Sister Carey (Mary Joan) Semos

Sister Carey, Mary Joan Semos, and her twin sister Carol, were an early Christmas gift to her parents on the 23rd December, 1942 in beautiful St. George’s Bermuda.  Reginald Carl Semos and Dorothy Jesse Semos welcomed their daughters and they were soon big sisters to their brother Reginald “Reggie.”  

Sr. Carey was blessed with a loving, happy childhood and education In Bermuda and enjoyed her many friendships formed with family and others.  

On a tour with her sister Carol she visited the United States and enjoyed it.  Little did she know God was preparing her way to CPS.

Feeling the call to religious life, she met with the pastor of Stella Maris parish in St. George’s, Fr. Vallimont, who mentioned that he knew of Missionary Sisters in Pennsylvania, through his niece Joyce, and he encouraged her to write to the community. Receiving a warm and welcoming response led to her coming to Precious Blood Convent on the 1st of July 1964.

Following her years of formation and Profession of Vows as a Missionary Sister of the Precious Blood on August 15th  1967, Sr. Carey qualified in social work and served people in the diocese with concern and understanding, especially the most vulnerable. 

She taught English as a Second Language to immigrants to make their adaptation to the USA easier. 

Her editing and production of “The Banner,” a booklet like Fr. Founder’s “Leaves,” circulated among the local communities here and sparked interest in our missionary ministries.

Sr. Carey was often the first contact that women who were interested in our congregation experienced.  Her gentle, humorous and wise advice was appreciated and mentioned by our Sisters during these days of reminiscing.

And then, God called her to yet another mission.

Sr. Carey lived with chronic illness for many years and her missionary spirit shone through those hard years too.  In the long-term care home, on days when she felt better, she was often found to be sitting with another resident who was feeling lonely or afraid.  She participated in all religious services offered and was the first one to help another to find their way to the dining room, or to reassure and encourage others in her gracious manner.

Towards noon on the 3rd of July 2024 we were informed that she had a sudden bleed and was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Reading, Pennsylvania.  It was discovered that she was too high a risk for emergency surgery and she also expressed that she did not want to have it.  Sr. Ethelyn, her lifelong friend, ensured that the Hospital Chaplain was called and she received the Sacrament of the Sick while still able to participate in it.  Then she was transferred to the “Comfort Care” ward where she received gentle and tender support.

Sr. Helena and Sr. Mary Bridgid were driving back from Canada and rushed directly to the hospital to be with her and were joined by Sr. Ethelyn and Sr. Catarina.  Peacefully, supported by prayer and care, she died, gently moving from this life to an eternal one.

We know that, in the words of her favorite Psalm 23,

Jesus, her Good Shepherd, carried her to the still, sweet waters and green pastures of heaven.  May she live in the peace and love of God forever.

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