Sr. Kathleen Keegan (Sr. Mary Cecilia)
Kathleen Keegan and her twin were born in Cankeel, Cloone Co Leitrim Ireland on the 31st December 1922. She was one of five children born to John and Bridget Keegan and in her memories of home and childhood she described it as ‘one big happy united family, where prayer was an important part of life and where they were surrounded by love”. Sad to say her twin died early in life. One of her sisters became a Marist Sister and lived in America for many years. She died the year before Kathleen.
Kathleen got to know the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions when they visited her parish in Cloone. In September 1940 she left home for Hastings where she was received as a postulant on the 17th September. She began her Novitiate on the 18th March 1941 and was given the name Sr. Mary Cecilia. She possibly chose this name because she had such a great love of music. In her later years she voiced her regret that she had not been given the opportunity to learn to play an instrument as she was musically gifted. However with a lovely singing voice she seized any opportunity that came her way to sing in a choir.
After her First Profession, Sr. Mary Cecilia was missioned to the communities of Limavady, Leeds, Chew Magna, Beech Court and Churchtown, Dublin. This all depended on where there was a need in any of the communities or within the parish.
From 1960 to the late 1970’s she was a member of the Wealdstone community. After undertaking studies in Biology Laboratory work she was assigned as Laboratory Technician and assistant secretary in Sacred Heart High School (College) Wealdstone.
In her retirement Sister went to Dublin community where she became familiar with what was needed in ‘Caring’ for the elderly. Under the guidance of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Sister perfected her skills which were greatly appreciated when she was assigned to caring for the elderly sisters in the Dublin community.
Later on her journey, Kathleen spent some years in Eastbourne, a large seaside town on the south coast of England. Her role in parish ministry enabled her to regularly visit those who were home bound. They always looked forward to her visits when she would listen to their stories and pray with them. In the evenings she and some of the Sisters loved to walk by the sea and enjoy the beauty and breezes of the freshness of life by the sea. One particular part of parish life was her being a member of St. Agnes Church Choir. Kathleen loved to sing and her distinct voice held everyone in tune! Her gift of being adaptable and ability to adjust was evidenced by the many moves in living her call to Mission in different communities. Her love of gardening nurtured her desire to be at peace and to see things grow. The beauty of many colours that grew from her planting the seeds in the flower pots displayed in the garden delighted her as she saw the fruit of her labours and seeing in them the perfection of God’s creation.
One of Kathleen’s daily reflections books was ‘Bible Alive’ that came every month so she could have her own copy for Scripture reflection. She loved silence and was faithful to prayer and commitment to community.
With failing health, Kathleen lived her final years in St. Anne’s Community where she received the loving care of the Sisters and Staff and was blessed with daily Eucharist and the consolation of the sacrament of Healing and Anointing . She died on 16th September 2014.
On Thursday 2nd October the entrance hymn for her funeral Mass was ‘Oh Lord my God when I in awesome wonder…’ God delighting in her as she took delight in the mystery of all of creation on her journey through life! Her body rests in Sturry Cemetery with her Sister companions.
He has let us know the mystery of his purpose,
the hidden plan in Christ from the beginning. Eph.1:9