Sr. Josephine Molloy (Mary Eugene)
Sr. Josephine was born in Derreenargon, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, one of eight children, four girls and four boys, born to Joseph and Bridget Molloy. Josephine had a great affection for her native place and never missed an opportunity of returning there whenever possible. She had a deep love for her family, and, being the eldest of the four girls, considered it important to be a helper to any family member needing moral support. The family hearth was where the young Molloys grew in the faith. Prayer was an integral part of their daily life. The family Rosary was recited every night, a devotion that must have helped to instil in Josephine her great love for Mary, Mother of God.
Sr. Josephine attended the local National School in Boyle, at the end of which she met the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, and, with the blessing of her parents, decided to go with the Sisters to the Juniorate in Hastings where she pursued her secondary education, music being one of the subjects she studied. She was gifted in this area, had a beautiful singing voice and played both the piano and the violin.
After her First profession in 1945, Josephine began her missionary journey, spending long, or short, periods in different communities of the province – Deal, Wealdstone, Sturry, Beech Court, Limavady [N.Ireland], Cathcart [Scotland], Bristol, and Dublin. In the early days, as well as teaching younger classes in school and giving private music lessons, she used her many talents to serve the communities in which she lived. She loved her work as sacristan. She was a happy laundress for a few years, and commented that she was following in Mother Foundress’ footsteps.
Sr. Josephine attended Coloma Teachers Training College, 1972 to 1975, where she specialised in Religious Education, after which she taught in Cathcart [Scotland], Leyland, Chew Magna, Dublin and Wealdstone. She directed choirs in parishes, played the organ for Community liturgy, taught music, cared for boarders, served in parish ministry and, during all that time, worked to complete her own higher studies in music. She is fondly remembered by past music students who found her to be a very patient, kind and gentle teacher, with a “beautiful smile.” They all looked forward to their music classes, something that was not at all usual in those days! Those who were boarders under her care remember her as motherly, caring and very understanding.
In later years, teaching days over, Sr. Josephine found herself back in Dublin. She became involved with many prayer groups. She was part of a small group who prayed daily for priests and encouraged others to do likewise. She was also very passionate about the protection of unborn babies, and attended rallies all over the country, to support those working for the cause. This was the time when she felt called to make Mary, Mother of God, better known and loved. She showed extraordinary energy and enthusiasm for pilgrimages to many Marian shrines in Europe. She went to Knock several times a year, and could never turn down an invitation from someone seeking a companion to travel there. For twenty five years, in sunshine or rain, she travelled to Walsingham in England, accompanied by a full-sized statue of Our Lady, and quite an amount of luggage. When Sisters expressed their concern about her travelling on her own, she would reply, with a smile, “Our Lady will look after me.” She had special devotion to the Rosary and her day was not complete unless she had prayed all the Mysteries.
Sr. Josephine had a wide circle of friends who were very devoted to her. As she travelled on bus, train, or on foot, she interacted with those travelling with her and never lost an opportunity of distributing Rosary beads and speaking about Our Lady.
However, in 2012, age and poor health were taking their toll. A decision was made to bring Josephine to St.Anne’s Convent in Sturry, where her presence was valued by all who cared for her. As time passed she was unable to speak, but she never lost her smile. She appreciated the visits and attention of those who visited her. She was happy and at peace, waiting for the moment when, in the spirit of Mary, she would be taken into the arms of Jesus her Son. That moment came on 25th August 2016, when she slipped away, quietly, to her eternal home.
Josephine’s funeral Mass was celebrated on 8th September, with that of another sister who had died on 29th August. St. Anne’s Chapel, Sturry, was full, with relatives of the two Sisters and their RNDM Sisters from Beechcourt and Wealdstone. As the sound of the organ rang out, Josephine’s spirit would have rejoiced in the music she loved so much. May she now sing and rejoice forever with the God she loved, and with His dear Mother.
“And Mary said: ’My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my saviour’
Luke 1: 46 – 47