Mary Ann O’Driscoll, R.I.P.

“I couldn’t really explain it in words but Liberia made me feel so close to God. My first time on the mission was so difficult; it was a real struggle and challenge accepting my vocation and my limitations. We all want to change the world in some way, and it is true that we must start with ourselves. The hardest part for me was accepting that I probably would not be changing the world or the mission in the idealistic way I had imagined. I started out as a teacher and packed that in quickly, it took me a long time until I realised I had to stop trying to “fix it” and start allowing God to use me how He wished. It is a huge challenge surrendering everything to God. Your weaknesses, your strengths, your worries, your anxieties and your ambitions. There is incredible joy in giving it all to God even if it means you feel powerless. My stomach turned at first but I just allowed God to use me as His instrument and the rewards were plenty. I did not even realise what Liberia meant to me until I returned to Ireland and realised what a home Liberia had become. It was a home to me because it is the place I feel closest to God”.  Mary Ann O’Driscoll, + 15 July 2015

The monks and oblates of Silverstream Priory are deeply touched by the tragic death of Mary Ann O’Driscoll in Monrovia, Liberia on 15 July last. We extend our deepest sympathy to the O’Driscoll family and assure them of our prayer in this time of sorrow. Mary Ann takes her place alongside Edel Quinn and Alfie Lamb as a radiant model of the heroic generosity and vibrant faith that has always characterised the flower of Catholic youth in Ireland.

The “Franciscan Works” blog relates the following concerning Mary Ann’s life and death:

Mary Ann was hit by a speeding vehicle in Liberia on the evening of July 14th.  She breathed her last at 1 am July 15th.

Mary Ann was a vibrant woman with an infectious, saintly faith.  At the young age of 24, she courageously served God and His people with a whole and diligent heart, never ceasing to seek and do God’s will.  She had the respect of the Mission’s Liberian staff, some who were almost twice her age, and she had the love and affection of the Mission’s youth.

Mary Ann was committed to helping Liberia Mission students grow first in Faith, then education.  During one of her first volunteer trips to Liberia Mission, she helped begin Soul-diers for Christ Ministry Program in which students of the Mission serve God and neighbor through outreach projects in the community.  Mary Ann also helped foster the Mission’s new Afternoon Program in which students learn skills necessary for Liberia’s common professions.

At the core of Mary Ann’s motives was a pure desire to serve God, and she did so with radiant Joy.  To gain deeper insight into the amazing person Mary Ann was, please read an article written in her own words for her home parish in Ireland.