Cathy Larkin My name is Cathy Larkin. I used to be Cathy Phelan until that change-your-life-experience (a.k.a. marriage) intervened in 1991 but that's a later story. I was born in Parramatta and grew up in Merrylands, educated by the Marist sisters throughout my school life, and indeed beyond. I found Marist spirituality attractive: simple, yet profound; deeply human yet echoing the divine; encompassing the heart yet rational, incisive and intelligent. So, in 1980 I joined the Marist sisters. Like many 'vocation stories', I suppose mine too had elements of surprise, quirkiness and, I like to think, the hand of God. On August 7, 1979 I went to visit the sisters in Merrylands to tell them how my brother, who had been in a serious car accident, was progressing. It was the feast of St Cajetan and legend had it that, if you rang a bell over something before midday on his feast day, the object would double. Sr Herman rang a bell over the one and only Marist sisters' novice. After lunch I showed up. As they say, the rest is history…….. well at least until 1986 when I decided to leave religious life and live the Marist spirit as a lay person. After a few years making the 're-entry' into the world of work (paid at least), paying the bills and worrying would my superannuation cover and my eventual retirement….. Chris Larkin and I married at the Marist Centre in Toongabbie with Jim Esler SM as our presiding celebrant. I suppose such a beginning has shaped and flavoured our marriage to be Marist. Certainly as we continue to 'marry' one another day by day, we are deeply conscious of and grateful for the formation we both had as members of religious congregations; a great preparation for marriage, dare I say. Nearly 15 years later we enjoy life with our two beautiful daughters, Emma and Johanna, who are constant reminders to us of life's wonder, fragility and fun. I wouldn't have it any other way. I currently share and nourish my Marist spirituality by actively contributing to the National Committee of Marist Laity Australia and by leading a small group of Marist Laity in Plumpton. |
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