Stories of Vocation - Sr Teresa Farrelly

I keep an active interest in all the works of the Congregation especially by prayer

The story of my coming into religious life is really like that of a  drifter. I was born in New York city in 1927 a small bundle of 4 pounds. Two years later my mother was advised to move away from the heat of New York as she awaited the birth of my sister. She and I arrived in Ireland where we were greatly welcomed by my Granny, two aunts aged 10 and 8 and a darling uncle of 19. Soon after this the Great Depression of 1929 came and my father lost his job. I was never aware of the strain under which my mother managed to keep the wolf away from the door.I lived a carefree life on the small farm and then went to the elementary school at the age of 7. I was fascinated by the stories of missionaries in the various magazines and seriously began to think of being a missionary too. The life of St.Thérèse of Liseux was my favourite. 

At the age of 15 I followed her example and entered the Juniorate of the Daughters of the Cross in nearby Donaghmore.Two years later I entered the Postulate and Noviciate in England to learn how to live as a Daughter of the Cross. I attended a two year Teacher training course in London and later studied for the diploma for Teachers of the Deaf, at Manchester. 

Most of my life I taught in the various schools until I retired on a sabbatical to Rome in 1983. Since then I have lived in Community and gone out on pastoral work in the area. As my health is not so robust now my activities are less too, but I keep an active interest in all the works of the Congregation especially by prayer.

Back to Vocation page