On the vigil of her Diamond Jubilee, Sr Anthony was surrounded by fellow Poor Clares, in their candlelit chamber room as Abbess Mother Mary Angela spoke to her:  

 

“Who could have imagined, when you made your first profession in Sri Lanka, that sixty years later you would be in Roswell for your diamond jubilee? It really has been a pilgrim journey for you. You are now hopefully at the last leg of the journey, and there will be no further transplanting, but it has been a pilgrimage of grace and glory.”

 

“ … we are assured of his continuing grace upon you, and grateful for your witness, because one of the works of the pilgrim is to witness to those who accompany her along the way. We wish you a most blessed continuation of your Eucharistic pilgrimage, and ask you to pray for us, as we travel with you as privileged companions.”

 

Sister Mary Anthony’s 22-year old Great-niece, Neha Pereira, travelled from India especially for the Jubilee celebrations.  She said she was deeply moved to see the way the community of Poor Clares embraced her Great-aunt at the 'sign of peace'.  “I saw a light in your eyes which you don't see out here. It's God's love," she said.  

 

Neha’s visit was a great source of joy for Sister Anthony, especially as she was the only member of Sr Anthony’s family who could be present.  

 

Sr Anthony was born in Sri Lanka in June 1936 to a devout Catholic Indian family.  She is actually descended from converts of St Francis Xavier, which could explain why there are many religious in her family. 

 

Sr Anthony entered the Poor Clare Monastery in Sri Lanka in June 1960.  She was clothed in June 1961 and professed in June 1962. In June 1965 Sr Anthony was one of eight Poor Clares who founded the Monastery of the Holy Ghost in Bendigo. 

 

Sr Anthony’s Solemn profession, Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, was presided over by Bishop Bernard Stewart at Sacred Heart Cathedral in 1965.  

 

She was elected Abbess in 2012. After many years of striving to find Poor Clares to join their community in Bendigo, the Monastery of the Holy Ghost was suppressed due to Cor Orans legislation -- there were only three sisters remaining in Bendigo.  Sr Anthony, with Sr Clare left Bendigo to join Roswell and Sr Christopher joined a community in Campbelltown, NSW. 

 

Sr Immaculata, of the Roswell community, emails us that Sr Anthony has settled in well and is “a blessing to our community.” She also informs us that Sr Clare is also very happy but, “It's unfortunate that she has a skill for evading the camera!”

 

A slideshow in honour of Sr Anthony’s Diamond Jubilee can be seen on the Monastery of the Holy Ghost YouTube channel!