Sisters Kathleen Owens and Eileen Hobbins RNDM
The celebration began with the religious of the Diocese being invited to join Bishop Joseph Toal for a meal in Xaviour Hall at Carfin Grotto. This was followed by evening prayer of the Church led by the Bishop in the Glass Chapel – a souvenir of John’s visit to Scotland.
Next we made our way to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Good Aid, a short distance away. The Annual Mass for Vocations was combined with the celebration of Consecrated Life.
A Parish Choir led a packed congregation with music chosen from the Mass of the Sacred Heart and the Mass of Wisdom. Religious did the readings and intercessions and a Sister addressed the Congregation appealing to parents to help children reflect on God’s plan for them and not just “what do you want to be when you grow up”
All were invited to the parish hall for refreshments and to see the displays set up by the Religious, Parishioners, Priests, Seminarians and the sixth year pupils from the various High Schools in the Diocese. All mingled and enjoyed the experience. One head Master spoke of his memories as a young pupil of Our Lady of the Missions School in Cathcart. For all present it was an evening of joy and inspiration.