17 June 2021 · 2021-06 newsletter
24 . 6 . 1952 – 12 . 5 . 2021 RIP
“You may be gone from our sight but you will never be gone from our heart”
The first time we saw Anne was when she was standing in front of the Pilgrim Centre in her cooking apron, at one of the May Pilgrimage events. She looked inspirational and we thought how nice it would be to be like her! Oh, that must be her spirit that transcends to us, not the cooking apron she was wearing! And yet, Mary, our Blessed Mother had another plan for us, to meet Anne. We shared the same vision – love of God and our love for Mary, our Blessed Mother and for Schoenstatt.
Anne was most welcoming and warm when we joined the Mothers’/ Single Women’s Group. She was passionate in the grace of hospitality. For every Schoenstatt event she readily raised her hand to be in charge of the Barbecue stall. Then of course this was followed by asking us to help… there was no force but in Anne’s way we said ‘yes’.
Anne’s ability to prepare the scrumptious barbecue ‘with the works’ was done with precision and full of love. She enjoyed surprising the Schoenstatt family and children at our Covenant Sunday celebrations with Easter eggs at Easter time, ice cream, which was the favourite, and Pavlova cake – for the adults. She enjoyed doing this selflessly. She had the gift of making others feel at home with her cooking skills. Yes, she definitely shared in one of the graces of the Shrine, the grace of being at home and the ability to make others feel at home.
Anne was kind with a generous spirit, and what a blessing she was with her unselfish ways! ‘Father Encounter’ – this was the theme of the Covenant Presentations we prepared together with Anne, to celebrate Covenant Sundays for at least 3 years prior to COVID times. Anne had the ability to give her all which was quite evident the very first time we prepared a Presentation. She was not the Presenter, but preferred to be with the people, to serve them with a delicious meal and the Apple Strudel she prepared.
She made ‘Father Encounter – Covenant Presentations’ her apostolate that became more fruitful as those who attended learnt more about our father and founder through the witnessing of the different Presenters. During the three years of the ‘Father Encounter Covenant Presentations’ the number of attendees grew, whilst the knowledge about our father and founder, Father Kentenich also broadened. Thanks Anne!
Anne’s caring nature was evident when we drove to Blayney to visit her in hospital during her last weeks. The trip was quite dangerous because it was continuously pouring rain combined with thick fog and poor visibility going over the mountains.
At this time she had trouble breathing and was quite unwell, which made it difficult for her to speak, but she did not hesitate to ring us and advise us to be extra careful and if necessary to stop and wait until the weather settled down. Yes, she still found time to warn us. Anne, our friend and sister in Christ, was caring and thoughtful as was shown in this gesture of kindness. We paused a minute and reflected on Anne’s loyalty and commitment to her Covenant of love and to Schoenstatt’s Spirituality. We thought of all the years she drove from her home in Carcoar to Mulgoa every month. She inspired us.
Anne was also a great listener with time for us. Often she gave us an update on her mother Kath’s health. She spoke about her mother so caringly and lovingly and you could tell she was close to her heart and she became our mother as well.
Anne, there are words of happiness about the treasured times we had together, albeit too brief and words of beauty to describe you. We have memories that makes us laugh out loud. You inspired us as you faced life – and death – with courage, strength, joy and hope and true love, an internal peace and interiorly transformed as you remained an ever loyal instrument of our Covenant Partner – our Blessed Mother.
We have wonderful memories always whenever we think of you.
Edna & Agnes Aldana
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