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Sr. Vincent– Norah O’Regan
of Gillingham, Kent, England
who died at Llantarnam Abbey
on 3rd April 2023
aged 100 years, 81 of Religious Profession
Sister Vincent was born as Norah O’ Regan to Kathleen and William on 18thof January 1923 in Gillingham, Kent. She was the second of three girls and six boys, all of whom she outlived. After Sister’s birth the family moved to Chatham and while growing up, Sister would have seen and met our Sisters in Maidstone Road. She entered our Novitiate in Stow Hill, Newport, aged 17 and made Final Profession in 1948.
Sister trained initially as a Domestic Science Teacher and then did further training obtaining Diplomas in Speech and Drama, Scripture Studies and Theology. She taught in a number of schools - Private and State, in Ross on Wye, Cardiff, St.Cadocs Barry, Tredegar Park and Hounslow. As a teacher, Sister was known for her firm, no nonsense approach but had a very tender heart for the vulnerable and less talented youngsters.
When Sister retired from the State system of education, she continued using her teaching skills in doing some Scripture studies with our Novices and Junior Professed Sisters. Then from 1986 to 2009 she became Secretary of Cytun (Churches together in Wales) for the Catholic Dioceses of South Wales and Herefordshire. She was an ardent advocate for Christian Unity and did what she could to promote and encourage Ecumenism.
In her later years at the Abbey Sister displayed some of her creative skills and established what she called the peace garden on the right-hand side of the Rose Garden. As Sister’s mobility and general health began to deteriorate, she maintained her indomitable, independent spirit, determined to do what she could as long as she could. Those of us who knew Vincent in her active years could describe her as a “Warrior Queen”, one who strongly adhered to being and becoming the one unique person whom God intended her to be – a strong straightforward, straight-talking woman.
As her frailty increased, she looked forward to visits from her precious family and saw some of them a few times a year. The celebration of her 100th birthday earlier this year, when some of her family were able to be present, was such a joyous occasion. Vincent loved it all and happily engaged in looking back at photos and mementos of younger days. The last family visit was on Sunday 2nd April - the day before Vincent died. Bridie and Diarmuid sat for some time with her and were there when she received her last anointing. Sr. Vincent died peacefully in the early hours of Monday 3rd April.
The funeral, celebrated by Fr. Peter McLaren, took place at Llantarnam Abbey on Thursday 13th April. Archbishop Bernard Longley (Birmingham Archdiocese) and Bishop Emeritus Edwin Regan (a personal friend and long-standing co-worker) both sent a message of condolence. Carys Whelan, representing Cytun, a Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great and Mr. Stephen Brooks, a Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester, were present along with the Sisters of the Province and friends. Sister’s family was well represented, and her niece Bridie shared the eulogy with Sr. Alice.
May Sr. Vincent rest in peace after her long, dedicated life.