Sister Mary Celeste O’Bryan

Sister Mary Celeste O’Bryan is a Sister of Mercy who has been ministering to God’s people for 65 years. Thousands have been touched by her care, concern and compassionate spirit.

Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, and Jamestown, New York, along with her parents, Paul and Mary Bernadette O’Bryan and eleven siblings, Sister Mary Celeste learned responsibility and the give-and-take of being a member of a large family. With daily attendance at Mass and family evening prayer as part of the family routine, each one’s spiritual life was also nourished.

After entering the Sisters of Mercy in September 1950, Sister Mary Celeste began her college experience, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education from Medaille College and Master of Science in Education from Buffalo State College. Sister Mary Celeste took additional classes from Canisius College, St. Bonaventure University and Christ the King Seminary.

For 30 years, Sister Mary Celeste’s education ministry took her to a number of South Buffalo schools, as well as to Holley, Mindanao, Philippines, Jamestown, Niagara Falls, Olean, West Seneca, Orchard Park and Wellsville.

During some sabbatical time, she volunteered to help Sister Jean Frank at the St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen in Buffalo, and she was also asked to represent the Sisters of Mercy at the South Buffalo Ecumenical Association meetings. This organization was exploring the possibility of starting a South Buffalo Soup Kitchen.

In June 1983, Sister Mary Celeste accepted the position and responsibility of Director of the South Buff alo Community Table, presently located at the Good Shepherd Baptist Church. Under her leadership, it has grown to be one of South Buffalo’s flagship organizations, serving nearly 20,000 meals every year to the homeless and needy in the area.

Sister Mary Celeste’s focus, for 65 years, continues to be a compassionate love for each person she encounters. Her selflessness leaves an indelible impact on all those she serves, helping to make South Buffalo and all of Western New York an even kinder and more welcoming place to call home.