Age 85
Aa well-loved spiritual director known to many in Southern New England, Sister Mary Costello provided individual direction to many persons who found in her a peaceful and faith-filled presence.
Originally from New York City, Mary entered the Sisters of Mercy in Tarrytown, New York, at the age of 18 after graduating from St. Catharine Academy in the Bronx. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and a master’s degree in education from Manhattan College in New York City. She also earned a master’s degree in spirituality from the University of San Francisco in California.
Initially a teacher, Mary moved to spiritual direction where she was naturally gifted and found her most meaningful work. She also found a welcoming community in Rhode Island and opted to stay in her new home state. She worked at Our Lady of Peace Spiritual Life Center in Narragansett, Rhode Island, and directed numerous retreats at Mercy Center in Madison, Connecticut, and Genesis Center in Western Massachusetts. In her later years, Sister Mary provided spiritual direction and guidance to the residents of Mount St. Rita Health Centre in Cumberland, Rhode Island.