Marlborough – Sr. Agnes Therrien was born in Pawtucket, RI, the first of three children of Lawrence and Flora (Le Clair) Therrien. With her sister Diane and brother Richard, she had a happy childhood in this close and faith-filled Catholic family.
Agnes attended the parish school of Our Lady of Consolation with the Sisters of St. Chretienne as her teachers. Inspired by their example, she felt called to religious life. She attended the Juniorate program at St. Chretienne Academy in Salem, MA. After graduating, she entered the Novitiate in Giffard PQ. She professed her first vows on August 15, 1959.
Sr. Agnes devoted herself as a teacher for the next 21 years. She taught first on the elementary level at St. Stanislaus Parish School in Ipswich, and at St. Chretienne Academy in Salem, and later in the high school. At the closing of the Academy, she joined a group of her Sisters in a new mission in Tampa FL where she taught English at Tampa Catholic High and later at Bishop Feehan High in Attleboro MA.
Agnes served her Sisters in various leadership positions: as Assistant Provincial for 5 years, and then as the Provincial Superior from 1981-1991. She had a passion for peace and justice causes. She missioned three of her Sisters to Casa Esperanza in Houston TX to help care for babies with HIV. This was a source of joy for everyone as our mission is “to manifest to everyone the loving tenderness of God our Father with preference for the lowly and the poor.” (Rule of Life, #57)
After a well-deserved sabbatical at Weston Jesuit School of Theology, she became the Pastoral Associate at Notre Dame Parish in Waterville ME. From 1995-2001, she was the Pastoral Associate at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Beverly MA.
In 2001, Sr. Agnes felt called to ministry at Emmaus Spiritual Life Center in CT in the Diocese of Norwich. She and a Sister of Mercy companion offered spiritual direction and spirituality sessions in the local parishes. This was a Spirit-filled and wonderful time for Sr. Agnes. She connected with women in a special way, and “Morning Coffee with God” sessions were especially welcome in these parish settings.
Sr. Agnes loved her Congregation and had strong bonds with her Sisters here, in Europe and in Africa. Her deep faith fueled her concern for justice for those who were powerless. She had a strong sense of fairness and honesty, was well-read and passionate for justice both in the country and within the congregation. In the past two years, as we are now living at Marie Esther residence in a rich inter-community setting, Agnes developed new friendships with many Sister companions. She was also a member of a Spirit-filled women’s group, W.I.N.G.S, meeting at St. Mary’s Church in Holliston. In 2020, she led their winter session on the topic Great Themes of the Old Testament.
As her health declined in recent months, Sr. Agnes shared in Christ’s sufferings. She died peacefully at Marlboro Hospital on Tuesday, June 6. As we sing in our congregational hymn : “It is our place to be there, men and women, apostles with hearts afire~ to shine, radiant with His life like a flame in the night.” Her flame is vibrant as she now is with her Lord in the joy of His Kingdom forever.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 10:30AM at the Sisters’ residence at 720 Boston Post Road East in Marlborough MA. Visitation will be held from 9:15-10:15. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Beach Street, Marlborough, MA.
The Slattery Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.