A 103 year old with a Social Secretary kept busy all year, but particularly in the weeks surrounding her birthday.  Who other than Stani… Sister Stanislaus Zgrajewski. 

We are celebrating Stani’s 103rd birthday at ‘Holy Cross’ Aged Care, Wooloowin. These celebrations will continue across many weeks as family, friends, and ‘Holy Cross’ community and Mercy Sisters gather around this remarkable woman.  There’s not as much storytelling, music making or joke telling as in the past, nor Stani providing the entertainment, but something very special is happening in Stani’s presence.

Her loss of sight and hearing has meant more one-to-one quality time (as she calls it).  Hands held, and once you are identified, soft kisses, big hugs, memories shared, perhaps a song or joke. She’s always interested in coffee and cake and whispers a ‘Thank you for coming.’ A deep quiet, a comfortable silence envelops her. 

She has always been a remarkable woman…. friendships ever welcoming and mutual; open to the gift of life; trusting God and others in life’s turmoil and sorrows; boundary stretching.

Stani once asked me if I knew what she wanted to be since she was a little girl.  Her answer: A Saint.

That she is… a joy filled, love filled woman of energy and happiness. Her energy has waned, but love and joy shine bright.  We love her.  

Messages to Barbara Donohue rsm: barhouse@powerup.com.au