A nun who has given over 40 years teaching service to her adopted town was recently honoured on the occasion of her 100th birthday.
Sister Stanislaus Kent, a member of the Presentation Order, arrived in the Cork seaside resort of Youghal in the year of 1939 and has remained there every since. Sr Stan, as she is affectionally known, is originally from Mitchelstown and recalled with an amazing clarity her young days growing up in Ballinamona, just outside the town.
Born in the turbulent year of 1921, Sr Stan explained that during her secondary school years a nun with the same name she would later take made a prophetic statement: “I was told to go in to see Sr Stanislaus, my namesake, and she said to me ‘I want you to continue your studies because I have a little cell for you down in Youghal’”.
Teaching in the Presentation Primary School – where later she became Principal – Sr Stan recalled the big classes of that era. “I remember 50 pupils in sixth class one time; they were so close together I couldn’t get around the desks, so that was a challenge. But Youghal children were great, I loved the teaching and I always got great satisfaction teaching children who had any difficulties.”
Asked if she had received the ‘big cheque’ from President Higgins, she replied “sure I couldn’t use it anyway, as I have a vow of poverty, but I suppose it will go to the convent.”
Sr Placida, the Community Leader in the sisters’ house with its breathtaking views overlooking Youghal Bay, said the birthday celebrations went on for the best part of a week. “Our neighbours here also organised a party and the Bishop of Cloyne, William Crean, celebrated a special Mass in Sr Stan’s honour.”
After the Mass, Cllr Mary Linehan-Foley, Mayor of the County of Cork and a native of Youghal and former pupil, made a presentation to this remarkable centenarian.
“I have happy memories of Presentation Convent and as the County Mayor I’m honoured to be here but I’m more honoured to be here as Mary Linenhan, the girl that started in the Presentation back those 50 years ago.
“You thought me well, and all the fun we had will always stay with me. So happy birthday Sister from all the people in the area and thank you so, so much for your service throughout the years.”
John Walshe
Sr Stanislaus Kent (front) pictured on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Also included are Canon Tom Browne (Youghal), Sr Grace (Provincial), Sr Thaddeus, Sr Carmel, Sr Mary John, Sr Placida, Sr Margaret Mary.
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