Oblate News

Sr Hilary Fitzgerald celebrates 103 years of age

Holy Family Sister of Bordeaux

– by Sr Catherine Lavery

Sr Hilary recently celebrated her 103^rd birthday and 85 years as a Religious Sister of Holy Family of Bordeaux currently living in Rock Ferry, Birkenhead.

Sr Hilary is originally from Listowel Co. Kerry. She came to Kilburn, London from Kerry in 1939 during war time.  She trained as a Social Worker and worked in the North of England and Wales, supporting young families. She shared with all those she meet the Holy Family Sisters charism (gift) of communion through the values of gentleness, humility, openness and simplicity. On her retirement she continued to work in Pastoral Ministry in Parishes in the Northwest of England. For a period of time she was based in Magherafelt Co.Derry.  

Sr Hilary enjoys reading, (to include the daily newspaper and Ireland’s Own) knitting, and listening to both English and Irish Radio. For many years she supplied the Catholic Children’s Society with caps, bootees and cardigans  for new born babies. A more recent project involved knitting hats for seafarers using special waterproof wool.

On reaching 100 Sr Hilary gained a new zest for life, although a little forgetful at times she is generally very alert. Sr Hilary is an extremely resilient woman having lived through many periods of change during her lifetime. She is kind and very witty, she enjoys meeting people and sharing in their lives. On a regular basis Sr Hilary will proclaim the scriptures during the communities daily prayer.  With the introduction of Zoom Sr Hilary is able to keep up to date with the Holy Family Sisters worldwide and attends various discussions and times of prayer.

About the Holy Family Sisters of Bordeaux & the Oblates:

On Trinity Sunday 1820 the Holy Family of Bordeaux was founded by Pierre Noailles, a priest of Bordeaux, a contemporary of St Eugene De Mazenod, founder of the Oblates. Fr Noailles was a man seized by God’s love and full of passion for the reign of God.

An International, Spiritual and Apostolic Family comprising all vocations in the Church drawing inspiration from the Holy Family of Nazareth and the early Christian community, the Sisters arrived from France in 1868 to Leeds and Newbridge Co.Kildare following an invitation from Fr. Cooke OMI. The Holy Family of Bordeaux and the Oblates of Mary Immaculate continue to work alongside each other in many parts of the world. Today there are over 4000 members in 27 countries across 4 continents.

You can visit their website here

https://www.holyfamilybordeaux.org/

And follow their facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/holyfamily.bordeaux