Gratitude and grace reflected in lives of SSMN jubilarians
Sister Patricia Ste. Marie, Sister Miriam NeSmith, and Sister Patricia Ridgley pose for a photo after Mass on Sept. 8, 2025 at Our Lady of Victory Center. The three Sisters of St. Mary of Namur were honored for 65 years of religious life. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)
A peace and justice advocate, adult formation teacher, and parish social outreach coordinator.
Three dedicated women, who spent the last 65 years doing “a little good” in the world as Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, were honored Sept. 8 during a jubilee Mass and reception at the Our Lady of Victory Center in Fort Worth.
Sister Patricia Ridgley, Sister Patricia Ste. Marie, and Sister Miriam NeSmith entered the convent as young ladies in 1960 hoping to follow in the footsteps of the religious educators who taught them in the Catholic schools they attended. Decades later, the jubilarians still recall the good works they witnessed as youngsters.
“I remember seeing the sisters praying in the chapel and being impressed by some of the things they did,” said Sr. Miriam who entered the convent after graduating from Our Lady of Victory Academy. “When they did ministries with families, I sometimes went with them and that spoke to me so much. I thought maybe this is where God wanted me to be.”
After joining the religious community, the Fort Worth native spent six decades in the classroom teaching before moving into parish-related ministries. She worked as an English as a Second Language instructor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and later helped the poor obtain food and other resources at St. Rita Parish.
“I love being with God’s people, and I love the mission of the Sisters of St. Mary,” Sr. Miriam added, recalling how she handed out sack lunches to the homeless in the area.
Surrounded by members of her community and friends, the sister expressed gratitude for the past 65 years.
“It’s God’s grace that has led me here this long,” she expressed with certainty.
Choosing love, service
Celebrated on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the jubilee Mass, concelebrated by Father Richard Flores and Father Tim Gollob, highlighted how Mary’s example of faithful discipleship encouraged the three jubilarians to say yes to God’s plan for their lives.
“Like Mary, they too accepted to follow the Lord faithfully,” Fr. Flores said, welcoming the congregation. “We ask the Lord to renew within us the spirit of service and love for God’s people that is embodied in these religious sisters.”
He told the gathering that 65 years ago, the honorees chose a path of love, service and presence to literally thousands of people — people they didn’t know until their journey took them to places served by the Sisters of St. Mary in Fort Worth, Dallas, Wichita Falls, Belgium, and Rwanda.
“Wherever they were went, that became home,” the homilist continued. “And the people they served became family.”
Whether in the classroom, leading Bible study, or just being someone people trusted to unburden the pain in their hearts, “You said yes to do ‘a little good’ wherever you went,” Fr. Flores said, addressing the sisters. “You have experienced God’s presence over these 65 years, and He continues to accompany you. Your lives are a testament that God is with us.”
Being inspired
As a fourth-grade student at St. Alice (now Holy Family) Catholic School in Fort Worth, Patricia Ste. Marie knew she wanted to become a religious sister.
“I was taught from the first grade by the Sisters of St. Mary, and I was really inspired by them,” recounted the former second grade and high school religion teacher. “It’s been a wonderful 65 years. I still remember the day I entered. There wasn’t much to it. We came to this building, they showed us our room and then we went to chapel.”
After almost 12 years in the classroom, she settled in Wichita Falls where the educator helped with adult formation, RCIA (now known as OCIA), and different Bible study classes at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Wichita Falls.
“Scripture studies is my favorite thing to do,” Sr. Patricia Ste. Marie admitted.
Her advice to other young woman discerning a religious vocation stems from her own experience.
“Ask the Lord if that is what He wants you to do,” she explained. “That’s what I did, and the Lord said yes.”
A deep thanksgiving
“Unexpected discoveries.” That’s how Sr. Patricia Ridgley described her life as a Sister of St. Mary of Namur.
“God leads in mysterious ways,” said the Our Lady of Good Counsel High School alumna who considered becoming an airline stewardess after graduation. “As a sister, one thing led to another, and you never know what tomorrow will bring. As a woman, you do what needs to be done and my life has been about that too.”
Over the years, the Dallas native worked as an educator, in parish ministry, as a peace and justice advocate in the Diocese of Dallas, and director of the Maryknoll Mission Education Center. She is now part of the leadership team for the SSMN western region.
“I have deep thanksgiving in my heart,” Sr. Patricia Ridgley said, reflecting on her vocation. “I’m so grateful for all the people who accompanied and surrounded me for 65 years. Some are still here, and some have gone to God.”
A blessing to all of us
Rosemary Hayes considers the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur part of her family.
“I’ve been with them my whole life from the first grade to now,” enthused the 77-year-old who started the SSMN Auxiliary in 2003.
Every Saturday, she makes flower arrangements for the OLV Center’s dining room tables and the sisters are always appreciative and complimentary.
“They are a blessing to all of us,” Hayes added. “Some are in their 90s and are still working and taking care of each other. I just love being around them.”
Sister Miriam NeSmith smiles as she is recognized during Mass on Sept. 8, 2025 at Our Lady of Victory Center. She and two other Sisters of St. Mary of Namur were honored for 65 years of religious life. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)