For the first time in 140 years, the Victorian border town of Echuca is without a Brigidine Sister, with Sr Cecilia Merrigan’s transfer to Melbourne. Source: Sandpiper.
At Mass on April 19, parishioners at St Mary’s Echuca took time to thank Sr Cecilia for her many years of faithful service and meaningful contribution to the parish and wider Echuca community.
“Her presence, kindness and dedication have touched the lives of so many,” said a parish spokesperson. “She will be deeply missed.”
Sr Cecilia was invited to speak at her last Mass in Echuca, acknowledging the legacy of the Brigidine Sisters over the past 140 years.
“This week marks the conclusion of a Brigidine presence in Echuca, but it is certainly not the end of our legacy, or of our interest in this very special place in our Congregation’s story,” Sr Cecilia said.
“Through the women and men who have formed Kildare Ministries to govern our nine secondary schools and the staff of St Mary’s and St Joseph’s College the legacy of our Brigidine spirit and values is continually being lived, revitalised, and enhanced.”
Sr Cecilia thanked the Echuca community for “sheltering” her and generations of Brigidines before her, with support, encouragement and love over the decades.
“Personally, there is much sadness as I pack up and bid farewell to so many people with whom I have shared life in this parish and district,” Sr Cecilia said.
“I came to St Joe’s as a boarder in the 50s; returned to teach in the 60s; and then, in 2002, I was delighted to rejoin the community and to have the time to actively engage with the parish and various groups in the wider community.
“It would be hard to find a place where there are more opportunities to get involved, and I have loved every minute of my time here.”
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Echuca Farewells Sr Cecilia Merrigan: Their last Brigidine (Sandpiper)
