Franciscan Missionary Sisters of
Littlehampton
| Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Littlehampton |
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Latest News
Francis,
the Holy Jester |
Tuesday
21 September 2010 7.00pm |
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Not to be missed Francis, the Holy Jester - Performed by Mario Pirovano Tuesday 21 September 2010 7.00 pm St Joseph's Chapel - Littlehampton. Written and directed by Dario Fo recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature 1997. Translated and performed by Mario Pirovano, friend and collaborator of Dario Fo. The charismatic Pirovano acts out episodes in the life of St Francis and the result is a deeply entertaining and informative theatrical experience. Tickets £5.00 'This production is the most entertaining and funny history lesson you could hope to see, given a captivating performance by the Charismatic Pirovano.' David Chadderton ***** British Theatre Guide Admission by ticket only. Limited numbers. Telephone: 01903 714039 for tickets |
| FMSL Blog - Monsignor Michael Jackson's Talks | ||
| The FMSL Sisters have been very fortunate in having Monsignor Michael Jackson lead several days of reflection and a day retreat on the life of St Francis and his spirituality. It has been decided to make Monsignor Jackson’s talks available via an FMSL Blog. Please follow the link below to the blog. If you feel moved by anything you have read there, please feel free to add your own comment to the blog. May the Lord bless you and give you peace. |
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| Five Franciscan Jubilarians | ||||
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Sisters (left to right) Felicity, Fabian. Attracta, Clara, and Regina. Photo By James Clevett |
On
Tuesday 15 June 2010 Five Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Littlehampton
celebrated a total of 280 years in service of the Lord. Sisters Attracta,
Fabian and Regina celebrated their Diamond Jubilee of Religious Profession.
Sisters Clara Eugene and Felicity celebrated their Golden Jubilee. For a total of 280 years their hearts have belonged to Jesus Christ and the Gospel life under the Franciscan Rule. Through their many and diverse gifts they have given witness to God and touched countless lives in numerous ways. Between them they have given so much to many. It would be impossible to recount each career in detail, but here is a very brief snippet just to give a flavour of their vocation. |
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Sr
Eugene Clara has worked in Peru for many years and the fruits of her work
are evident in the number of children the FMSL Mission in Santa Rosa has
enabled to go to University. Sr Felicity has only just retired from nursing
at Worthing Hospital and countless patients have benefited from her calm,
caring and genuine concern for their well-being. Sr Attracta taught for
many years and was Headmistress at the FMSL School in Copthorne. Many
ex-pupils who still keep in touch fondly remember her. Srs Fabian and
Regina provided invaluable management services to the Bishops in the Dioceses
of Leeds and Hexham & Newcastle during their vocation. Their management
skills, hospitality and spiritual life have been essential to the various
assignments to which they have been posted. The Sisters also worked in
the parish visiting the sick, housebound and elderly. |
Srs Promodini & Elizabeth lead the offertory |
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Srs Fabian, Felicity, Bishop Kieran, Attracta, Eugene Clara and Regina |
The
chapel was full to capacity with family, friends and fellow Sisters gathered
together to join the Mass of Thanksgiving. Our Bishop Kieran concelebrated Mass with 13 priests. Father Roger Caswell from the local Anglican Church was on the sanctuary. Our visiting Sisters from Mysore (India) and novices from Canterbury led the offertory procession by singing and dancing down the aisle in a traditional Indian style. The Mass was followed by a superb celebratory lunch. It was a very joyful, memorable and spiritual day for everyone, made possible by the excellent service of our dedicated Sisters, staff and our FMSL Friends who waited on the Library Guests. The celebration continued into the evening with music and dancing. Congratulations to the five Jubilarian Sisters. Thank you for 280 years of faith witness to the Franciscan rule of life and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You awaken in us today a new awareness to the importance of Sisterhood, community and the dignity of each person. May you all receive continued blessings from the Lord in the years ahead. |
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| Visit from our Mysore community | ||
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Sisters
Promodini and Elizabeth arrived from our Mysore Mission House on Tuesday
11 May 2010. After a short stay at St Joseph's (Littlehampton) they joined
our Canterbury community. They remain in Canterbury until the end of June.
