Appreciation - Sr Anne Xuereb

Sr Doreen Cuschieri, writes:

It is with deep nostalgia that I write these few words of appreciation about one of my Junior School headmistresses and companion within the Congregation of the Sisters of St Dorothy.

Sr Anne, or Mother Xuereb, as we of the old stock knew her, was a lady endowed with a captivating personality and a deep religious spirit. I remember her always happy with a smiling face prompt to encourage while imploring God's blessings upon us. She was very popular among all students because she cared for each one dearly and sincerely without prying into anyone's personal matters.

When she became headmistress at Mdina, in the mid-1950s, the school notice boards were all given a facelift and transformed into colourful frames, bearing positive slogans or eye-catching positive messages. Her artistic talent became even more evident as years went by, reaching its climax with our chapel's modern refurbishment.

She often organised prayer groups and loved singing hymns, especially those dedicated to Jesus. Once, I remember, during a sleep-over retreat, she taught us how to sing Good Night Sweet Jesus. Her lovely voice overpowered all our feeble angelic endeavours and at times we would refrain from singing to listen to "the soprano", as we referred to her then.

She was, above all, a keen and intelligent educator and during her lessons she always made it a point to give a spiritual boost to her class.

What struck me as a child and still reverberates to date was her keenness to make Jesus known and loved by all. She often insisted that we should be ready to do all that God asks for. She encouraged us to be generous and never to count the costs because God, she said, is lavish with all those who give to others with a smile.

When she was formation mistress, she spoke to us at length about the importance of accepting all our fellow companions without distinction and to be prepared with healthy arguments when any disagreement arose. Very often she made us aware that community life was not an easy choice and that we had to learn how to allow ourselves to be polished like any brass medal that needs to be shined over and over again to maintain its lustre.

For the past 62 years Sr Anne worked in Malta, Rome, Naples and the United States. On most occasions she was either headmistress or Mother Superior.

During the last 17 years, after having retired from headship in our Junior School in Sliema, Sr Anne helped in the school's administration a round the clock. Although she eventually became very weak, and helpless, she still wished to be wheeled daily to the school library to help out in whatever was in store for the day.

Every Friday she made it a point to be well enough to explain the Sunday liturgy to the students, and after school hours she prepared children to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist. Many a time she also led groups of The Legion of Mary and other prayer groups for adults in the parish and parents of the students at school.

During the last decade Sr Anne required special care and assistance due to her immobility. With the untiring dedication and care of her companion, Sr Frances Galea, who dedicated herself fully, Sr Anne was able to participate in most school and community activities. Even though on a wheelchair she tried to lead an active common life.

As a sister of St Dorothy, Sr Anne's characteristic was her keen observance of our daily prayer life. Before being an educator she certainly was an effective religious, committed first and foremost to her spiritual duties. Right until her last moments when she was feeling poorly, she asked to pray Lauds in her room instead of being wheeled to the chapel.

This was her last song of praise to the Lord, Her Lord, whom she loved so dearly day in and day out. God called her to Himself just a few minutes before community Mass was going to be celebrated.

During her daily Mass, she offered herself with the bread and wine to the Father.

But today she became a fully-fledged victim for Heaven offered to the Father. The bread and wine transformed into the body and blood of her Beloved mingled in unison with hers, now glorified forever!

Let her be one with you, Lord as she always prayed for and aspired.

Thank you, Sr Anne, for being such a saintly example to all of us.