Shanagolden Celebrates Milestones and Blessings

11 August 2023

11 Aug 2023

In a significant event hosted by Shanagolden aged care residence, two residents celebrated their 100th birthdays, and a third resident made their first Communion and Confirmation.

Anne Purcell and Daphne Wright are our latest centenarians, both ladies being presented Papal Blessings from Pope Francis.

With family, friends, fellow residents and VMCH team members in attendance to witness this momentous occasion, the day commenced with Mass celebrated by Bishop Greg Bennet and concelebrated by Fr. Peter Kooloos, Chaplain of Shanagolden.

Anne Purcell was born on 1 July 1923 in England. She lived through some difficult times, even having a young baby in the middle of the war in 1943.

Anne came to Australia in 1977, following her daughter Kathleen who had already made the move over.

Kathleen says she feels “very fortunate” to celebrate this special birthday with her mum.

On the leadup mum was saying it’s just another birthday, and I have no doubt there’s going to be a few more. I am very proud of her.”

The family were lucky enough to have five generations in attendance on the day.

“Mum taught me that family is the most important thing.” Kathleen says, a sentiment Anne agrees with.

“Family values.” Anne echoes. “That’s what has kept us all together.”

Similarly, Daphne’s daughter Patricia reminisces on the most important lesson she learnt from her mum over the years.

Don’t let anything bother you! Life is too short to let things bother you. I’ve never really known anything to stress mum.”

Daphne Wright was born on 3 May 1923. She began her life in India, becoming a schoolteacher at just 21 years old.

After spending some time in London, Daphne and her family made the move to Australia in 1971, where Daphne continued to teach at St Anthony’s in Noble Park up until she retired.

She always taught in Catholic schools, reflecting the importance of her faith. Daphne’s eldest daughter Valerie says her faith was “paramount”.

“Her faith is extremely strong.” Valerie says. “She went to boarding school from three and a half years of age to age 21 in a convent. It’s also one of the main reasons we chose VMCH as her residence.”

Daphne’s granddaughter Alicia was also in attendance on the day, and says her nanna has always been “fit as a fiddle”.

“One thing we’ve always joked about nanna is that she will outlive us all. We’ve actually joked about that for years.”

“I still think she’ll outlive me!” Valerie laughs.

The heart of the ceremony was witnessing the Sacrament of First Communion and Confirmation conferred upon resident, Brian Kennon.

Brian couldn’t stop smiling throughout the day, and later mentioned he felt “very special” when looking through photographs from the ceremony.

Shanagolden’s Pastoral Care Practitioner Mel Ierome believes Brian is a changed man after this event, and mentioned that he now has a peaceful look on his face.

Afterwards, all attendees enjoyed a delicious luncheon courtesy of our wonderful Food Services team.

Congratulations Anne, Daphne and Brian – we hope you will remember this milestone day for years to come.

To learn more about our aged care services, click here.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.