AN EIGHTY-YEAR-OLD retired nun from Berhampore is reaching fans around the world with a video blog on the website InspirationalTV.
Mary Scanlon (pictured right) uses video blogging and emails to help spread her spirituality and principles.
Mary taught nursing for 10 years before she realised she had a gift with words and public speaking.
She now says writing is what she does well and she has been “enthused and empowered by her spirituality,” which she keeps alive through writing.
She began by sending monthly reflections to other sisters around the world, as well as one to staff and volunteers at the Mary Potter Hospice, where she is a trustee member.
As her list of followers grew, she realised she would need to find a more efficient way to reach them.
In 2005, she began getting short videos produced of her talking direct to camera about her philosophies. These feature every month on the Wellington-headquartered international website, InspirationalTV.
Mary also uses emails to keep in contact. “I realised it was the sensible way to communicate all the time,” she says.
At first she knew nothing about the technology, but she learnt basic computer skills at SeniorNet Wellington.
Nearly 60 retired sisters and nurses from as far away as Zimbabwe now receive her monthly reflections via email.
The theme of her blog changes every month and she says she gains inspiration from coming events in the monthly calendar, among other things. Past themes include valuing life, grandparents and youthful enthusiasm.
The location often changes, as Mary enjoys travelling all around Wellington. These include the Botanic Garden, the waterfront and the Brooklyn wind turbine.
She says she enjoys being spontaneous in front of the camera and by getting out of the house she doesn’t feel like a “funny little old fuddy duddy”.
Through the website she says she helps people to understand God and his values outside of the church, as well as the beliefs of Mary Potter, a nun who was dedicated to work and prayer for the dying and suffering.