Age 92
Sister Mary Concepta Meno was a Sister of Mercy for 73 years. Growing up in a very religious family influenced her vocation as did the coming of the Sisters of Mercy to Guam in 1946. Sister Concepta entered the Mercy Community on September 8, 1949. She recalled a most profound moment of her religious life when making her Solemn profession of vows: “This moment (and for the rest) of my life is for God and God alone.” She fittingly chose as her motto:” Thy Will Be Done.”
Sister Concepta received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Mount St. Mary’s College, New Hampshire. After graduation, she taught at Saint Michael’s School in Gastonia, North Carolina for a year. Upon her return to Guam, she taught at Santa Barbara School, Cathedral Grade School, and Saint Anthony Catholic School. From 1968-1982, she was the Administrator of the Infant of Prague Nursery & Kindergarten. In 2001, Concepta received the National Citizenship Education Teacher Award and was later named Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.
As a teacher of first-grade students, Sister Concepta’s somewhat stern approach to disciplining her students gave them the necessary experience to excel in their studies and have a real love for learning at a very early age. As these youngsters grew, they were able to appreciate how learning the “basics” from Sister Concepta led to their future success.
Sister Concepta’s later years were spent at the Mercy Care Center in Tamuning, where she was engaged in the community’s Prayer Ministry. She enjoyed making “artistic creations” works of beauty through her persistence, determination, and attention to detail.
Sister Concepta’s religious life was rich in faith and love for God and the poor. These grew stronger through the example of her Sisters in community. Inspired also by the life of Mercy Foundress, Mother Catherine McAuley, Sister Concepta emulated her closeness to God and her love for the unfortunate. “Each day,” said Mother McAuley, “is a step toward eternity.” Sister Concepta continued to live life fully until age 92 and was brought into the presence of God after 73 faithful years as a Sister of Mercy. May you rest in God’s eternal peace and joy, Sister Concepta!