Headlines such as Nun’s work for peace brings her MBE award and Former Ballinascreen nun receives MBE stood out boldly on local newspapers in Ulster early in the year when the New Year Honours List was published in 2017. The nun in question is Holy Family Sister Rose Devlin, currently a member of the Magherafelt community. The MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) is awarded by Queen Elizabeth of England for an outstanding achievement or service to the community that will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others.
Sr. Rose has been awarded an MBE for her cross-community work in schools across Northern Ireland. She became involved in peace and reconciliation work more than 20 years ago. In the Christian Education Movement (CEM), she worked alongside Presbyterian
Ministers organizing, facilitating and delivering conferences for secondary school children from different religious backgrounds. Exploring difference and celebrating diversity were the overarching themes of these conferences as they tried to break down community tensions. During the dark days of the “the troubles” she was often on the road as early as 6.30 am travelling to schools across the province. The welcome extended to her by Principals and Heads of Religious Education, as well as the mutual understanding and friendships that developed made it all worthwhile.
Another bonus was the welcome extended to her, a woman and a Catholic religious sister, by a group that, up to then, had only had men involved. The award came as an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise to Rose. She accepted it on behalf of those who had supported her in her work, among them her own Holy Family sisters and Lay Associates, the people of Ballinascreen, and the SPRED (Special Needs Religious Education) helpers.
Although no longer involved in cross-community work in schools, Rose believes it needs to continue. “I pray daily,” she says, “for greater mutual understanding, not only among the youth but especially among adults, whose influence is immense.”
We rejoice with Rose and thank God for her giftedness as we await the Award Ceremony which will take place in Buckingham Palace on 2 March 2017.
Adapted from Derry Post and Mid Ulster Mail