Nearing her 105th birthday, Sister of Mercy remains a blessing and an example

During Thanksgiving time, those who know Sister of Mercy Concetta Medina, who will turn 105 on Saturday, are grateful for her powerful example of what it means to live a long and joyful life in service to Christ and others.

A resident of Newport House on the Immanuel Village Campus in Omaha, Sister Concetta was born in San Pablo, Colorado, on Nov. 29, 1920, the same year Saint John Paul II was born.

Although most of her immediate family members and the Sisters of Mercy of her generation have passed away, Sister Concetta is surrounded and loved by younger members of her congregation, extended family, and residents and staff at the Newport House, according to her friend and fellow Sister of Mercy Monica Reichmuth.

“Her attitude is so good,” Sister Monica said. “She knows she is amongst people who love her, and they dote on her.”

Kimberly McGlade’s mother, Dian Monahan, lives across the hall from Sister Concetta. McClade said that when visiting her mother, she has witnessed Sister Concetta’s “incredible spirit” and enjoys listening to Sister Concetta sing in the dining room, where she is also often found helping to wipe down tables after meals.

“At 105, she is proof that age is just a number,” McGlade said. “Her vitality is simply amazing; even with a walker, she walks faster than me.”

Sister Concetta entered the Sisters of Mercy on Sept. 5, 1943, at the former Mt. Loretto motherhouse and novitiate in Council Bluffs. She took her perpetual vows on Aug. 16, 1949, choosing the motto “Jesus.”

Sister Concetta spent nearly 50 years teaching and in educational administration, including 15 years in Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Omaha, including St. Wenceslas and Holy Cross, and the former St. Patrick, St. Agnes and Assumption. She also worked in schools in New Mexico, Missouri and Colorado.

After a half-century working in education, Sister Concetta now enjoys a slower pace and life’s simple pleasures – like dessert.

Monahan speaks affectionately of Sister Concetta’s spark and determination, including her negotiating skills at the dinner table when dessert is involved.

“Anyone who can move that quickly when there’s a cookie waiting clearly knows the secret to a long and happy life,” Monahan said.

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