WelCom October 2020
Carmel Cole rndm
At St Joseph’s Church in Dannevirke, on August 15 – a traditional Jubilee date for the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions – Sr Rita Snelgar rndm celebrated her Diamond Jubilee of 70 years of profession.
It was a beautiful sunny day and the Dannevirke community honoured Sr Rita’s jubilee in grand style. Fr Vince Onesi was the main celebrant and was joined by Fr Michael McVerry sm for the joyous celebration recounting Rita’s faithful service for 70 years.
Rita was professed in Christchurch in 1950 and began her teaching years in primary schools in Hamilton, Morrinsville, Panmure and New Plymouth. She was principal in Huntly, Melville and Hamilton. In the 1960s Rita moved into teaching secondary students at Sacred Heart Colleges in Hamilton and New Plymouth. As well as teaching Rita has been involved in many other areas of pastoral care, including teaching at Mt Eden Prison, parish work in Turangi, and through her move to Dannevirke 19 years ago.
Rita has touched the lives of many people where she has lived and in return she has been loved and cared for by the people who have become part of her life.
Mission Sisters made the journey from Wellington in the south and Hamilton in the north to be with Rita for the celebration.
Carmel Cole rndm, is Province Leader, Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, Aotearoa-New Zealand and Samoa.