Remembering Sister B

It is perhaps typical of her type that most Jamaicans never heard much, and knew little, of Sister Bernadette - unless they attended Alpha Academy, or were somehow associated with the school or the Roman Catholic Church.

She wanted it that way. Her reward was in her works. In a sense, Sister Mary Bernadette Little, who died on February 9, aged 89, epitomised the spirit that Pope Francis is now attempting to rekindle in the Church.

She was a member of Sisters of Mercy for 69 years, 49 of which she taught at Alpha, including the last 34 as its principal. She was an outstanding influence who helped to build Alpha into a school of excellence and sought to inspire in young ladies the beauty and dignity of womanhood.

Sister Bernadette might frown at the idea, but the Church and Jamaica should find an appropriate way to perpetuate her memory.

A funeral Mass for Sister Bernadette takes place tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, North Street, Kingston. A vesper service of remembrance for her will be held today from 5 p.m. at the Alpha Chapel, South Camp Road.

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