They will spend the rest of their time visiting our UK communities. For
further details of their visit and pictures please visit our: FMSL
Initial Formation Blogspot |
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| New Postulant | ||
Sister
Innocentia has been received into the FMSL postulancy and has moved from
Littlehampton to our Canterbury community to continue her formation. |
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| The Sussex Gruffs Male Voice Choir Concert | ||
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On Monday
10 May 2010 the Sussex Gruffs Male voice chior gave a charity concert
and raised £269 for the Sisters' missions in Peru and India. The
choir was formed in July 2009 and now has 32 voices and create a very
good rich sound which characterises a male voice choir. The purpose of
the choir is to have fun and raise money for charity. They will be performing
in the Durrington Festival in June 2010. For further details visit their
website: Sussex Gruffs Male
Voice Choir |
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| Garage Sale | ||
| Our
Garage sale on 17 April 2010 raised £320 in five hours. We thank
all our Friends who came and prepared, manned stalls and cleared away
afterwards. A few items are going to auction and when this happens we
will add to the above total. |
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| The Blessing of the Old House | ||
| The
blessing of the Old House on 19 March 2010. About one hundered people
availed themselves of the opportunity to see the renovations of this more
than three hundred year old house where a lot of the original charateristics
were preserved. The furniture etc. was donated by good friends. Our friends
set to and again prepared the inside and garden for this big day. The
local press gave us coverage. It has been used since for guests of our
patients and convent and people come for quiet days and breaks. It is
a beautiful haven of peace and tranquility. Please pray for Mr Cecil Heighton
who gave us the house in 1991 as a gift. Story
by Sr Anastasia |
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Photographs by Malcolm
McCluskie, courtesy of Littlehampton Gazette |
The Old House front view |
The Old House rear view |
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| Anne Collins 90th Birthday | ||||
Around
50 people gathered in St Joseph’s convent chapel on Monday 1st March
for a thanksgiving Mass to celebrate Anne Collins 90th birthday. The Mass
was concelebrated by Fr Tony Collins, Anne’s son, Fr Albert (parish
priest) Fr Peter Rogers (resident chaplain) Fr Daryl George, Canon Richard
Quinlan and Cannon Jimmy Pannet. Anne’s daughter Mary assisted in
the offertory procession accompanied by one of Anne’s Secular Franciscan
colleagues. Anne has been a member of the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO)
for 59 years. Since 2005 Anne has been a distinguished and popular resident in St Joseph’s Nursing Home. She has always maintained very strong links with the parish and Franciscan community. After Mass Fr Tony had two special surprises for his mother. A framed Papal blessing and rosary from Pope Benedict. The second surprise was a personal letter from Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor. During the reception afterwards, organised by the FMSL Sisters, Anne was able to meet and speak with many friends, parishioners, FMSL Sisters and fellow Secular Franciscans. |
Fr Tony, Anne Collins and Mary (daughter) |
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| Day of Reflection 9 February 2010 | ||||
Mgr Michael Jackson |
Parishioners from several local parishes joined the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Littlehampton (FMSL) to celebrate a Day of Reflection led by Mgr Michael Jackson. The theme of the day was ‘In the footsteps of St Francis, the outward journey: Chaste and forgiving love.” The inward journey is a journey of repentance; the outward journey one of chaste and forgiving love embracing the fundamental Franciscan spirituality, of poverty and humility. We reflected on how St Francis and his followers took the humility of the Incarnation and the charity of Christ’s Passion as lamps for their steps as they tried to follow Christ perfectly in their relations with others. An examination of conscience guide was prepared for participants to use during exposition of the ‘Blessed sacrament.’ The afternoon started with a penitential service and the opportunity for individuals to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Bishop John Crowley, Mgr Michael Kirkham (who were holidaying at the convent) and Fr Peter Rogers (our resident chaplin) joined this special service. The day concluded with the celebration of Mass and all four priests concelebrating The next day of reflection is Tuesday 14 September 2010. Please let us know if you would like to join us. Suggested donation for the day £5.00 (five) pounds. To include, teas, coffee and a simple lunch of bread and soup. To contact the Sisters please e-mail: fmsl@franciscan.co.uk |
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| Burgess Hill Talent show 17 January 2010 | ||||
The FMSL Sisters of St Anne’s Residential Care Home were among the main organisers and encouragers of the St Wilfrid’s Parish Talent show. Not only were they pivotal in arranging the show, Sisters Felicity and Martha took part. It was truly a parish occasion and the hall was filled to capacity. It was so refreshing to see such a wide range of age groups not only performing, but also in the audience. Spectators were entertained with a full programme which included popular Scottish songs, Irish dancing, Latin dancing, two very talented young rock groups and the surprise duet Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee (alias Srs Felicity and Martha). It simply would not be fair to pick any one act out, they all worked as a very well rehearsed team. However, it is suspected that Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee will be remembered for a long time. The FMSL Sisters are very active and well known in the parish and as revealed at the talent show, willing to turn their hand to anything!
