The McAuley High School family and the Northeast Community thank Sister Edward Mary for 31 dedicated years of educating, caring, loving, and shaping the lives of young women.

April 10, 2011 — On a beautiful, sunny, spring day, Sister Edward Mary Kelleher’s Retirement Celebration was held at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Scarborough, Maine. More than 500 students, parents, alumnae, faculty, staff, board members, religious, friends, and family gathered to celebrate her three decade commitment to the young women of Catherine McAuley High School.

Homilist Father Steve Concannon captured the congregation with his tribute to “a woman who has given her entire life as an exemplary witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” The Sisters of Mercy, with over 100 present, serenaded the parishioners with a rendition of “Our Lady of Mercy” as the gifts were presented by Sister Edward Mary’s twin brother, Edward, and grandniece, Cora. The liturgy closed with a touching send-off from Sister Edward Mary herself in which she extended her gratitude to “Almighty God for his 30-year blessing…to the McAuley family for their source of daily strength… and to all for sharing their lives and friendship” with her, and asked “God’s blessings upon one and all this day and always.” Immediately following the Mass, those in attendance had the opportunity to reminisce with Edward Mary and wish her well. Many of the crowd gathered in the event room afterward to share stories, smile over old photos, and sample delicious food.

This happy event in the spirit of Mercy will be remembered for many years to come. The McAuley High School family and the Northeast Community thank Sister Edward Mary for 31 dedicated years of educating, caring, loving, and shaping the lives of young women. Father Concannon, in his homily, noted that “the witness of religious life” could be expressed in Nobel laureate Dag Hammarskjöld’s well-known statement: “For all that has been, thanks; for all that will be, yes.”