Sr Lelia Kehoe’s Diamond Jubilee

On 1st May, 2011 Sr Lelia Kehoe ocso looked back at 60 years of monastic life as a Cistercian nun at Glencairn as she celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of her profession of monastic vows. Many of her family were able to join us the following day for the celebration of the Jubilee, together with many of her friends, some of whom go back to her childhood days growing up in Wexford.

During the Jubilee Mass homily, Fr Patrick recalled the particular devotion that Lelia had developed for St Therese during her formation years as a novice and junior. The story was told that as her Solemn Profession day drew near, Sr Lelia prayed and prayed for a fine day for the great event of her life. When the day dawned however and the morning progressed, instead of sunshine there began to appear from the sky lots and lots of snow. As Sr Lelia recounts it, it was one of the senior sisters that made the remark that morning in 1954 that St Therese had had snow on her profession day too! After that, as Fr Patrick observed, Sr Lelia’s devotion to the great Saint began to cool somewhat!

Following the Mass, the hymns and readings for which Sr Lelia selected herself which made it especially meaningful, and a round up of family and friends for some photos to remember the occasion (See Events Gallery for more photos), everybody enjoyed a festive meal afterwards at the Abbey to celebrate a great day for a great Sister who has lived throughout her Cistercian life with great devotion, steadfast commitment and evident fulfillment.

Sister Lelia’s vocation story will be coming soon!