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Tweedle Dum & Tweedle Dee (Sisters Martha and Felicity) The event raised the magnificent sum of £1,500.00, which will go towards the St Wilfrid’s church restoration fund. A
big thank you to you all for a wonderful afternoon and we all look forward,
with eager anticipation, to the next production. |
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| Gift Aid Scheme | ||
The
Sisters are now 'Gift Aid' registered. Gift Aid makes every £1 you
give worth about 25p more, at no extra cost to you. To qualify for 'Gift
Aid' you must pay an amount of income tax and or, capital gains tax at
least equal to the tax the charity reclaims on your donations in the appropriate
tax year. If you wish to 'Gift Aid' your donation, please contact Sr Anastasia
to obtain the appropriate form. |
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| Restoration and Refurbishment of the 'Old House' | ||
| The roof is completed. Just a few small areas now require the finishing touches. There is still much work to be done and soon work will start on the inside of the house. We are hoping that all the work will be completed by the middle of January 2010. The target for the restoration of the 'Old House' is £200,000 there is still a long way to go. | ||
| Rustington Friendship Singers | ||
| On Wednesday 9 December 2009 The Friendship Singers of Rustington donated £362.50, the proceeds of their Carol Concert held at Rustington Methodist Church Hall to the Sisters restoration fund. | ||
| Buy-a-Tile | ||
The
buy a tile a tile appeal which was launched on 10 October 2009 closed
on Easter Sunday 4 April 2010 when the target of £7,000 was achieved.
Thank to all who contributed to this appeal. |
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| FMSL Weblog | ||
For the latest news from our prepostulancy, postulancy, novitiate and juniorate, visit: |
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| Day of Reflection 14 September 2009 | ||||
On
14 September 2009 Mgr Michael Jackson delivered his second day of reflection
to the Sisters and parishioners at St Joseph’s convent Littlehampton.
Opening the day with his first talk Mgr Michael reminded us that we each
have our own unique relationship with God. Often it is difficult in our
hectic and eventful lives to find solitude and experience a divine encounter
with God. Using the practice and examples of the life of St Francis Mgr
Michael prepared seven situations on which to meditate. Participants were
encouraged to share a time of prayerful solitude with God by imagining
St Francis by their side praying with them and for them. The participants
were also encouraged to pray the Stations of the Cross during the day
in the garden or chapel. The afternoon session started with exposition
of the Blessed Sacrament and after Mgr Michael’s second talk the
day concluded with the Office of the Passion. The next day of
reflection is scheduled for 09 February 2010. The Sisters warmly invite
you to come and join them. Please let the Sisters know if you would like
to attend. fmsl@franciscan.co.uk |
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| Annual Retreat 2009 | ||||
Fr Seamus Mulholland,OFM |
The
Sisters were very blessed to have Fr Seamus Mulholland (OFM) deliver their
annual retreat at St Joseph’s convent Littlehampton (28 August to
3 September.) Parishioners joined the Sisters and each day, for a week,
Fr Seamus gave two in depth exegesis on bible extracts from Genesis to
John’s Gospel. He illuminated, provoked and challenged our preconceived ideas and invited us to see things differently. He reminded us that we can find ourselves filled with great joy and hope at the beginning of our faith journey together, but these expectations can so easily be ruined and we can find ourselves struggling, miserable and despondent. Rejected by those we trusted we find ourselves alone, but with God. |
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| Diamond Jubilee 20 May 2009 | ||||
240
Years In Total Service Of The Lord for four FMSL Sisters! On the 20 May 2009 Sisters Dominic, Ursula, Paul and Damian were joined by family, friends and fellow Sisters in celebrating 60 Years of Religious Profession. The Mass of Thanksgiving was concelebrated by our Bishop Kieran and 15 Priests. It was a very relaxing and memorable day for everyone, made possible by the excellent service of our dedicated Sisters and Staff. Their celebration continued into the evening with Music, Dance and Song led by Charlie and Steve on keyboard, accordion and guitar. Tony with his troupe of dancers encouraged participation. The happy day drew to a close with gratitude to God for his gift of Vocation and the gift of life. |
Photograph by James
Clevett |
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| Day of Reflection | ||
