We are deeply saddened to announce Sister Celestine died suddenly on Saturday 17 December 2011. She had been a patient in St Joseph's nursing home (Littlehampton) for a number of years. Sr Celestine's funeral took place Monday 10 January 2012 at 11.00am followed by burial in Littlehampton cemetary.

Sister Ursula O'Shaunghnessy FMSL RIP

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Sister Ursula O'Shaunghnessy (who had been cared for in our Nursing Home) on the morning of the 8 December 2011. Sister Ursula's funeral took place on Monday 19 December at 10.30am. Followed by burial in Littlehampton cemetery.

Sister Ursula was born in Dublin and made her profession in the FMSL 25 March 1949. She spent many years working in our St Francis nursing home, caring for the patients and supporting their relatives. In recent years she became a patient in St Joseph's nursing home where she died peacefully. She celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in May 2009. Please pray for Sister Ursula's sister Sally who is in hospital in Dublin and undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

We are deeply saddened to announce Fr Peter Rogers, chaplain at St Joseph's Franciscan Convent died on Tuesday 29 November 2011, after a short illness. His funeral Mass took place on Monday 12 December 2011 at Arundel Cathedral. Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Kieran Conry and priests of the Diocese followed by burial in Cathedral Cemetery nearby.

We are deeply saddened to announce Sister Attracta Fagan died 26 October 2011.
Sister Attracta was born in Longford Eire and made her Profession in the FMSL on 6 January 1950. She was a vey dedicated teacher in Copthorne and a Parish Catechist almost all her life. She moved to our Nursing Home here in St Joseph’s (Littlehampton) early in the year 2011 due to deteriorating ill health. She regained a better quality of life and was able to attend mass in the choir daily. She slipped quietly away to God on the evening of the 26 October 2011.
Her funeral Mass took place at 11.00 a.m. Thursday 3 November 2011 followed by burial in Littlehampton Cemetery. We ask your prayers for Sister Attracta; the Congregation; her family and all the pupils whom she taught down the years.
May she pray for us all from Heaven.

The Barn Choir Annual Christmas Concert took place on Monday 19 December 2011 at 8.00pm in St Joseph's Convent chapel. Admission was free, but as usual there was a voluntary retiring collection which will go towards the work of the Sisters in our Santa Rosa Mission in Lima, Peru.

Please see Our Missions page to see where your money goes.

We are delighted to announce Sr Anne McLaughlin was elected as our Mother General on 1 August 2011.

Sr Clare Bernadette Knowles was elected as Sr Anne's assistant.

Srs Clare Bowers, Anastasia and Barbara were also elected on to the council.

Father Peter Rogers Chaplain direct: 01903 711327

Generalate St Joseph's Convent direct 01903 711328

St Joseph's Convent direct: 01903 711326

Nurse Manager & Nursing Home direct 01903 711325

Registered Nurse Manager : Mrs Jean Bulley

Sister Clare Bowers Nursing Home Finance : 01903 711302

New fax Number for entire House: 01903 711329

Sister Anna Fidelis Canning FMSL
11 February 1945 - 5 July 2011

Dear Sister Fidelis, where does one begin when talking about someone of your stature and influence? We will miss seeing you with shoulder bag and high heels and not a hair out of place as we will miss your spirit Sister Fidelis! This Sister, rubbed shoulders with the great and famous. Daniel O Donnell (her pin up) sent the DVD with the track “Beyond the Rainbows end” for her funeral – his special request. This was a very fitting song for the gathering before our entrance Hymn. Our Sister was also equally at ease with the lowly and destitute. Her special calling in her teens was to follow the Lord very closely and lead others to follow him in their journey of life. We are proud to say that she was a great Franciscan – always tuned into others and their needs.

