Sister Kathleen (Catherine) Owens

Kathleen, (known as Kay), the youngest in a family of four girls, was born in Scotland to Irish parents, Thomas and Sarah Owens, from Monaghan and Donegal. Her baptismal name is Catherine. Her father Thomas, a regular soldier, belonged to Queen Victoria’s Royal Irish Fusiliers serving in India, South Africa’s Boar War, and World War I. Her mother Sarah, spent some time in America, returning to Ireland in the 1930’s and then moved to seek work in Glasgow. Sadly, her
mother died when Kathleen was fifteen. Dealing with the trauma of her mother’s death and its affects she writes, “I became more serious in outlook about faith and life in general, helped by the support and example of my father and close neighbours.”

Kathleen inherited an interest in faraway places from both her parents and this awareness increased when her eldest sister Bridget, entered the Novitiate of Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions. The example of a strong faith and religious practice from both her parents stayed with her throughout her life, sustaining her and deepened within her as she matured. This was developed and encouraged by the experience, example and practice during both her primary and
secondary education. Kathleen writes: “Gradually I was drawn to the ideals of religious missionary life, so six months after completing my secondary education I travelled to Hastings and was received as a Postulant in February 1958.”

After Profession Kathleen had a year at St Ethelburga’s Deal, followed by study and teacher training in England and Ireland. Her diligent and intelligent curiosity, gifts which were part of Kathleen’s life throughout the years, enhanced her sense of wonder and inspiration. She enjoyed many happy years teaching in Secondary schools at Chew Magna Bristol, Notre Dame Dublin, and St Margaret Mary’s Comprehensive school in Glasgow. Her passionate desire to follow her innate missionary dream was fulfilled when she was missioned to Kenya. From 1980 to 1987 Kathleen taught and helped with the girl’s secondary boarding school in Bahati Nakuru. Lucy Wambui recalls; “she gave many years in Kenya as a teacher for which we remain grateful.” The Rift Valley was an exciting experience for Kathleen to witness the growth of coffee beans and other traditional crops. She always enjoyed simple things, flowers, birds, nature in general and animals.
Lucy carries a vivid memory of Kathleen and the well-loved Novitiate cat. This cat would not leave Kathleen’s room when she left Machakos “it was sad for us to see Kathleen return home but also the cat was very sad!”

A year at Regina Mundi, Rome, and a Formator’s course in St Anselm’s, Kent, was an excellent preparation for ministry in formation. Kathleen spent six years as Novice Directress and Community animator in Machakos, Kenya accompanying young women. Again, Lucy Wambui shared; “I met Kay when I joined the Congregation. I can still see her in my mind near the palm tree with the mower going on. Until then, I thought this was a difficult job and needed to be done by men.
I was wrong!” Kathleen followed Euphrasie Barbier’s footsteps in the gift to turn her hand to anything. As a spiritual and practical woman, she loved RNDM missionary life in all its aspects. Magdalen Nyile, Province Leader, and Novice of Kay, in her letter of condolence, writes; “We appreciated the formation we received from Kay – it’s what has made us who we are today, and we are grateful”. With heartfelt gratefulness the Kenyan Province says, “Kathleen gave the best of her
religious life to the mission in Kenya.”

On return from Kenya and after a sabbatical, Kathleen spent “twenty-one happy years” as Pastoral Assistant in St Monica’s Parish, Coatbridge, Scotland, where she was involved in both Parish and Diocesan ministry. She was a capable, well-loved, valued, and unassuming presence in all aspects of parish life and ministry with a unique capacity to connect with people. A pertinent tribute is shared by parishioners in the numerous messages posted recently on the Parish webpage. To quote a few; “a pivotal part of our parish; the heart of the parish for so long; one of the very best; loveliest woman; wonderful lady; gentle, quiet, powerfully present; sadly missed by the parish; prayed us through hard and dark times; always happy to be with us: may she rest in eternal peace. “

Kathleen joined the community in Beech Court, Deal, in December 2019 where she enjoyed more leisure time. However, it became necessary for Kathleen to benefit from personal care and help in St Anne’s Sturry. Sadly, after some time, Kathleen’s health deteriorated and soon she became bedbound for a year before God took her to himself. Her endurance with constant pain was remarkable, never a moan or complaint. When asked how she was she would simply reply “I’m
sore, but that’s fine, it’s life.” She had a warm welcome smile for all who visited her room, and she was always interested and eager to know what was happening in the Province and in the Congregation. She constantly expressed her gratitude for the care, understanding and help of the staff at St Anne’s.

Kathleen herself writes: “All my life as an RNDM I have appreciated the joys and challenges of community life and all the opportunities for human and spiritual growth which I have been given. A love of Scripture has been at the forefront. A line from John O’Donohue expresses what I experience and valve and try to live – ‘Awaken to the mystery of being here, enter the quiet immensity of your presence each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder’.”

On 17th July the thanksgiving Mass, celebrating the life and death of Kathleen was led by Father Giovanni Prandini, from St Thomas’s Canterbury, accompanied by St Anne’s Community and staff, Euphrasie Barbier Community, Catherine Corrigan, Province Leader, members of Wealdstone and New Southgate communities, Cecilia from France, Victoria from Kenya, who is studying in Rome, members of Kathleen’s family – nieces Rose Mary and Dorothy and nephew Joseph Cairns with many others who participated via zoom – a wonderful tribute and acknowledgement of affection, respect and gratitude for the gentle life and happy death of a faithful RNDM missionary woman.

Kathleen is laid to rest in the cemetery in Sturry.
Rest in peace Kathleen. We will be miss you.