There is one day of the Australian calender that resonates particularly with Nora Fitzgibbon.  Sister with Roma’s All Saints Catholic Parish, Sr Nora was born in Ireland and has been eagerly preparing for tonight’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations.  “It’s a great day for the Irish or anybody who has Irish ancestry and for everyone who wishes they were Irish,” she said.  “It’s going to be a big celebration for everyone. ”All Saints priest Father Jamie Collins said Sr Nora was an invaluable member of the parish and praised her for her efforts in organising the St Patrick’s celebrations. “Sr Nora has called Roma home for 13 years, but she has been a member of the Sisters of Mercy for 55 years,” he said.  “For the last couple of weeks Sr Nora has been keeping busy planning and making decorations for St. Patrick’s night at the Roma Bowls Club, a fundraiser for the All Saints parish. “All this goes to prove that you can take the girl out of Cork, but you can’t take Cork out of the girl.”

Sr Nora moved from Cork, Ireland 50 years ago to join a religious order and has worked within a number of schools around Queensland. Although, it has been some time since she has lived in the country herself, she always welcomes her fellow Irishmen with open arms.  “She is in regular contact with her family there and is always on hand to welcome visitors from Ireland,” Father Collins said. “Sr Nora also makes a special point of visiting any Irish backpackers who make their way to Roma for work.” Sr Nora said she’s like to specially thank Father Collins, Eileen Hann for organising the Harmony Choir to play at the event and the management at the Roma Bowls Club for being so accommodating. “I just hope everyone comes along and sings, dances and just has a fantastic time,” she said.

Sister Nora Fitzgibbon has been working hard to prepare for the St Patrick's Day celebrations at the Roma Bowls Club.

 

 

 

 

Article and photos published with permission from the original article by:

Sarah Dionysius from Western Star News, Roma.