On Saturday, April 25, we celebrated the Diamond, Platinum and Golden Jubilees of 6 of our RSHM Sisters: Catherine Vincie, Margarita Cardenas, Ethna Egan, Mary Bridget Lyng, Gerry McGinn and Francisca Grace. The following is the toast presented to our beloved sisters by Sister Bea McMahon, RSHM.
Here we are in 2026, blessed by the presence of six Jubilarians. It’s my great pleasure to toast them, and maybe just a little bit, to roast them!
First mention is given to Sister Francisca Grace, the elder of the group, whose wisdom comes not just from age, but from the broad expanse of her life and mission. She is still sought out by students to whom she taught French in SHM Marmion Avenue over 60 years ago. Her students in Africa would have a harder time paying a visit, but they too are indebted to her. Francisca, may you experience today great joy in all that God has enabled you to do for 75 years as an RSHM, and may you feel deeply the reality of Amour toujours!
And next come the 60-year bunch. Entering the convent in the 1950’s from the social culture of poodle-skirts, hula hoops, and “I Love Lucy” to the RSHM culture of pellerines, cassiers and amende honorable, they survived culture shock and set about the serious pursuit of perfection.
Sister Margarita Cardenas was well prepared for community life by a family of 13 children who would grow up to include a priest and 3 nuns. She brought great skill and sensitivity to many ministries, perhaps most notably to her care for AIDS babies in Incarnation Parish in Manhattan. She combines simplicity of spirit with a large-heartedness that welcomes all as part of the family. Margarita, may all the love you have shared on two continents fill your heart today and light your way for all the days to come!
Sister Bridie Lyng was the perfect novice as Madame Laboure…not a spot on her coif, not a wrinkle in her pellerine…Her ministry brought her to many places through the years, notably to Northern Ireland, where she was known as the Yankee nun. She has left a piece of her heart in each area she served, but perhaps the biggest piece in the Rohr in County Kilkenny, where her life began. Bridie, may the best of all these well-loved places rise before you today, with the assurance that what God has given is given for good…all this, and heaven too!
Sister Gerry McGinn left the world of men, her dad, and 3 brothers, for the world of Madames and Mothers. To a range of students from third graders at St. Anne’s in Garden City to Seniors at Barnabas HS in the Bronx, she brought good cheer and good counsel. Then, leaving the field of formal education, she brought dedication and encouragement to countless patients in her decades of ministry in hospitals. Gerry, may the loving care you have given to many come back to you in the wonderful ways that only our loving God can imagine!
Sister Ethna Egan, recalling her childhood in Ballybeg, Co. Roscommon, remembers a spirit of faith that was frequently expressed as ‘God bless all here’ or ‘God go with you’. Reflecting on the decades since, she wrote, ‘I’ve lived a happy life, embracing what truly matters to me — purpose, connections, presence’. Ethna, we who are blessed to be among the ‘connections’ give thanks for your vibrant presence and your creative sense of purpose, and we ask God to bring to your heart and mind today the joy you have shared with so many, near and far.
And now, last but surely not least, comes our one and only golden jubilarian, one and only organist, one and only liturgical scholar and author, one and only canoe-er, one and only Habitat-for-Humanity house-builder…you guessed it! ... Sister Catherine Vincie. Catherine, you have an amazing combination of talents: practical, intellectual, and spiritual. Having shared them widely and well, may you be blessed with the hundredfold our generous God has promised…abundance of joy in this life and (many, many years from now!) fullness of joy in the next.
That concludes our spoken toast, but it’s just a drop in the ocean of hope and joy and blessing that is poured out on our Jubilarians on this special day.