Sister as educator of youth in St John’s Primary School on the Buttershaw Estate, Bradford, was renowned for her enthusiasm, and meticulous presentations of classroom décor; lessons and assemblies. Back home in Community, she was a night owl and seldom went to bed before midnight, making sure that each child had daily work returned with an attached affirming comment. Linked to her teaching, she found establishing the Parish Youth Club and other out of school activities as a way of keeping track of pupils who had left Primary for Secondary/Grammar Schools; College/University. These older members took on leadership roles. Sister had the gift of encouraging a team of adult helpers. We have Jack and Kath, Helen and Caroline from Yorkshire who can testify to this! Thank you and all who supported our Sister Fidelis.

Despite this hive of activity, Sister Fidelis never neglected her responsibility to Community living within St Anthony’s and was unselfish in supporting the rest of us in whatever way she could. A great cook; entertainer and hostess, but God always took first place! She moved to Canterbury for a spell to be more involved with Formation within the Congregation but returned again to her beloved Bradford where her heart was.

Fidelis has her identical twin here. Margaret has some rare photo of the pair. I think Fidelis sometimes played on the identical bit to her advantage, when she wanted to deflect blame away from herself! Margaret tells the story of the day they went to the Church to make their second Confession around First Communion time. Fidelis went into Confession first and later came happily bouncing out. Margaret bounced in! The priest said “You can’t and don’t need to come in a 2nd time. Away with you!” Margaret became upset because she couldn’t go to Confession! The Priest came out and saw that there were 2 of them. Margaret got to Confession!! Fidelis grew up in an idyllic spot in Greencastle Co Donegal right beside the River Foyle’s water’s edge, with harbour and boats literally outside her window! She loved the sea. The sea was entwined with family history. Her father John owned a huge boat and every summer treated Fidelis and the family (along with fellow Donegal Sisters), to a long sea venture. These adventures came to a halt when Dad died. The family idolised our Sister and the close-knit family bond remained throughout. Whenever Sister couldn’t go home, Home came to her. Kathleen, remember Hubert changing Light bulbs in the Convent kitchen. Margaret, remember re-designing the front room! When Motor Neurone took over Sister’s life, you as a family came over and brought her home on holiday and gave her extra special TLC. You even bought a wheelchair- friendly- van so that she could revisit her childhood haunts. This van you have now donated to help another person in need, like Fidelis.

We sincerely thank each of you for your loving support of Sister, especially during these last 2 years. You were brilliant in your care and in the care of the Community and Congregation, as we helped each other came to grips with the finality of Sister’s illness. Your great support helped Sister accept her lot and she loved being pampered! Her love for you was great, and knowing Fidelis she will now pamper you from her eternal home, where she has joined Mum, Dad and the other special people who made up her life. I must also pay tribute to all the St Anthony’s Community for your 24 hour care of Sister, and the Bradford Health Authority who made it possible for Sister to stay within the Community. Marie Curie Hospice took over a few days before she peacefully slipped away to the Lord. Her care, both spiritual and physical, was of the highest.

I began by saying that Sister rubbed shoulders with the great and famous. You heard Daniel O Donnell sing. He also sent a personal message for today.

He writes: “I am just one of the many people who have been touched by the goodness of Sister Fidelis. I first met her very early in my career and from that very first meeting my Band members and myself had an open invitation to the Convent in Clayton and I can tell you we were frequent visitors, and enjoyed the many home cooked meals – a welcome treat for a group of lads away from home.
When we couldn’t make the Convent, Sister Fidelis and Companion would arrive with a slow cooker in tow, and when our Show was over, would serve us a full dinner (sometimes as late as 1 a.m.) and our 2 chefs waited to made sure we were all fed. Sister loved music and was a constant encouragement to me and because we were both from Donegal, we had many stories to share.
When her illness began to take hold and it was not possible for her to get to the Shows, I had the privilege of visiting her on a few occasions at the Convent in Clayton where we had spent so many happy times. Never once did I hear her complain or feel sorry for herself. I’ll be thinking of you all on Thursday. I only wish I could have been there to sing “Beyond the rainbows end” The tape has to take my place. I send my deepest sympathy to her family and Community. I know you will all miss her greatly, but I know like me, you will also have many happy memories of times shared. I am sure today, Fidelis you are enjoying your true reward for all your goodness on earth. May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.
Regards, Daniel

