Sister M Alacoque Doran MSA Rest in Peace

by Admin · April 21, 2023

16 May 1936 -28 February 2023 –

By Fr Sean Collins CSsR – Born on May 16, 1936, Margaret Doran followed her elder sister Mary to Grahamstown to join the Missionary Sisters of the Assumption who ran their renowned Convent School at Ballynahinch Ulster, not far from the Doran farm.

She became Sister Alacoque while Mary became Sister Ancilla who survives her.

While Sister Ancilla was sent as a missionary Sister to Nigeria, Sr Alacoque remained in South Africa, qualifying in teaching, and serving in several Assumption Convents around South Africa.

Tall, gracious and strikingly beautiful, Sr Alacoque had the love and respect of all her pupils and colleagues.

She left a lasting impression at St Augustine’s Boys’ School in Port Elizabeth but made it known to her Superiors that she wished to work with poorer children.

She was sent to St Teresa’s Primary School, in the Coloured community of Somerset East. There she spent the rest of her teaching years as Principal. She worked tirelessly to improve the school and with relentless resourcefulness, virtually rebuilt and extended the whole School to the highest standards, and became a leader and inspiration in Somerset East.

She was equally admired by Big Business Corporate magnates who responded to her fund-raising. Sr Alacoque was passionate in educating her learners, assisting and encouraging many in reaching their full potential. She would warn them, “Without qualifications, you achieve nothing.”

Upon reaching retirement age, Sr Alacoque responded to the Aids pandemic in South Africa, by acquiring the skills and training to lead the Education For Life Programme in Grahamstown and surrounding areas, among the youth and adults. Education for Life was a holistic programme, advocating chastity inside and outside of marriage. In this, her gift as a good team player contributed to the success and respect of the Programme.

Sr Alacoque was later sent to other Communities of the Assumption Sisters, with a special care in training their young candidates and new Sisters, relating well to them and also helping the many elderly Sisters needing care.

Sister Alacoque inspired many in the practice of their faith, and, in following her unselfish example of service in the Church, several priests and younger nuns were inspired in their vocations by her.

Despite her zeal, Sr Alacoque had a terrific sense of humour, even in her debilitating last illness. Sr Alacoque passed away on February 28, 2023

Fr Sean Collins CSsR…pupil of 1969