Two Religious Sisters enjoyed significant birthday celebrations recently, with Sr Patricia Kingsley PBVM from Tasmania turning 100 and Sr Florence Kinsela RSM from Parkes, NSW, receiving the Bishop’s medal for service upon the occasion of turning 102.
“Just take every day as it comes,” was the sage advice from Sr Patricia Kingsley PBVM, as she prepared to celebrate her 100th birthday on 2 September.
Sr Patricia Kingsley PBVM marked her 100th birthday in September. PHOTO: Archdiocese of Hobart.
“And if it [life] goes for a hundred years or for 50, or however many it is, each day can be different, or it can be much the same as many other days. But I just enjoy every day.”
After a lifetime of service as a Presentation Sister, Sr Pat said one of the most important lessons she’d learnt was to trust that God is always present.
“When things are hard, to still realise that I don’t have to do it on my own. God’s there. He might be working through someone else. But each day, each night when I think, ‘Well, where’s God? Where’s Jesus been today in my life?’ And sometimes, it’s been in some little almost unforeseen happening, and that’s where he’s been.”
Around 60 members of Sr Pat’s family, including her brother Barry and sister-in-law Merle, came together on 31 August at the Clubhouse at Fairway Rise to celebrate her 100th birthday.
Sr Pat’s niece, Catherine Taylor, said her aunt “really enjoyed” the celebration.
“Some family members called in from as far afield as Europe and Scotland on the day of the party,” she said.
“She has been a fantastic example of commitment, and a witness of God’s love in our family. I’m so fortunate to have Pat as my aunt.
“The thing I find most inspiring is that she has never stopped learning and working.”
Sr Pat said that looking back over the 100 years of her life she could see the working of God’s grace.
“He puts people in my life, which can be really helpful… See, we need to be conscious of God’s love all the time.”
Sr Pat said she was grateful that she has “kept going”.
“Sometimes when things are a bit hard, it’s harder to realise that that could be a good thing… but it’s still God’s life in me.
“He’s always there, and I don’t have to go looking for him. He’s there waiting for me. It’s when I get tired of waiting that I wish he’d show himself a bit more.”
“He knows anyway, but I thank him for the gifts and help I’ve been given over these 100 years.”
Meanwhile, Southern Cross Care Parkes resident Sr Florence Kinsela marked her 102nd birthday with a celebration as memorable as the life she’s led – including a surprise visit from the Bishop of Wilcannia Forbes, reports The Catholic Weekly.
The beloved Mercy Sister, who has devoted more than eight decades to religious life, described Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green’s presence as “a true blessing” that made her milestone birthday feel nothing short of divine.
Sr Florence Kinsela RSM with flowers and her diocesan medal at celebrations for her 102nd birthday. PHOTO: Supplied/Catholic Weekly.
“Him coming all this way and giving me a special blessing and presenting me with his medal for service made my birthday so special.
“It was an honour to have him visit me here at my home.”
Bishop Columba said he enjoyed the visit just as much as Sister Florence, calling it a real joy and an honour to give her a special blessing for her 102nd birthday.
“Throughout her remarkable life, Sister has been a shining example of faith, service, and unwavering devotion,” he said.
“For over eight decades, she has lived out the works of mercy, touching countless lives with her kindness and compassionate heart.
“We are all deeply grateful for her presence among us and pray for her health and happiness.”
Affectionately known as Sr Flo, she’s become a social media sensation, attracting nearly 1000 ‘likes’ and more than 150 comments from well-wishers.
At 102, she confessed she hadn’t imagined moving into residential care quite so soon, having spent the past 15 years living independently in the neighbouring retirement village.
Her longevity, she believes, is thanks to the Lord. “God has a purpose for me – he is a good fellow,” she said with a smile.
“Although I thought moving into residential care would come some way down the track after living in the village for so long.
“I really like and enjoy living here, but I didn’t anticipate I’d be here just yet.”
Having lived through wars, moon landings and even 31 Australian prime ministers, the very popular centenarian said throughout her 15 years living in the village and the last 12 months in residential care, she has thoroughly enjoyed carrying on her ministry visiting those in need and suffering ill health.
“I don’t feel 102, I don’t look 102 and I don’t act 102,” she laughed.
“Honestly, sometimes I can’t believe I’m this old.
“My ministry in visitation has brought me great fulfillment and I feel very fortunate to still be able to do it.
“I have never regretted a moment of being a nun. I have enjoyed every moment of it.”
Born in Parkes in 1923, Sr Florence grew up in the town and moved to the local convent at just 11 after deciding school wasn’t for her.
She spent her time helping the sisters in the laundry and kitchen and never left, officially entering as a novice at 17 and becoming fully professed at 22.
“Despite thinking they were born that way, when I was asked if I wanted to become a nun I said yes,” she smiled.
“I entered with my family’s blessing, and it’s knowing they were happy with the life I chose has stayed with me throughout my 82-year ministry.
“I have always been a cook; from the time I moved into the convent as a child right up until now.
“Although I must admit it’s lovely living here and being able to leave the cooking to somebody else for a change.
“I’ve had a blessed and memorable life and was so glad I could spend my birthday with so many lovely people including my family and Bishop Columba.
“I don’t need for anything for my birthday, spending time with everybody was the best way to celebrate my special birthday.”
This article is drawn from two articles, published on the Archdiocese of Hobart’s website and in The Catholic Weekly, respectively.
To read more about Sr Patricia’s life story, click here to see Catherine Sheehan’s story on the Archdiocese of Hobart’s website.
To read more about Sr Florence’s life story, click here to see the story by Southern Cross Care (NSW and ACT) Communications Manager Debbie Cramsie, published in The Catholic Weekly.