Thank you Daniel. Thank you to Patsy Cavanagh who told Daniel of her death.
Thank you Br Philippe from Canterbury; Our ever faithful: Mgr. Michael Jackson and Fr Peter (our Chaplain); Fr Stephen Innes OFM Cap from Pantasaph and all of you, particularly the Canning Family for being here with us. (Sorry Marian for omitting you from the list of Fidelis’ Sisters). Please add Marian’s name to your book. Thank you to our own Sisters and Friends and to my nephew Denis, for driving the Bradford Community here. After the burial in Littlehampton Cemetery, you are invited back for refreshments. Make sure you see the photos of Fidelis and Margaret as tiny tots!

May God hold you all in the palm of His hands AND
Fidelis, until we all meet with you again “beannacht dia leat”!
Funeral Mass St Joseph’s Convent 21 July 2011.
Sister Anastasia McGonagle FMSL.

We are deeply saddened to announce Sister Fidelis died on Tuesday 5 July 2011 in Marie Curie Hospice, Leeds Road, Bradford where she went for assessment. Her condition of Motor Neurone needed further medical help. Her death was sudden. Her funeral Mass took place at 11.00 am Thursday 21 July 2011, followed by burial in Littlehampton Cemetery. Please pray for Sr Fidelis's soul, Sr Fidelis's family and all the FMSL Sisters.

SISTER ANGELA BAUGHEN FMSL

19 OCTOBER 1947 – 7 February 2011

We thank each person who has come into Sister Angela’s life; who prayed with her and for her; who visited her; sent messages, flowers, chocolates, wine, and cake, ever since the news broke of her Illness in early September. She appreciated all the love showered on her by our Priests and people. May I add the Care given by St Barnabas Hospice Staff; Worthing Hospital; the Medical Profession; our own Staff and Sisters. The number of people who wrote and sent donations and called at the Convent since her death, is a great tribute to our Great Sister.

Angela loved flowers. We allowed you to send these but also asked that Donations would go to our Mission in Peru. Sister went to Peru in 2003, 2008 and 2010. She had a great love for the people and the work done by our Sisters and helpers in that Mission. Her enthusiasm overflowed to our Barn Choir. Their Concerts and donations have raised a total of £22,610.00 for this Mission. We are pleased the Choir is here to sing a final farewell to her. Recordings of the Santa Rosa children and Choir will also be played during this Mass. Angela’s Peru net spread far and so many caught this Mission bug! The local Sussex Gruffs put on concerts. The Edwin James Choir is performing Jesus Christ Superstar here in this chapel on the 18 March. Angela had been instrumental in the organisation for all such events. She so wanted to join our Celebration of 100 years as a Congregation on 5 June. From her sick bed, she designed in her head, our float for the Town’s Carnival in July. Sister Angela loved nice things and had very expensive tastes. (I never worked out how she came to grips with the latter in her living among us the simple Franciscan Life). She loved parties and excelled as chief organiser for Liturgical and Social events. Many, many people experienced her great singing voice, her love of Music; her skill at sandwich and Hot Dog making. Her greatest gift was her empathy and care for the vulnerable frail people, and those who had the cross of sickness to carry. Her sensitivity enabled her to apply the right approach to each individual situation. Many of you have met her in this way and were touched by her. Yet her touch went well beyond St Joseph’s Nursing Home. She was never lost for words and had the knack of making people feel at ease – except when her high standard of work or care was not being met. One look from her was sufficient to tell you which path you were on!

Angela titled the “Drama Queen” seemed to reach her height in crisis. Her inner strength and determination was very evident during her final 5 months of illness. About two days before her death she told me she was ready to go to Heaven. She was very resigned. Earlier when she had one of her low days, I said “Angela where has the desire for a miracle gone?” She replied” The Miracle has happened. I have come to accept the illness I have been given” Masses have been offered in abundance and a special Mass is being celebrated for Angela in Peru. This is indeed the Church united, all giving Praise to God for having created our Sister as a very unique person, full to overflowing with giftedness for life and love.

Sister Anastasia (Mother General)