A virtual prayer vigil will be taking place at 14:00 today, Sunday,
July 11, for the founder of the Missionvale Care Centre, Sister Ethel Normoyle,
who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer.
Sister Ethel, as she is affectionately known by many, returned
home to Dublin, Ireland, after she received the news. She will be receiving
palliative care where she can be close to her family.
“In our shared love and admiration for Sister Ethel and with
heartfelt gratitude for all she has done for so many, it is with great sadness
that we share the news that Sister Ethel was recently diagnosed with lung
cancer. Not one to ever draw attention to herself, she has opted to receive
palliative care near her family and as such is quietly travelling to Dublin,”
the Centre said in a media statement on Facebook.
“It is now up to us to continue her legacy and, being the
visionary she is, she has prepared us well for it. We will take our guidance
from her values of gratitude, accountability, compassion and unconditional
love. It is her biggest concern that the care for those who are most vulnerable
will continue and we are fully committed to ensuring that Sister Ethel’s good
work will continue to live on for many years to come,” the statement read
further.
In a heartfelt letter to the community of Missionvale that
she had been serving for almost 40 years, Sister Ethel said that the past 34
years had been the happiest years of her life.
“I have loved being with you and will never forget you! You
have blessed me and I treasure you so very, very much. You will always be in my
heart and prayers. I love you forever,” Sister Ethel said.
Nelson Mandela Bay mayor, Nqaba Bhanga, said that he would
be joining the virtual prayer session.
“We will raise this remarkable woman up in prayer. Sister
Ethel has been a bright shining star of hope for the people of this city. Her
contribution, love and care have been immense,” Bhanga added.
People across the world are invited to attend the vigil. A candle can be lit and a personal message left for Sister Ethel. Those joining
can follow this link and follow the prompts on the website: www.missionvaleusa.org.
“Remember to include ‘Sister Ethel’ in your personal message
to her so we can easily find the candles from everyone participating in the
vigil,” the statement said.
The time of the vigil, 14:00 South African time, is 13:00
Dublin, Ireland time.
