Golden Jubilee celebration with Tipperary family for Sr Kathleen

Congratulations are in order for Sr. Kathleen O' Donnell, who is celebrating her 50th anniversary of profession as a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia.

Originally of Derrycloney, New Inn, Sr Kathleen lived at Park Avenue, Cahir with her mother for about 10 years, and when she comes home to visit, every two years, she stays there.

Sr. Kathleen has marked much of her 50 years with a dedication to relief of poverty, and tireless commitment to the wellbeing of others.

Sr. Kathleen went to Lagganstown National School before the Convent of Mercy, Secondary School. This would be the beginning of her affiliation with Sisters, and in 1965 she entered the Order of Franciscan nuns in Mallow, Co Cork. Her first 25 years were spent on the west coast of the US where she studied in Portland, Oregon and there received her formation as a Franciscan.

Following her profession as a Sister, she was assigned to teach primary school students which she did for the next 22 years. Her assignments took her to California, Wyoming and Washington State.

At this point she was drawn to follow a persistent dream to work more directly with those less fortunate. This dream took her to the Caribbean Island of Antigua.

Sr. Kathleen's service would eventually take her to Wilmington, in the State of Delaware, where she currently works.

Of particular note is her contribution to a food aid program run by the Ministry of Caring, known as the Emmanuel Dining Room. Here she is part of a team which coordinates and manages the provision of meals to some of the least fortunate in the Wilmington community, as well as supplying a key social experience. This aid and support is a fundamental support in the lives many of the Dining Room's visitors and its continued presence is a testament to the deep rooted nature of the issues plaguing needy communities worldwide.

Joining us in celebrating Sr. Kathleen's achievement are her family members, sisters Lilly, Teresa and Mary, brothers Paddy and Eddie all of whom, along with several nieces and nephews travelled to Philadelphia in May for a celebration of her Golden Jubilee.

We wish Kathleen all the best in her endeavours, and good fortune in the future.