SR YVONNE MARY ELLIS

6TH JANUARY 2014

Did you know that in Australia, June 1923, some events unfolded that were to change the life of Australians? Firstly, construction began on the Harbour Bridge, the second was Vegemite made its debut on Australian grocery shelves and the third and most important event, which was to bring hope and joy to the lives of many young boys and girls in Australia, was the birth of our own dear Sr Yvonne Mary Ellis.

Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the Epiphany; we were reminded that ahead of us is a star and when we follow that star we come face to face with the light of God … Jesus. In 1942 Sr Yvonne Mary made the decision to follow that star and she found herself in Bowral as a Postulant with the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. After her first profession in 1944 Sister began serving as an educator in over twelve places throughout Australia.

Sister was an outstanding educator, as highlighted in the following story:

A woman shared the story of her child who had been diagnosed, some 10 years earlier, with a severe learning disability. The mother was told her daughter would never be able to attend a mainstream school. The woman was heartbroken and feeling hopeless until she heard of a sister who had a little room at Kensington where she spent countless hours with lots of patience and love working with children who had learning disabilities. The mother approached the sister, who agreed to work with the child. The sister worked tirelessly with the young girl and eventually the girl completed year 12 at OLSH College Kensington. This sister was our very own Sr Yvonne Mary, and I know that this woman was among many who referred to Sr Yvonne Mary as a miracle worker.

Today we celebrate 70 years of selfless dedication, love, fidelity and commitment of Yvonne Mary to her God and of God’s own commitment, tender mercy and enduring love of Yvonne Mary.

Yvonne Mary is a wonderful witness of a life fully lived as a DOLSH and her beautiful and spontaneous smile says to me that the words we sang this morning from Zephaniah’s song are as true today as they were of her first profession day.

‘He will sing gladly his joy for you.

He will renew you in love

He will rejoice and in deep delight

Dance for you…’

"My Soul Glorifies the Lord"

Congratulations and
Thank You dear
Sr Yvonne Mary