Day
of Reflection Monday 14 September 2009, at St Joseph's Convent Littlehampton,
starting at 9.00am and led by Mgr Michael Jackson. If you would like to
join us for the day please phone Sr Anastasia Tel: 01903 714039 to book
your place (suggested donation £5.) Includes soup and bread for
lunch, tea and coffee breaks. Theme: The Mountaintop. (The Cross, Francis,
My response.) |
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| The Barn Choir | ||
The
Barn Choir annual Summer Concert at St Joseph’s Convent Chapel is
scheduled to take place on Monday 20 July 2009 at 7.30 pm. There is no
admission charge, but there is always a voluntary retiring collection.
All proceeds go towards the work of the Sisters in Our Santa Rosa Mission
in Lima, Peru |
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| Sister Immaculata | ||
| We are deeply saddened to announce that Sister Immaculata died on Saturday 25 October 2008. Her Requiem Mass took place at 11.00am Wednesday 5 November 2008 at St Joseph’s Convent, Littlehampton. Followed by burial at Littlehampton cemetery. Please pray for the repose of Sister Immaculata’s soul and all the (FMSL) Sisters. See Notices page to read Sister Anastasia's Eulogy at the funeral Mass of Sister Immaculata. | ||
| Final Profession 8 September 2008 | ||||
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Photo: Sr Clare Bernadette thanked all who had joined her in her celebratory Mass. She especially thanked her Parents for raising her in the Catholic Faith and supporting her in her decision to join the (FMSL). She ended her address by announcing, “ This is the happiest day of my Life”. |
Deacon Anthony Jukes,
OFM (fellow student in the FISC with Sister Clare Bernadette) assisted
Fr André Cirino, OFM (Main Celebrant) Br Philippe Yates, OFM
(Principal of FISC) Fr Peter Rogers, Fr Albert Van der Most (Parish
Priest of Littlehampton) at the Mass to mark the Final Profession of
Sister Clare Bernadette as an FMSL sister on September 8th in St Joseph’s
Franciscan Convent Littlehampton. In his Homily Fr André reminded all that God’s call was for a purpose taking Sr Clare Bernadette away from her home city and people to the Franciscan women of Littlehampton to the (FMSL). He went on to say the purpose God had called Clare for was engagement with His Son Jesus Christ. “Your vow of obedience leads you to listen and hear what your spouse is saying to you. Go to the core of your being, inside your heart. In the prayer of solitude, obedience will enfold.” He went on to say that "Clare completely shares her gifts and as she shares them God refills them." He concluded by saying that "In chastity one's mind, body and soul is in constant communion with God and that we are spiritually energised." |
During the service Sister Clare Bernadette promised to respond to the mystery of God’s continuing call by uniting herself more closely to Him through the bond of Final Profession in the congregation of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Littlehampton (FMSL). After Mass, relatives, friends and FMSL Sisters joined Sr Clare Bernadette in a celebratory lunch. That evening Sr Clare’s sister Colette entertained those present with a shadow puppet theatre performance together with her boyfriend Tim and accompanied by the musical talents of their friend Leo. Sr
Clare Bernadette has recently returned from a six month Sabbatical with
our Mission in India, where she assisted with the formation of our Indian
novitiate. Sr Clare returned to England to receive the marvellous news
that she had passed her MA in Franciscan studies, with distinction. She
starts her PhD in October and will also be directing the Novices in their
formation in the Novitiate at Monte Bré, Canterbury. |
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| St Joseph's (Littlehampton) | ||||
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Sisters Mary Rose of Lima, and Mary Magdalene were received into the Novitiate on Sunday 7th September 2008. The ceremony took place during the morning prayers of the ‘Pilgrimage of the Heart’ retreat and therefore many of the Pilgrims were there to witness the event. |
Sr Mary Rose of Lima |
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Sr Mary Magdalene |
It was a delightful occasion. Each novice gave an explanation of why she had chosen her Religious name. The two sisters have now moved to Monte Bré, Canterbury, to continue their (FMSL) formation under the direction of Sr Clare Bernadette. We ask you to pray for all our sisters in the novitiate and we wish them every blessing for the future. |
| A
Pilgrimage of the Heart |
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The
Retreat was based on the Spirituality of Assisi and the surrounding Sanctuaries
associated with St Francis and St Clare.
