Longford native launches her autobiography ‘Who Knows Tomorrow’
Granard native, Sister Margaret C Ledwith, recently launched her autobiography 'Who Knows Tomorrow' on Sunday, September 17 at the Dublin headquarters of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary.
In this 450 page book, which includes 120 photographs covering her life, Sr Margaret weaves a beautiful story of her experiences, challenges, joys and dangers in the book, always emphasising that her story is also the story of all the Missionaries.
Sr Margaret explained, “I was a teenager and in my final year in Cnoc Mhuire Secondary School in Granard when two Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary showed us the film called 'Out of the Darkness'. Bishop Shanahan CSSp spoke in the film of the urgent need for education and health care for the women and children of Nigeria. His words were an inspiration to me.
“In order to achieve my dreams of helping in this work, I decided to enter with the Sisters in Killeshandra, Co Cavan. This I did on October 13, 1955. Having completed my religious and professional training, I found myself in August 1964 on my first missionary journey to Makurdi, Northern Nigeria.
“Many things in my new environment caught my attention, including one slogan written on large trucks which read 'Onye ma echi' which translates as 'Who Knows Tomorrow', a truism that has stayed with me.
“Coming from a small town in county Longford, to the vastness of Europe, Africa and the Americas where I spent time intermittently over 60 years, was eye-opening. On my missionary journeys I enjoyed interacting with different people and experiencing their cultures.
“Through trials and tribulations, celebration and loss, the sufferings endured seemed to bring out the best in humanity. It was heartening to see the tremendous growth and development that empowered people to make better lives for themselves.
“I say all for the glory of God and his creation. Rejoice with me now that I have managed to complete my memoirs. I hope that you enjoy reading my autobiography as much as I have enjoyed writing it. This is my story and I am pleased to share it with you.”
Margaret C Ledwith’s memoir ‘Who Knows Tomorrow’ is available online via Bruhenny Press and also from the Missionaries of the Holy Rosary 48 Temple Road, Dartry Dublin 6. The cost is €20 per copy and proceeds from the sale of the book will support the work of the Missionary Sisters.