Providence Reveals a “New” Sister for a Sister

Written on: November 24, 2015

From: Sr. Anne ZIta Crudden, gnsh, (AKA Helen Veronica Crudden/ nee McCall)

Mother, Mary Alice McCall

I was reunited with my birth family in September of 1994.  I was blessed to meet my Mother, Mary Alice Coyle McCall, as well as my sister, Charlotte, called Shirl, and my two brothers, Connell & Jimmy.  As the other family members were introduced, I got to know my nieces, nephews, and cousin, Kathy Ruane and her family.  It was a wonderful time for us all.  Since then, my brothers, sister, and cousin have died; now, I felt that I was the last of my immediate family.

Kate on her 89th Birthday

But, surprise!  My life’s journey has revealed a whole new story. A few weeks ago, I received word from Ireland that I have another sister who is living in Dublin.  Her name is Mary Kathleen Coyle, called “Kate”, and is 89 years old.   She was born in 1926 when Mom – (Mary Alice Coyle) – was only 20 years old. Three years later, Mom and her sister, Helen, left Ireland and traveled to Philadelphia.  As a new-born, Kate was placed in one of the work institutions in Ireland until the age of 16.  After leaving this place, she found work with a family.  I spoke to a woman who was assisting Kate in discovering the name of her birth mother.  Since she still has feelings of abandonment, I am anxious to assure her that Mom had no choice in the matter. My desire is to let her know of our care and love for her.  I am told that Kate is in good health, and full of life. Since then, Kate has been told about locating her family, and knows that she has a younger sister.  The fact that I am a Nun has delighted her.  We have even exchanged letters and pictures. I have also applied for a renewed Passport, just in case I am able to travel to Ireland to see her. (Plans are now in action to make this trip possible.)  As the weeks go by, I am gradually learning more about Kate and even my family in Donegal.  So, I’m getting a better picture of those relatives that never left Ireland.  Meanwhile, rejoice with me that I have the opportunity to know more about Kate. Once again, Divine Providence has revealed a surprising new chapter.

This entry was posted in From our Sisters and tagged: adoption, birth-mother, birthday, Divine Providence, Donegal, Family, Ireland, Irish, new-born, work institutions