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Sr Monique Moniquette OP died on Friday, May 8 at the age of 92. Her Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, May 13 at the Holy Name Convent Chapel.
Following are two tributes.
In 1976, some 50 years ago, two little feet crossed the campus gates. These feet, supporting a huge heart, carried with them great promise and potential. The promise of love and caring service and the potential of mission and vocations.
Small in stature but powerful in witness, Sr Monique Moniquette OP led The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Catholic Campus Ministry from 1978 until her retirement in 2012. The Chaplaincy at Carmody Road was a home away from home. “There are no strangers here, only friends we have not met!” says the greeting banner.
Her love was simple but meaningful: greetings at the door with her winning smile and warm hugs for young and old, her special kisses for the children. Her service: down to earth—a hot plate of food for the needy student; a listening ear for the struggling student; a makeshift bed in the hall for the tired student during exam crunch.
Her mission was sustaining faith and fellowship. This mission took flesh on campus in the Legion of Mary and a Bible Study group that later became a student’s charismatic prayer group after a Life in the Spirit seminar in 1979.
In 1991, under Sister’s leadership, the Catholic Students Movement (CSM) was formed after discussions with the Bishop of Jamaica and Fr Mike Stewart. It would form an association of Catholic university students to forge a sense of unity, Catholic identity and evangelistic zeal on campus.
For students having a real taste of freedom for the first time, the Chaplaincy and the CSM provided an oasis from the heat of the challenge to their values and virtues.
Her mission extended to students’ families through campus events, many of which continue today. The Lenten Production which began in 1979 saw a packed hall year after year. There were Graduation Masses, rosary walks, Stations of the Cross, Christmas hampers, retreats ‘down the islands’ or Point Fortin. The mission even continued during the vacation with visits to outlying districts to share the Word of God door to door. You name it, she did it!
We dare to say that she fashioned the vocations of priests and a bishop—Frs Hayden Augustus, Michael Moses, Ian Taylor, Kwesi Alleyne, Lindsay John, Mikhail Woodruffe, and Bishop Neil Scantlebury. She also happily witnessed over 25 marriages and held more than 50 babies.
Sr Monique, your legacy lives on! Rest in peace! —UWI Chaplaincy Alumni
