Sr. Anita McKenna

On May 15, 1931, Mary and Patrick Mc Kenna, Brockagh, Tempo welcomed a baby daughter, Mary Catherine, to be known affectionately as Mollie.

As the years passed Mollie became part of a very happy home with her four sisters, Sue, Ena, Sheila and Eileen, and her brother, Patrick. This was a home steeped in love, faith and music. There was much fun as they made their way to Dooneen School for their early education, and Mollie had very happy memories of that two-teacher country school back in the 30s and 40s.

Boarder

In 1945 she set out as a boarder to begin her secondary education at the Mount Lourdes Convent school in Enniskillen. It was during this time that Mollie suffered the loss of her mother.

This was a huge blow to all the family and especially to Mollie who was in her vulnerable teens. It was during these years that she first came into contact with the Sisters of Mercy.

Reflecting on this period of her life, she wrote in 2003: “Little did I know that it was actually the initial call to follow in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley (Foundress of the Mercy Sisters) and to devote myself to the service of the poor, sick and uneducated.”

On completion of her secondary education, in 1950, Mollie felt drawn to join the Sisters of Mercy in the nearby convent, and thus became a postulant there on September 24, 1950.

In 1951, she was received into the Congregation and given the name, ‘Anita’. It was as Anita that she was known throughout the rest of her life.

As Anita, she undertook training as a nurse in Drogheda Hospital and in the Mater in Belfast. Her life seemed clearly mapped out for the future as a nurse caring for all in sickness and pain. But God’s plans were different!

In 1955 the Sisters in Enniskillen had undertaken a foundation to Hialeah, Florida. When they invited further volunteers in 1958, Anita was among those who offered for the new mission.

Miami

After that, everything changed quickly. She arrived in Miami on August 15, 1959, was assigned to teaching grade 4 in Immaculate Conception School in Hialeah, and religion classes at weekends.

Yet more change was on its way.

In 1960 came the arrival of many Cuban families seeking refuge in the USA. They had problems with the English language, with the new educational scene, and with the many Church changes. Anita threw herself wholeheartedly into all these new challenges and prepared both herself and the people for a changing scene.

She undertook education courses at nearby Barry College, obtaining her B.A. in Education, and later updated her religious studies at St. Bernard’s, Alabama, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Religion Studies.

Side by side with this academic development she involved herself in the various cultures which formed the melting-pot of Hialeah life.

She wrote that her special memories were of working with different cultures and learning to appreciate their various customs, values and celebrations.

This was the richness that Anita brought to her new role in 1968 as Parish Director of Religious Education. Here her ideal was to work with parish, parents, catechists and students to build up a vibrant Christian life. She enthusiastically nurtured a highly motivated team who shared this vision for the future .

In 1978, Anita carried this vision to another parish, St. Bernadette’s in nearby Hollywood. Once again she nurtured the people’s longing for a renewed church, set up many groups and implemented up-to-date catechetical approaches.

Pastoral care

By 2000 she had done much good work in St. Bernadette’s and felt that the time had come to retire from educational work

Anita’s next call was to become involved in the pastoral care of the sick and housebound in the parish. Her early nursing training stood her in good stead.

Those she met in her daily rounds appreciated her deep spirituality and kindness, looked forward to her cheery visits and enjoyed the friendly chats.

In 2004, after a very richly blessed time in Florida, Anita returned home to Enniskillen Convent. She was welcomed with great joy and was soon part of the daily life, a very active helpful member of the community. Once again she was very busy, caring for the sick, looking after the sacristy, helping in the day to day running of the Convent.

In her later years, due to failing health, Anita moved from a busy day to a quiet, prayerful lifestyle. Her carers spoke of her gentleness and appreciation of the least kindness, all knew her deep prayerfulness, love of family, and desire to be of help within the community.

Final call

God’s final call came for her on Saturday, March 13, 2021 and she slipped away quietly to join her many friends awaiting her coming.

Anita’s family and community accompanied her on her final journey. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Michael’s Parish Church, Enniskillen by Monsignor Peter O’Reilly.

Burial followed in the Convent Cemetery.

Anita is survived by her sisters, Sue (Fee)and Eileen (Bannon), her brother-in-law, John Bannon, and her many loving nieces, nephews, grand- nieces and grand- nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother, Pat, her sisters ,Sr. Sheila and Ena (Scanlon), her nephew, Shane Bannon, and her brothers-in-law, Phil Fee and Tommy Scanlon.

Sr. Anita’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated at 6.00pm on Saturday, April 17 in St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen, and can be viewed on the parish webcam.