BY MICHAEL BRESLIN
Fermanagh's uniqueness for examples of longevity was further enhanced last week when a Mercy Sister who was born Cissie Martin in Rossbrick, Magheraveeley celebrated her 100th birthday in the Convent of Mercy Convent in Beechmount in West Belfast.
On Monday last, some of her nephews and nieces who still live locally attended a Mass of celebration or Sister Lelia, her adopted religious name, which was celebrated by the Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr Patrick Walsh, and there was a special message from His Holiness, the Pope.
Dr Walsh said Sr Lelia had given the church, '76 years of remarkable service', and in his message, Pope Benedict XV1 thanked God for, what he called, 'the many graces bestowed upon the Church' through Sr Lelia's dedicated life in her Order.
Speaking to the 'Herald', indirectly, in her Convent home yesterday, Sr Lelia confirmed that she was one, and the only surviving member, in a family of four of Catherine and Thomas Martin, the others being Agnes, John Thomas, and Kathleen (Mrs James McManus) whose seven family members are all alive and well. One of them, Ann lives in London and Bernadette in Maghera. The other four niece and nephews, Helen, Bernard, Tom, Seamus and John live locally.
Tom was among the family group that travelled up to Belfast for his aunt's special birthday: "It was a good day and she was in the best of form. She hadn't been well about two months ago and we were worried for her, but she recovered and she was in grand form, smiling away. Yes, we d visit her regularly, especially Bernadette and Helen, and Ann when she's at home, and the rest of us as well".
A staff member in the Convent, Kathleen, who Sr Lelia understands better, told the 'Herald' that their VIP was '100 per cent': "She's in great health. She is mobile although it takes her that wee bit longer to get anywhere".
She then passed on our questions to Sr Lelia and, in that way, we learnt that she attended Rateen School, stayed at home for a while and then entered the Sister of Mercy Convent on Belfast's Crumlin Road.
Today, in blissful retirement, she still enjoys reading 'Ireland's Own', likes watching musical items on television and visits from her nephews and nieces.
"She was brilliant at crochet", our friendly interpreter added.
