I have had so many opportunities in my life. I have been inspired by many sisters and I feel Nano is so alive

Sr Angela Murphy

I was born in Galway, one of six children. I loved the summers on our farm, with the freedom to roam around and sometimes just watch the clouds in the sky come and go. Like the other families, going to church was important. God was so present to everyone and I remember people thanking God on a wet day - I was so puzzled as a child!

When I completed my Leaving Cert at Presentation Convent, Headford, I felt God calling me to be a Sister. As I was not sure, I decided to work in Dublin as a telephonist for a couple of years. I went to school with other young women from around my home who became Presentation Sisters, so I eventually decided to join the Presentation Sisters in Chaddesden, Derby. I found the novitiate very lonely - being on my own for a lot of the time. Then my father died, so that added to my loneliness.

I was so delighted when Vatican II happened as I was able to go out and meet people. I taught at a Secondary School in Ilkeston and after all this time, two pupils are still in touch with me.

After a few years I was asked to do a Formation Course in America. On my return I accompanied novices and junior professed. I was also involved in vocation ministry - working with other Religious in many parts of the country. This was followed by training young volunteers to evangelise in schools and parishes. I was part of a team and sometimes it was amazing how God touched young people. We lived with the  volunteer team in community and sometimes this was challenging as they came from different backgrounds. Two are now priests and some are chaplains.

I have been privileged to be involved in many ministries. I served people in weeks of guided prayer in parishes.  I was always amazed at how the bible touched ordinary peoples’ lives and God became very real for them.

Here in Birmingham I have spent time with the homeless. Some of them would take out photographs of family and speak of them with tears in their eyes. I also accompanied a couple of asylum seekers and I learnt so much from them. One of them showed me how to use Google Translate and this helped to build up a good relationship up to the time of pandemic. A number of people come to the bereavement support group in the parish and they find this helpful. I continue to lead a group for meditation  in the convent and as many live alone, they appreciate this experience. One of our Associates is so touched by the charism of Nano that she keeps praying to her for every intention.

I have had so many opportunities in my life, I hope I have grown through the ups and downs. I have been inspired by many sisters and I feel Nano is so alive. Her vision for the poor and oppressed continues to touch us. I hope I am not holding onto things/ideas so that I am open to what God is asking of me.