For the first time in 140 years, Echuca is now without a Brigidine Sister, with Sr Cecilia Merrigan’s transfer to Melbourne. At Mass on 19 April, parishioners at St Mary’s Echuca took time to thank Sr Cecilia for her many years of faithful service and meaningful contribution to the parish and wider Echuca community. “Her presence, kindness and dedication have touched the lives of so many,” said a parish spokesperson. “She will be deeply missed.
Sr Cecilia was invited to speak at her last Mass in Echuca. Instead of talking about the legacy of the Brigidine Sisters over the last 140 years, she focused on thanking the Echuca community for ‘sheltering’ her and generations of Brigidines before her, with support, encouragement and love over the decades.
“Personally, there is much sadness as I pack up and bid farewell to so many people with whom I have shared life in this Parish and district,” she said. “I came to St Joe’s as a boarder in the 50s; returned to teach in the 60s; and then, in 2002, I was delighted to rejoin the Community and to have the time to actively engage with the Parish and various groups in the wider community. . It would be hard to find a place where there are more opportunities to get involved, and I have loved every minute of my time here.”
Cecilia’s Farewell Speech during Mass at St Mary’s Echuca on 19 April 2025
There is an Irish saying that has been running through my head in recent days:
“It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.”
An acknowledgement of the profound necessity for humans to be supported, enfolded in care and encouraged if they are to thrive.
This week marks the conclusion of a Brigidine presence in Echuca, but it is certainly not the end of our legacy, or of our interest in this very special place in our Congregation’s story.
Through the women and men who have formed Kildare Ministries to govern our nine secondary schools and the staff of St Mary’s and St Joseph’s College the legacy of our Brigidine spirit and values is continually being lived, revitalised, and enhanced. And while those women and men might not use the words of the Irish proverb, they are certainly sheltering the young people of this district and ensuring they are given every opportunity to thrive.
Today, I take this opportunity to express the gratitude of generations of Brigidines for giving us the experience of being sheltered, supported, encouraged and loved over the 140 years we have lived and worked in Echuca.
It is impossible to thank everyone individually who has brought to life that Proverb. It is in the shelter of each other that the people live … you will probably never know how well you have sheltered me and how enriched my life has been by sharing so much with you.
My memories of life with you all in Echuca soften the sadness of leaving and encourage me to go to Albert Park with hopeful expectation.
Jesus said: ”I have come that you may have life and have it to the full”. May we all experience that fullness of life, as we reach out in warmth, compassion and welcome to all whom we meet.