Fr
André transported the group to Assisi, in mind body and spirit. Retreatants visited Assisi, San Damiano, The Porziuncola, The Carceri, La Verna and the Basilicas of both Francis and Clare. On a daily basis pilgrims were enlightened and inspired by the enthusiasm of Fr André. Pilgrims were invited to begin a day of solitude and reflect on St Francis’s document on solitude. Each day had its own special morning and evening prayers using the prayers and readings associated with St Francis and leading Franciscan scholars. These unique liturgies helped the pilgrim try to imagine and discover the faces of Francis and Clare, enabling them to turn their spirit towards the heart of Christ. Pilgrims
were renewed in mind, body and spirit and all were grateful to Fr André
and his assistant Sr Clare Bernadette (FMSL) for sharing Assisi with us
a city of light…a city of silence and eternity…a place of
and at peace…a haven of peace suspended between heaven and earth...an
oasis. |
Retreat: September 2008 at Littlehampton led by Fr André Cirino, OFM
Fr André Cirino, OFM |
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| Chapter 2008 | ||||
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Our 2008 Chapter
took place 14 -18 July 2008. Photo: (Left to right) Sisters Elizabeth,
Felicity, Anastasia (Mother General) Clare and Martha. |
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| Final Profession 18 June 2008 | ||||
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On Wednesday 18 June 2008 nearly one hundred people gathered at St Joseph’s
Convent Littlehampton, to witness Sister Antonia McGarrigle profess her
final vows.
Mass was concelebrated by Mgr Michael Jackson, Br Philippe Yates OFM Principal of the Franciscan International Study Centre (FISC) Fr Peter Rogers, Fr John Healy and visiting from the Ukraine, Fr Vasyl. During the ceremony, Sr Antonia promised to lead a life of dedicated service and to keep the Rule and Constitutions of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Littlehampton (FMSL). In his Homily Br Philippe reminded the congregation “Our Lord tells us that it is only by abandoning all that we think is so important and placing him at the centre of our lives that we will come to a fullness.” This is the heart of Sr Antonia’s dedication and life of service. After Mass, relatives, friends and FMSL Sisters joined Sr Antonia in a celebratory lunch. As always the staff at St Joseph’s excelled with their culinary skills and hospitality.
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Sr Antonia lies prostrate before the altar Following the Congregation’s Chapter in July 2008, Sr Antonia will take up her new mission with the FMSL formation Community in Mysore, India. We ask your prayers for Sister and the FMSL Chapter. |
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| Diamond Jubilee 8 May 2008 | ||||
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On Wednesday 8 May 2008 St Joseph’s Franciscan convent was filled for a thanksgiving Mass to celebrate the Diamond Jubilees of religious profession. The five Jubilarians
are, Sisters Bonaventure, Annunciata, Stanislaus, Benignus, and Ignatius.
All are Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Littlehampton (FMSL). Between
them they have three hundred years in God’s service. |
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| Sisters
(left to right) Ignatius, Benignus, Bonaventure, Annunciata and Stanislaus
after receiving their Papal Blessing from His Eminence Cardinal Cormac
Murphy O'Connor (centre). Bishop Kieran Conry (right) and Bishop Hugh
Lindsay (left) |
The Mass was followed by a celebratory lunch where our staff excelled themselves by sharing their expertise and hospitality. It was a joyful and spiritual day enjoyed by everyone present. Our congratulations to our five Jubilarians Sisters and we wish them continued blessings from the Lord in the years ahead.
