Over a period of 34 years, nearly 70 articles have been published about this petite Irish nun, who made her home in Sunderland and is often referred to as our own ‘Angel of Mercy’.
After leaving her family home in Gort, County Galway, Ireland, Sister Mary made her new home with The Sisters of Mercy at the Oak Lea Convent, and her work will go down in local history.
Her missionary work is not just providing spiritual support to the community. She has been recognised for working with many organisations supporting the homeless. Her tireless efforts with colleagues raised over £250,000 to support children requiring respite care.
More recently, her pioneering work to support seafarers has become recognised worldwide. This caring, passionate and tireless worker is much more than just a ‘ship’s visitor’ but a visionary who is always prepared to ‘go that extra mile’ to help people in need from all denominations.
When a need was identified to support seafarers visiting Sunderland, Sister Mary was there to take up the challenge and create the mission. She has continued to manage the centre, working closely with the Port of Sunderland team. Visiting seafarers continue to be grateful of the welcome they receive from her, and the support provided to them through warm clothing, toiletries, internet access and spiritual support.
Sister Mary is always first to thank the people who have supported her in carrying out her work. This Ambassador for the City of Sunderland only accepted a Merchant Navy Welfare Board National Award in November 2023, on the understanding, it was to acknowledge all involved in making the Mission a success story for Seafarers’ Welfare – The Port and City of Sunderland.
If anyone has ever been in any doubt about the support and tireless efforts of this remarkable lady, then you will be able to read all about them in a new book. ‘You Raise Me Up!’, has been written by her friends, Kevin and Joyce Lillie.
Sister Mary explains: ‘It has always been my wish to acknowledge and thank all the people who have supported my work over the years.
‘When my friends approached me after the Merchant Navy Welfare Board Award, I was delighted to agree to the new book about my work. More importantly, it will be a way of highlighting the efforts and generosity of so many local people.’
‘How can I repay or forget Kevin and Joyce Lillie for freely taking on this vast project, fulfilling a wish dear to my heart, highlighting Sunderland’s past and present history, and its generous and welcoming people.’
The book features her early life in Galway and how the community, environment and her family has influenced her calling to her new life in Sunderland. It also looks at all the key areas of her missionary work and highlights the organisations and people who have influenced and supported her.
Kevin Lillie takes up the story: ‘Joyce and I were delighted that Sister Mary agreed to us producing what we hope will be a remarkable story of her achievements and selfless dedication.’
‘Sister Mary Scholastica has led a very frugal life, and her late parents have greatly directed and influenced her dedicated mission. She cannot bear waste of any kind, asking for nothing in life and has personally arranged for the printing of this book.’
In recognition of Sister Mary’s life of dedication to the City of Sunderland, The Right Worshipful Mayor of the City of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque will attend a private launch ceremony for the book at City Hall on Monday, June 9. At the same time, Sister Mary has arranged for a Mass at St. Mary’s in the City for those who are unable to attend.
Paying tribute to Sister Mary, the Mayor Cllr Haque, said: “I’m delighted to be able to honour the work of Sister Mary. Her unwavering dedication to our community and generosity towards those in need embody the very spirit of service and compassion we strive for. Her selflessness contributions have touched countless lives, and we are delighted to support her book launch.”
The next day, Sister Mary has invited friends and supporters to a ‘Celebration and Thanksgiving’ at St. Joseph’s Church in Millfield.
‘You Raise Me Up’ tells of all who raised Sister Mary up to bring God's Love she holds in her heart for suffering mankind. She has very high Moral and Social standards inherited from her special parents of truth and justice. No way would she take the credit for the success of the many Mercy Missions taken over a lifetime, to highlight and seek Truth and Justice first for the Homeless, the hidden Poor Families, Individuals Spiritually neglected, to support Parents whose Children had Special Needs, and to Hold out the hand of Friendship to Seafarers to Sunderland Port.
The book will make clear all who worked alongside Sister to make these mission a success, through their generosity shown in so many ways.
Over the years Sister Mary has declined many Awards, that is her personal decision as a Religious Sister of Mercy. When she received a phone call from Sarah, from the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, to say she had been Awarded the 2023 Seafarers Welfare Award, she was positive in her response.
On hearing Captain Baber Abidi, the MNWB local representative, and the Port had put her name forward, she responded to Sarah, ‘I decline personal Awards, I accept this Award with the clear understanding in the name of the Port, at the Port Welfare Meeting, held at the Mill Dam, South Shields, with Captain Baber in the picture.’
The Mass of Thanksgiving on 10th June is for those involved in all the Early Mercy Missions, starting with the Homeless, many now frail, they will need to be seated at Church and for refreshments. Due to Health and Safety only so many may come to the hall, so it is by invitation.
Many who are in daily contact with Sister Mary have requested her to keep books for them, which Sister will gladly respond to their wish.
The book is an inspirational story of dedication and devotion to community missionary work. It will go on sale at £20 and all proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to ‘The Friends of Sunderland Seamen’s Mission’.