Sr Celestine Daly led life that was ‘testament to compassion’

Sr Celestine Daly of the Mercy Order in Navan was awarded the Presidential Medal for her Distinctive Contribution to Education by the then President of Zambia, the late Edgar Lungu, in October 2018.

Tributes from past pupils and fellow educators and collaborators were led by Bishop Raphael Mweempwa of the Diocese of Monze in Zambia following Sr Celestine's death on Saturday 2 May last at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, having become unwell some weeks ago.

Aged 81, she was a native of Rosemount, and returned to Ireland when the Mercy Sisters presence in Zambia ended in 2019.

Sr Celestine - known to her family as Rita, and her colleagues as Cellie - was born on 6 October 1944, the youngest and only girl in a family of four of the late James and Veronica Daly. She was educated in the local primary school and Mercy Secondary School in Moate.

She entered the Convent of Mercy, Navan, on 7 October 1963, to begin what was to be a life completely dedicated to poor and deprived people in the world. Sr Celestine's final profession in August 1970 at Mercy Convent, Navan, was presided over by the late Bishop John McCormack, then Bishop of Meath. She trained as a primary school teacher and taught in St Joseph's in Navan for 19 years.

Sr Celestine was then appointed as a leader in Mercy Convent, Clara, and taught there until 1988, when she made the decision to go to Zambia. This chapter was the start of her devotion to education of the very poor in Zambia. She started in Fumbo, a remote area in the Gwembe valley where it was hot, with no electricity supply and no proper roads. Celestine taught English and religious education, and supported teachers by equipping them with the necessary teaching materials. She quickly realised that in rural areas both children and teachers were deprived in many ways. She dreamed of ways she might get funding to help them.

When in sabattical in San Antonio, she prayed late one evening at a grotto of Our Lady, and met a gentleman who listened to her story, and with friends decided to sponsor the work of the mission. Through their help, children were fed, teachers were paid, and schools and staff houses were built. They continue to sponsor that work.

Sr Celestine's heart and work always centred on spreading the Good News. She organised retreats for teachers, leadership seminars, and many other events.

In 2018, she was awarded a medal by President Lunga for her 'distinctive contribution to education in the country', received for her role in pioneering the establishment of a programme to train volunteer teachers; for the decongestion of classrooms; and for increasing access to education; all in the Mazabuka region of Zambia.

In 2019, when Mercy Sisters presence in Zambia ended, she returned to Ireland with a heavy heart. Her mission of service continued in Navan through the Legion of Mary, visitations at Millbury Nursing Home, as a member of the board of St Mary's Special School, helping the migration from St Mary's parish to the new campus in Johnstown, and making herself available to the sisters in her community in Athlumney.

Among the many priests who joined Fr Robert McCabe, Adm, Navan, for her funeral Mass on Wednesday last in St Mary's Church, was Fr Webster, one of Sr Celestine's past pupils from Fumbo.

A letter received by the Sisters of Mercy from Bishop Mweempwa gave thanks for St Celestine's many years of dedicated service in her religious ministry, especially for her contribution to the education sector in the diocese of Monze, and in a particular way to the spiritual and material wellbeing of teachers.

"Equally, I fondly recall her generosity and commitment to works of charity, particularly her care of the vulnerable in various parts of the diocese," the bishop said.

"She was truly a Sister of Mercy and her deep dedication to supporting the teachers in various ways to her unwavering commitment to the poor will be greatly missed."

Maria Corredor, principal of St Mary’s Special School, Navan, paid tribute to someone who left a "wonderful mark on all our hearts through your kindness, love, laughter, and great sense of humour".

"Your warmth and generosity brought joy to so many, and your presence will always be remembered with deep affection and gratitude," she wrote. "You have been a valued part of the St Mary’s community, and your care and dedication meant so much to staff, students, and families alike."

Fr McCabe reflected on how the many online condolences from Ireland were mirrored by just as many similar sentiments from Zambia, recalling a unique presence whose love, compassion and generosity will be greatly missed; whose kindness, gentleness, and spirituality will always be remembered; a gallant missionary; a wonderful teacher, of guidance and dedication.

Mary McGrath Marshall recalled when transition year students and teachers from St Joseph’s Mercy Secondary School, Navan, travelled to Mazabuka in Zambia a number of years ago.

"We witnessed all that Mercy is in the presence of Sr Celestine and the Mercy community there. Sr Celestine followed the way of Catherine McAuley and lived Mercy in kindness, compassion and wisdom.

Dr Busaka Chileshe, who worked closely with her on a number of projects, said Celestine's devoted service in the Diocese of Monze and other parts of the world leaves a legacy that will not be forgotten.

"Her life was a living testament to compassion and selfless love, especially for the poor, the vulnerable, and the elderly, whom she served with unwavering dignity and care. She walked closely with students, nurturing not only their academic growth but also their moral and spiritual formation. Her concern for undeployed teachers reflected her deep commitment to justice and human dignity, as she tirelessly advocated for their recognition and purpose within the community. Through her guidance as a prayer leader and spiritual director, she helped shape the spiritual lives of many, fostering a deeper relationship with God rooted in prayer, reflection, and service."

Symbols brought to the altar at the funeral Mass included Sr Celestine's certificate of final profession, witnessed and signed by Bishop McCormack; her rosary beads, highlighting a devoted and prayerful person who was faithful to the Eucharist with a special love of the Blessed Virgin Mary and devotion to the Sacred Heart; a family photo of those who nurtured her in her faith, the "backbone of her life"; and the presidential medal for her service to education.

Predeceased by her brothers, Michael, Seamus, and Joseph, Sr Celestine is regretted by the Sisters of Mercy, Navan and the wider Mercy community; her sisters-in-law, Nancy and Olive Daly; nieces, Rita, Michelle, Pauline, Veronica, Marina and Carmel; nephews, James, Gabriel, Declan and Joseph; grandnieces and grandnephews, relatives, and many friends in Ireland, Zambia and the USA.

Burial took place in St Mary’s Cemetery, Boyne Road, Navan.