Upgrades honor religious sisters who served retirement community
On June 19, Pennybyrn retirement community in High Point rededicated its cemetery for the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God. Pictured (from left) are: Sister Mona Comaskey, Sister Margaret Cashman, Pennybyrn chaplain Father Steve Hoyt, Sister Margaret Herlihy, Sister Loretta O’Connor and Sister Lucy Hennessy.HIGH POINT — An outdoor Mass and rededication June 19 marked the completion of meaningful upgrades to a cemetery of religious sisters at Pennybyrn retirement community.
Before they retire to their motherhouse in England next year, the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God serving the community decided to enhance the cemetery where seven members of their order have been laid to rest over the years. The order founded Pennybyrn in 1947, and the cemetery dates from 1967.
“Since we will no longer be serving here after June 2025, we wanted to ensure that the cemetery will be left as a proper, distinct and recognizable landmark, and not in the open space it once occupied,” said Sister Lucy Hennessy, SMG, mission leader and chairperson of Pennybyrn’s board of directors.
More than 50 people attended the outdoor Mass and rededication, which was led by Father Steve Hoyt, Pennybyrn’s chaplain. Among the attendees were Sister Margaret Cashman and Sister Margaret Herlihy from the motherhouse in England.
Because of the significance of the upgrades, the religious sisters felt a rededication was in order. Additions include a fence and low stone wall to help define the area, a raised block of granite where the sisters’ names are engraved, improved headstones, landscaping and benches.
“These sisters worked long and hard in the vineyard of the Lord,” Sister Lucy said. “Now we feel good that the services of these departed sisters to so many will not be forgotten and will be an inspiration to others.”
She noted, “We are grateful to Sister Margaret Cashman and her council, who have worked alongside us to ensure that the upgrading to the cemetery will be first class and worthy of Sisters Mary Patrice and Benignus, founding sisters of Pennybyrn at Maryfield, as well as Sisters Campion, Gabriel Ahern, Columcille, Kathleen Clarke and Julia Dennehy. May they all now rest in peace.”
— Annie Ferguson. Photos provided by Wendy Strader.
HIGH POINT — A marble statue of Mary under her title as Mother of God now graces a new grotto on the campus of the Pennybyrn retirement community.
Dozens turned out for the June 21 blessing of the new feature located at the Penny Road entrance to the community. Father Steve Hoyt, Pennybyrn’s chaplain, presided over the blessing.
Situated atop a grassy knoll, the statue is made of the same Italian marble Michelangelo used to sculpt his Pietà and other famous works. Its carving took place in the town of Carrara in the Tuscany region of Italy with Mazzolini Art Craft Co. Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio.
Made possible by a generous donor, the natural stone grotto is intended to remind passersby of Our Lady’s constant presence.
“Even non-Catholics think it is magnificent. Indeed, the details are remarkable,” said Sister Lucy Hennessy, mission leader and chairperson of Pennybyrn’s board of directors. “Our order’s name is the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, and we wanted the people to know the place Mary has in the life of all of us.”
The grotto leaves a visible reminder of Pennybyrn’s founding religious order – the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God – before the sisters depart for retirement next year to their motherhouse in England.
“We are most grateful to our donor who covered the cost of sculpting the statue and all the many pieces that go into making it all come together,” Sister Lucy said. “For the many good and great things that have happened down through the decades and into our time at Pennybyrn, we give God thanks and truly say with the Psalmist: ‘Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His mercy endures forever!’” (Ps 107:1)
— Annie Ferguson
