My name is Veronica. I have been invited to share a little of my life story with you. I have recently celebrated my 90th birthday, so it is an opportune time to take a little trip down memory lane.

I have lived through many changes, both in the world at large and in Religious life. Vatican II invited all Religious to return to their roots, to take a fresh look at the vision of their Founders in order to ensure that Religious Life would try to give an appropriate response to the needs of our time. This was a major challenge for all Religious, but it brought a new freshness and vitality. I appreciated this very much.

Our Founder was concerned that the members of the Holy Family would be constantly looking for new and inspiring ways to respond to the needs of the time. Many external changes took place re organisation of communities, getting rid of some rules and regulations which were no longer meaningful or relevant.
I am happy to have lived through these changes. I found them stimulating and challenging. They made me re-evaluate my own commitment.

If I were to begin life again, I would not alter the choice I made 70 years ago. I am happy and fulfilled. I thank God for the many ways He has blessed me - with good health, and the many loving companions in Religious Life, among our Lay Associates and in the neighbourhood, who have shared the journey with me. In the words of the poet I invite you to

"grow old along with me,
the best is yet to be."