Maybe you know this already but I'll tell you anyway - the Presentation Sisters were the first in Newfoundland to introduce music into their schools on a daily basis. Since those talented Irish ladies brought music to our schools, many excellent music teachers have followed in their footsteps. St Patrick's Convent Schools had their fair share of such teachers over the generations. Mother Francis O'Toole, Mother Gerard Walker, Sr Presentation McCarthy, Sr Edwardine Smith and Miss Eleanor Lawton are just a few of that long line of dedicated women. All have left their mark but today's post concerns just one of the many.
Sr Mary Brendan Lynch arrived at St Patrick's Convent in 1967 and her years there were memorable for her and for the choirs she directed. In 1973, Sr Brendan was invited to take her choir to Ottawa to perform at the Canadian Music Educators' Association Convention. Due to Sr Brendan's talent and dedication, many successes and awards came to St Patrick's.
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| Miss Eleanor Lawton, Sr M Brendan, Sr M Luke and some award winning choir members. Madonna is second girl from Sr Luke. |
As well as talented, Sr Brendan is also well loved and respected by her former 'stars'! Recently two 'stars' contacted us with news of Sr Brendan.
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| Sr M Brendan and Madonna Taylor-Hurley |
Madonna Taylor-Hurley sent us two photos of Sr Brendan. Madonna said: "It's so wonderful to have reconnected with this lovely lady. After so many years ago being her little pupil, I am so proud to call Sister Brendan my friend."
Cathy Taylor Coffee also sent us a picture which was taken when she and Brenda Howard Coombes enjoyed a visit with Sr Brendan. Cathy and Brenda spent many years as members of St Patrick's Glee Club, which was so successfully directed by Sr Brendan.
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| Cathy Taylor Coffee, Brenda Howard Coombes and Sr M Brendan Lynch |
Sr Mary Brendan Lynch has been the recipient of many accolades, including being inducted into the Kiwanis Music Festival Hall of Fame in 2003. From the photos, it is obvious that Sr Brendan still holds the hearts of many of her former pupils. Perhaps that is the best accolade of all.
I vividly remember Sr Brendan. She was so passionate about instilling a love of music in each of us. She also had the softest, most angelic voice that transported you to another world. Thank you Sr. Brendan for helping to make my life richer through music! Cathie Hurley (grade 8, 1967)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy. It is so nice to hear that. Sister Brendan found the talent in you girls and she did an excellent job of developing it. Hats off to Sr Brendan and to all her girls too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy. It is so nice to hear that. Sister Brendan found the talent in you girls and she did an excellent job of developing it. Hats off to Sr Brendan and to all her girls too.
ReplyDelete