Sr Rose Philomena Brennan (Mary St Francis of Navarra)
Rose, a woman of deep faith and devotion, lived a life marked by compassion, service and resilience. She was born in Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, the youngest of eight children, two boys and six girls. Her family lived in Tullamore Offaly and her parents, Roseanna and Frank Brennan, were hard-working as they provided for their eight children. Sadly, her mother died when Rose was at the vulnerable age of five and this was a sad loss for Rose as a young child and during her life. Her father struggled in a world of hardship to care for such a large family, managing as best he could. Despite this, Rose grew up with a strong sense of faith and resilience.
In 1951 seeking a deeper purpose in life Rose responded to the call to join our RNDM missionary Congregation, dedicating her life to mission. For the first eight years she was involved in household chores, cooking and gardening, tasks she fully enjoyed, in Hastings, Beech Court, Chew Magna and Deal. She particularly loved working in the garden and outdoors. Her love of nature and the simple act of nurturing was evident in everything she did.
With little opportunities for formal education during her early life, Rose gained an ‘O’ level in cookery and in dressmaking; a certificate in Health management, childcare and development, First Aid, secretarial skills; training in pastoral ministry and later a certificate as a Nursery Nurse from Canterbury College. Her Nursery qualification enabled her to teach in the Nursery at St Augustine’s School, Downend, Bristol for many years where her creative skills, gentle nature, patience and understanding, along with her simple down-to-earth ways, won the hearts of the children. Her colleagues also appreciated her sense of humour and kind spirit.
Her compassionate nature extended to work as a hospital chaplain when she lived in New Southgate. From 1988–1993 she enjoyed her role as assistant chaplain at Free and Barnet Psychiatric Hospital London where she supported with empathy, patience and a gentle heart, those who needed understanding. She was regarded with respect and seen as a gift by both patients and staff. Later she worked as a Chaplain in Canterbury Hospital Kent. Again, she helped to provide emotional and spiritual support to patients in need.
In addition to her work as Chaplain, Rose was a talented seamstress. She had amazing skills for altering clothing. Her dressmaking ability was greatly welcomed by many of her companions, modifying the religious habit and preparing for new fashions during the 60’s and 70’s!! She was a perfect seamstress adapting patterns and often designing something new. Her expertise in crafts, particularly creating patchwork quilts, was remarkable. Her love of needlework, knitting and crocheting was also an important part of her life, offering a creative outlet for both herself and others. Her passion for knitting and an exceptional ability for sewing, skills shared with groups of women who gathered in many places. Rose delighted in enabling women untap their innate potential. She treasured these gatherings.
Although Rose never enjoyed the best of health, she was always active and interested in whatever was going on around her and liked to be kept up to date with Province and Congregational news. For several years Rose needed full time care at St Anne’s in Sturry. The loss of personal independence was challenging for Rose. After a stroke and many falls, life with incapacities became more and more difficult. She was grateful to the sisters and staff at St Anne’s for their constant care and help.
Throughout her long-life Rose showed a firm commitment to her faith, her RNDM life and her help and concern for others. She is remembered for her pleasant smile, her kindness, creativity and ability to connect with others.
A Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated in Sturry on 13 January by Canon Anthony Charlton, Parish Priest of St Thomas’ Canterbury. Sister Catherine Corrigan, Province Leader, with members of her Team, Sisters from the communities in Sturry, Wealdstone, New Southgate, joined in celebrating the life well lived of a faithful RNDM. Thank you Rose and rest in peace.
Rose is laid to rest at the Cemetery in Sturry.
“Work done by you with unconditional love and pure devotion goes straight in the category of divine and immortal craft.” (Seema Brain)