Upgrades honor religious sisters who served retirement community
On June 19, Pennybyrn retirement community in High Point rededicated its cemetery for the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God. Pictured (from left) are: Sister Mona Comaskey, Sister Margaret Cashman, Pennybyrn chaplain Father Steve Hoyt, Sister Margaret Herlihy, Sister Loretta O’Connor and Sister Lucy Hennessy.HIGH POINT — An outdoor Mass and rededication June 19 marked the completion of meaningful upgrades to a cemetery of religious sisters at Pennybyrn retirement community.
Before they retire to their motherhouse in England next year, the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God serving the community decided to enhance the cemetery where seven members of their order have been laid to rest over the years. The order founded Pennybyrn in 1947, and the cemetery dates from 1967.
“Since we will no longer be serving here after June 2025, we wanted to ensure that the cemetery will be left as a proper, distinct and recognizable landmark, and not in the open space it once occupied,” said Sister Lucy Hennessy, SMG, mission leader and chairperson of Pennybyrn’s board of directors.
More than 50 people attended the outdoor Mass and rededication, which was led by Father Steve Hoyt, Pennybyrn’s chaplain. Among the attendees were Sister Margaret Cashman and Sister Margaret Herlihy from the motherhouse in England.
Because of the significance of the upgrades, the religious sisters felt a rededication was in order. Additions include a fence and low stone wall to help define the area, a raised block of granite where the sisters’ names are engraved, improved headstones, landscaping and benches.
“These sisters worked long and hard in the vineyard of the Lord,” Sister Lucy said. “Now we feel good that the services of these departed sisters to so many will not be forgotten and will be an inspiration to others.”
She noted, “We are grateful to Sister Margaret Cashman and her council, who have worked alongside us to ensure that the upgrading to the cemetery will be first class and worthy of Sisters Mary Patrice and Benignus, founding sisters of Pennybyrn at Maryfield, as well as Sisters Campion, Gabriel Ahern, Columcille, Kathleen Clarke and Julia Dennehy. May they all now rest in peace.”
— Annie Ferguson. Photos provided by Wendy Strader.