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In Honour of Sister Stanislaus 60th Jubilee, The Yanks visit. (Letter from Presentation Sisters)
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We were warmly welcomed to the Magnificent Jubilee Mass by Sister Anastasia, Mother General. Later in the week, in expressing his gratitude to the Sisters at Holy Mass, Father Tom Dillion, cousin of Sister Felicity and Sister Ignatius, said, “You are an oasis in the wilderness on our journey through life.” He captured our experience with you beautiful sisters who truly reflect the image of God in your warm and welcoming hospitality, prayerful, respectful spirits, fun and charming ways, and delightful and engaging conversations. We were blessed to be with you as guests of Sister Stanislaus and Sister Martha whose auntie, Sister Martha Raleigh, was our beloved friend and mentor at our Presentation Sisters Motherhouse in Aberdeen, South Dakota, USA. We leave you and your oasis with our hearts filled with gratitude and renewed energy. May God bless you and all you embrace a thousand fold with peace, love and joy. In
the words of your Jubilee song, Laudato si, we pray, “Be praised,
O my Lord. For our life is but a song and the reason for our singing is
to praise you for the music; join the dance of your creation.” Sisters
Kay and Michelle, |
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| Franciscans Lobby Parliament | ||||
Seven Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Littlehampton joined about 300 fellow Religious from all over the country in a lobby of MPs in Parliament on the Feast of St George, 23 April 2008. This photo shows one group of Sisters from Littlehampton with their MP, Nick Gibb who shares our concerns for the imbalance in our world between the haves and the have nots. Sisters Angela, Felicity, Clare and Anastasia with The Right Honourable Nick Gibb (MP) outside Parliament. |
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We
all have a responsibility to share the goal of protecting the environment
and all of God’s creation. Climate change is threatening the future
of our planet which we all depend upon for our food, water and shelter.
St Francis offers us the example of sisterhood and brotherhood with all
God’s creation. Let us find ways to live simply, in harmony with
all people and Mother Earth; not exploiting but respectfully using and
enhancing God’s gifts. Thus we co-operate in the renewal of creation
with God the source of all good. |
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To
follow Jesus with a Franciscan heart is to lead one’s life with
the charism of St Francis. St Francis had a passion for peace. He searched
for simplicity. He respected creation. He had empathy for the poor and
lived his life in self giving. Our congregation inherits his charisma
and makes Gospel Living a simple reality, through community living in
sisterhood, sharing and working together for the spread of God’s
kingdom. |
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| St Francis (Mysore India) |
| Priya
Niru Damor from Gujerat has been received into the Postulancy. She has
completed her pre-postulancy and is very happy to continue her Spiritual
journey in the FMSL. Arpitha
and Jyothi have joined the pre-postulancy stage.
Please
keep all this new Community in your prayers. They pray each day for you
and your families. |
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REPORT
FROM SISTER BARBARA FROM PERU VISIT |
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The
earthquake affected Ica, Pisco & Canete. A lady from Santa Rosa (Our
Mission) had visited her sister in Pisco and told us that they had received
little help. We decided to go to Pisco and see for ourselves. The day
before we went, two of our parishioners went to the market to check various
prices and so we knew where to buy the goods that we needed. We hired
a mini bus. It arrived at 7 a.m. and Srs Anne Clare Barbara and the two
parishioners set off for the market. Where they bought 10 sacks of rice;
5 sacks of sugar; 5 boxes of tuna; 5 boxes of milk (canned) 3 boxes of
cooking oil (1/2 litres); 10 bags of Quaker oats.
