Sr. Padua Delaney R.I.P.
Sr. Padua Delaney was born in Shrahane, Camross, Portlaoise, Co. Laois on May 20th 1928. She was christened Mary Philomena. Her parents were Mary Ellen (Moore) and Michael Delaney. She is survived by her sisters, Kathleen and Annie.
Having completed her Primary Education in her native Camross, she won a scholarship to Mercy Convent, Portumna, where she qualified in the area of Home Economics. She then spent two years working in England before entering St. John of God Novitiate, Wexford, on October 3rd 1950. She made her First Profession on April 26th 1953 and her Final Profession on April 26th 1956.
Padua ministered in Kilmore Convent, Wexford; the County Hospital, Wexford; Kilkenny Convent; Rathdowney Convent and St. Columba’s Hospital, Thomastown. At St. Columba’s she was involved in staff training. Many of the girls kept in touch with her over the years, proof of the esteem in which she was held.
Ill health following cardiac surgery curtailed Padua’s ministry and she returned to Kilkenny Convent in 1965. During her time there she became involved with the Charismatic Renewal Movement. She was a co-founder of the Kilkenny prayer group and was deeply involved with prayer meetings. Over the years, many people sought the help of her prayers in their difficulties and had great confidence in her prayer life.
Ill health finally took its toll. Padua was lovingly cared for during her long illness by her Sisters in Community and Carers. She died peacefully on June 22nd 2012. Following her Requiem Mass concelebrated at St. Patrick’s Church, Kilkenny, she was laid to rest in Foulkstown Cemetery.
Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dhilis.