Compassion: Sister Una Is Building a College

Sister Una Is Building a College,
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Sister Una was born in Dublin, Ireland, into a family that prized education. One of four sisters, she looks back with appreciation at the education she received from the Sisters of the Cross and Passion in Ireland. Entering the community in Ireland, she later taught in England; then, in 1960, she went to the United States where she taught chemistry at Mount St. Joseph College in Rhode Island and at Stonehill College in Massachusetts. She obtained a doctorate from the University of Rhode Island in 1979.

From 1985 to 1991, Sister Una served as provincial of the North American province of the Sisters of the Cross and Passion. Afterwards, a visit to Jamaica convinced her to come to the island in response to the expressed need of Bishop Paul Boyle for teacher training. Two years later, she was asked to serve as principal of St. Paul of the Cross High School. At the same time, she continued to work with the college program for training teachers. right: Sr Una in Jamaica

Today, Sister Una smiles at the play of God's providence, as she seeks accreditation for a college in Jamaica, far from her birthplace in Ireland and from the United States where she spent so many years as an educator. "I believe the Lord prepares us. In the past, I was involved in getting schools accredited in the United States. In England, I taught all levels and it prepared me for Jamaica, because the English system is similar to here. It's as if everything I've done in the past seems to be coming together."

But it's not an easy task. She has become a familiar figure in government offices and before educational accrediting bodies in Jamaica, where things move slowly and dreams are not quickly accepted. Sister Una, however, will not let go of her dream, and training school teachers is only the beginning. She sees so much else to do.

"So many are leaving school after grade nine, especially the boys. There is a dire need to provide basic education for people who have left the system. And what about a Catholic university here in Mandeville?" she says.

Introducing her to other educators at a meeting some time ago, one of her colleagues remarked: "I don't know why she doesn't want to be called 'Doctor,' because she is. She likes to be called 'Sister.'"

"I believe I have been blessed since I was a child," Sister Una says. "I have received so much and my religious commitment is important to me; it's a way I give something back."

beginning of article

A Missionary Looks at Jamaica • One of a Jamaican Kind: Fr Bertram Chin, C.P.
A Retreat House Keeping Dreams Alive • Sister Una Is Building a College
Editor's Note • Act With Compassion

Sign of the Passion

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