Because there are 3 soles to the Dollar, we did well with our shopping. On the journey we opened the bags of rice and sugar and put them into smaller bags with about 2 lb in each bag. Then we put these smaller bags inside a larger bag with the tuna milk cooking oil and quaker oats. When we arrived at Pisco about 5 hours later – what a shock – buildings down & rubble everywhere. This had been put out to side of road to clear the site for reconstruction of houses. We had arranged to meet a Vincentian priest, who took us to various places to distribute the food. This was the same Priest who had just finished saying mass the day the earthquake struck, when the whole roof of the church caved in. Many people were killed including two Vincentian Sisters. He got a head injury and broken arm and was unconscious for 2 days after in hospital. We distributed the food to the people and gave the remaining sacks of food to the communal kitchens. The last place we visited had been a school. The rubble had been cleared away from the school and playground and there were 650 people living there in tents – it was cold as it is their winter. There was also a tent for a classroom for younger children and one for the older children; one for a chapel. The kitchen was outdoors. The food was in one place with tarpaulin round it and guarded by police. We left the remainder of the food there. We did what we set out to do i.e. to bring the food to those who needed it. Our deep gratitude to those who made it possible for us to do this through the donations sent with me. I went out to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of our Sisters in Santa Rosa but we did not have any singing and dancing that normally goes with a celebration like this. So many people were mourning the death of someone in the Earthquake. I will never forget the devastation and poverty of so many people – yet they were happy and content with their lot, amid the loss of home, family, friends and loved ones. A great lesson for me coming from a country of resources that can cope with even the smallest devastation. I just wished I had had a truck to remove the rubble at least! Please keep these people in prayer. It will be a very long time before they get their lives back together again. Santa Rosa, De Puenta Piedra Lima Peru. 10/10/07 |
| Sisters Renew Their Commitment | ||||
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Sisters Antonia and Clare Bernadette have both received the FMSL habit and veil. They both renewed their commitment for a year during the ceremonies, which took place on 18 June 2007 (Sr Antonia) and 8 September 2007 (Sr Clare Bernadette). Sister Antonia (left) and Sister Clare Bernadette |
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Peru Earthquake: We
are pleased to announce that the Sisters are all fine.
Everyone is shaken by the magnitude of the quake but little structural
damage appears to have been suffered in Santa
Rosa. Over the hill in Project Peru orphanage, some old houses
suffered, but no one was hurt. Sister Barbara has flown out to help. Please
pray for all those involved in this tragedy. |
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| Jubilee 2007 | ||||
The
9 May 2007 saw St Joseph’s Convent “bursting at the seams”
when Sisters Anne Joseph (Kerala India) and Clare Bowers (Knottingley,
West Yorkshire) celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Religious Profession
as Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Littlehampton. Sister Clare’s
Mum, her sister Marie and aunt Ivy were present from Yorkshire. Sister
Anne Joseph’s sister Daisy and husband Tony and family, her brother,
cousins, and their families and friends of both Sisters and representatives
from all our Convents as well as the resident Community at St Joseph’s
joined our Bishop Kieran Conry and 9 Priests in the celebration. There
was a mass followed by photo call and lunch. Our Kitchen Staff and our
other Staff, excelled in their hospitality and care of everyone. IT WAS
A GREAT FRANCISCAN CELEBRATION! Congratulations to our two Sisters and
we wish them continued blessings from the Lord as they begin another 25
years!!! |
Sister Clare Bowers and Sister Anne Joseph receive their Papal Blessing from Bishop Kieran |
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St
Joseph’s (Littlehampton)
and Santa Rosa (Peru) |
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On
the night £927.50 was raised to help keep the Comedor project safe.
A generous donation of £72.50 was received to bring the total up
to £1000.00. Further donations have since been received and the
total now stands at £1422.00. |
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We
the Sisters are grateful to all who share our work and to those who direct
money to the fund, in memory of a loved one who has died. All of you share
in the prayers of the Sisters, and Masses are offered each month for all
our benefactors. |
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What
is the Comedor? The Comedor is basically a canteen. It is an area where
food is cooked, en masse, for the community of Santa Rosa de Puente Piedra,
Lima Peru. |
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We
would like to take this opportunity to share with you some photographs
to show you where and how your money is used. |
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| St Anne’s (Burgess Hill) | ||
In
2006 St Anne’s Convent celebrated 50 years since the Stonor family
donated the building, which is now St Anne’s Convent and Rest Home
in Burgess Hill. To mark the event Mass was celebrated on 23 November
2006 by Bishop Kieran Conry. The Bishop was assisted by Reverend Rick
McGrath (parish priest) and Father George (assistant parish priest) who
is from Kerala, India. |
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| Some
of those who celebrated in St Anne's Chapel after the celebration Mass. |
Bishop
Kieran cuts the anniversary cake under the guidance of Sisters Stanislaus
(left) and Veronica (right). Sisters Clare, Attracta and Concepta look
on. |
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