Sr Veronica Kerins
Sr Veronica Bernadette Kerins formerly known as Sr Mary Bernard of Nevers was one of eight children born to Andrew and Minnie Kerins. Her father was a policeman in the village and she spoke often of having to take supper down to the barracks when he was on night duty. Her mother died very young with TB and her eldest sister left school to take care of the rest of the family. Veronica had to cycle eight miles to school each day and it was only after discussion with her father that it was suggested that she attend a boarding school run by the Sisters of Mercy. It was during this time that she learnt of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions from one of the sisters who talked of a relation in the Congregation.
To make a decision to become a missionary sister was not easy as her father had suffered personal loss, but eventually he sacrificed his own feelings and gave his
blessing.
After the Novitiate in Hastings, Veronica was sent to Teacher Training College in Hull to become a Primary School teacher. Her first years in teaching were in Sturry, Kent and in Chew Magna, near Bristol. In 1954, she was sent to Leeds, running the scholarship class for 14 years, until 1968, when she was asked to go on mission to Australia.
On hearing this about this new mission, Veronica wrote about her own dislike of the heat and was anxious, but the Provincial soon informed her that sisters were wearing white habits on the missions which she considered: “Good News”! Despite her father’s sadness with her going so far away, he was supportive. For over eleven years Veronica taught in our primary school in Katanning, Western Australia, and took over the headship in Narrogin, WA and became the superior in Freemantle as well as teaching. In 1992, Veronica was in Palmyra doing some remedial work and it was this year that she decided to return home to the British Isles Province. Over the next few years she returned to Leeds to help with teaching and then took up a parish ministry in Port Glasgow. But her memorable years back in the Province were in Northern Ireland, living in Randalstown. Her work was well known with her visiting Care Homes and bringing communion to the housebound. In 1999, she was offered a well-deserved Spiritual Renewal in Hawkestone Hall. Veronica continued her work in the parish until 2011, when she left Randalstown due to health concerns and was missioned to Beech Court.
One of the lasting memories of Veronica was her cheerfulness and welcome when anyone came to Beech Court. One of her greatest joys was that a former pupil in Leeds became a Jesuit who always kept in contact with her. As Veronica’s health began to fail it was decided that she would join the community in St Anne’s, Sturry. In May, 2021 she left Beech Court and began life anew. Her love of visiting the sisters who due to illness and frailty and confined to their rooms, became a new ministry. She was always ready for a party and dance, especially when any music was within earshot! A lovely visit from her sister Pauline, her niece and her grandnephew from Edinburgh, Scotland, certainly raised her spirits even though at that time, Veronica was getting weaker within herself. A month later, September 14, the Lord quietly took her to Himself. As the family were unable to make the journey for her funeral, there was a video link to enable them to share in the prayerful celebration of Veronica’s life. Fr Con Boyle, who was the parish priest when Veronica was his pastoral assistant in Randalstown, came especially to officiate at the Funeral Celebration in St Anne’s Chapel and spoke so warmly about her family and her work among the people of Northern Ireland. Sisters from Beech Court, Euphrasie Barbier and Wealdstone were there to farewell Veronica and to accompany her to Deal Cemetery, where she was buried on October 20, 2022,
Rest in peace.
Lord Jesus, the joy and beauty of every moment of my life!
Be the last melody of my day song as it fades into the night.
Based on John 4.14.