Those of you who know the Mallard girls will also know what a talented family they are musically. It seems they have other talents as well. Marylou Mallard Tucker is also a gifted poet. We have posted several of Lulu's poems previously and we are proud to post this special poem written by her on the occasion of St Patrick's Convent and the leaving of the Presentation Sisters. The Sisters' leave taking ends 160 years of their presence at St Patrick's but the memories they have left us with and the loyalty which they have inspired in us will be here for many, many years to come. Here is Marylou's loving tribute.
St. Patrick’s Convent
A beautiful Mass was held in the
Presentation Sisters honour
With Archbishop Currie, Father Beresford
and Father Wayne,
To celebrate one hundred and sixty years
“Love” was Sister Nano Nagle and her Sisters’
claim to fame.
I was asked by my sister Rosemary
To attend a very special Mass,
It was in honour of the closing of the
Convent Home
As our memories kept flowing back to the
past.
Prayer beads were received when doing
messages for the nuns
As we brought back packages to their sacred
place,
Piano at this convent was taught to us by
Sister Stephanie
We always carried a happy smile upon our
face.
A celebration was held at the parish room
Food and drink was so meticulously
prepared,
Seeing fellow students from so many years
ago
The gathering showed how much everybody
cared.
The highlight for me was seeing Sister
Brendan
Sitting there to my surprise,
I went over to her and held her hand
With heartfelt tears that glistened in my
eyes.
She remembered me when I told her who I was
As it has been over 45 years,
“The Mallards, Oh yes, I think of you often,
Beautiful singers", the words I did hear.
Sister Catherine had introduced us to
Sister Brendan.
Rosemary, Helen, Elizabeth and I,
We sang in harmony, “Come Home
Newfoundlander”
They smiled, nodded their heads and sighed.
As I stood there, still holding her
precious hands
My heart was lit on fire,
Memories flowing back to when we were
little kids
Singing in her fabulous and outstanding
well know choir.
Love you always, and think of you fondly when we
sing!!!!
Mary Lou (Mallard) Tucker and the Mallard family
 |
| SR MARY BRENDAN |
This is a lovely tribute to the Sisters who served us so well and particularly to Sr Brendan. Thank you so very much Marylou.