, Oxford. We were a small community but were able to be of service
in the parish of St Thomas More and St Hugh’s, Woodstock. We became involved in various
aspects of Parish Life working alongside the parishioners, including collaborating and prayer
sharing with other churches and joining them in their work at the Food Bank. I also assisted
Fr Prem at Brooke’s Catholic chaplaincy on Sundays where Catholic students from many
nations came for Mass. After Mass the students had time to socialise while enjoying some
lovely food. It was a time for them to relax and share their joys and difficulties, their hopes
and dreams and their faith in God in a safe environment.
I feel very grateful that in my latter years I had the great blessing of serving in this parish. I
have seen so much good will, such collaboration between groups, a deep faith and love for
the Church. This experience has left feeling profoundly blessed and enriched.
Sr Lucy O.P.