Comments

. I attended the Special Mass and celebration of St. Mary’s first fifty years in Mansfield. This was the first time I have had the opportunity to see the new church, it is beautiful! As I sat in the sanctuary and tried to comprehend the new meshing with the old, my memory took me back to the Newman Street building and my childhood. I think it is wonderful that some of the precious articles such as the carving of the Last Supper is still under the altar, the same Stations of the Cross are on the walls and some of the same statues of the saints and the Blessed Virgin are still there to be seen. The service was beautiful and the singing sounded as if the angels had come down for this special day. Thank you to each one who had a part in this service and the reception that followed.

I appreciate all of the teachers that I had at St. Mary’s but the Sisters of Mercy have left a mark on my soul that will never be erased. I became a student at the school in 1952. I remember the love and kindness that the Sisters gave to me. They instilled in me a deep love and respect for God. And through their example, taught me compassion for mankind and what a true Christian should be. I was taught respect for others and their property, to honor my elders, obey my parents, to remain pure and holy before God.

Anyone can teach the basics of worldly knowledge but I have been blessed by being taught the basics of spiritual life and for this I am eternally thankful. They are truly women of God.

I have a deep sorrow in my spirit when I realize that my grandchildren’s generation will never have the opportunity to have such an influence in their lives. It is up to us to continue to instill these spiritual gifts in our children and grandchildren.