Sister Anne Rodgers CSN |
 Family and friends of Nazareth Sister, Sr Anne Therese Rodgers, travelled from various parts of the state to join with the Geraldton Community of the Sisters of Nazareth to celebrate the Mass of Thanksgiving for her life and service.The Nazareth Chapel in Geraldton was filled to overflowing, with extra seating being made available outside with Audio-visual screens to cater for the overflow.
A member of the Nazareth Sisters Leadership Team in Australia, Sister Margaret O’Keefe, travelled from Melbourne to represent the wider Nazareth Community in the farewell of one of their beloved sisters and to offer support to the local Community of Sisters.
The following are excerpts taken from the Eulogy presented by current local Superior, Sister Elisapeta Tevaga csn.
Sr Anne Therese Rodgers was born at Wavertree Hospital at Bunbury, Western Australia, on the 20/1/1937, to parents Arthur Henry Rodgers and Doris Alita (nee) Laudehr. Sr Anne has two younger sisters Leonie and Kerry. Sister Anne loved her extended family including, grandnieces and grandnephews and over many years was very proud of their achievements.
Joining the Congregation of the Sisters of Nazareth on 13th May 1960 Anne was Professed in October, 1962. Sister’s first ministry after Profession was with the Children in Perth, she cared for them with great passion and undivided love, she was very versatile and generous in her attitude towards life. For example, when the kitchen was unexpectedly left without management, she immediately stepped into it and for the next 17 years, did a wonderful job.
 For those who knew Sr Anne she organised things ‘like there was no tomorrow’! She liked things in their proper place, neat and tidy. Once described a perfectionist with everything having to be done to the highest standard. A standard she herself kept; her conscientiousness hard work and ease in making friends from all walks of life, was admired and appreciated. In 1991 Sister was appointed as Superior in Geraldton, followed by the same role in postings to Sydney and Ballarat. In 2006 she returned to Geraldton again as our Superior. Sadly, Sr Anne struggled with her health during this time and needed to ask to be relieved from her leadership role.
Sr Anne celebrated her Silver Jubilee in 1987, her Golden Jubilee in 2012 and her Diamond Jubilee in 2022. Sister lived a very fruitful and fulfilled life as a loving daughter of Victoire Larmenier, Servant of God, and was a dedicated religious Sister of Nazareth.
One of her many strengths was her knowledge and experience on building and architectural work. She often referred to St Anne’s section, the area she built, because she helped to create it.
Sr Anne’s commitment and dedication to the Sisters of Nazareth Mission went over and above what was expected. She was very involved with former Children and Friends of Nazareth. It takes a special person to maintain that relationship over so many years. She kept in close contact with them and often invited them for a get together with a cup of tea. The Nazareth Sisters really appreciated that wonderful ministry. As one Sister stated, “Her devotion and lasting friendships with many of the former children was something she treasured.”
Principal celebrant, Bishop Michael Morrissey, was joined by five brother priests of the Diocese of Geraldton as well as members of the Nazareth Community, friends, staff and former children of Nazareth Care for a relaxed but moving celebration for the life of Sister Anne.
The Bishop suggested, “This Gospel, chosen by Sr Anne, strengthened and guided her through her faithful commitment in many different places through her deep love and commitment to Jesus Christ especially in the Mass.” He continued, “The beautiful words from the preface of the Eucharistic prayer this morning reminds us that ‘life has changed not ended’. Sr Anne will even be more closely connected to all of us in our life through her spirit and faith in Jesus whom she loved deeply throughout her life.”
At her request, Sister Anne’s mortal remains will be interned in the Fremantle Cemetery with her parents by Bishop Emeritus of Geraldton, Most Reverend Justin Bianchini DD the presiding celebrant.
Just after I heard the news of Sister Anne’s passing, I was celebrating Mass with the residents at Nazareth House and was reminded of a story on the 23rd Psalm I heard many years ago. So, I went online to researched it further to get the facts, and it went like this;
“A renowned actor who wowed an audience with a dramatic, perfect recitation of the 23rd Psalm, receiving loud applause. A humble clergyman then recited the same Psalm with a trembling voice, leaving the audience in stunned silence, moved to tears. The actor noted, "I know the psalm, but he knows the Shepherd". I suggested to congregation gathered that morning we could say the same of Sister Anne. While many of us could read the words of the Psalm, Sister Anne knew the Good Shepherd, especially through those that were lost. Anne always said it was important to continue her friendship with former residents, especially the children of Nazareth House which gave joy, happiness and meaning to her call to be a Sister of Nazareth. This was what she was called to do and was deeply happy to follow that call. Artcile by Fr Robert O'Bryan |
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