Franciscan Missionary Sisters of

Littlehampton

 

Sister Anastasia

 

If you have any special prayer requests, or wish the Sisters to include you in their prayers. Please e-mail Sr Anastasia with your request: fmsl@franciscan.co.uk

Sr Clare Bernadette receives her ring during her Final Profession September 2008
(Photograph by James Clevett Littlehampton)

Sister Clare Bernadette

During my time at University, I deliberately forgot about the question of religious vocation. I took on the same ambitions as many of my fellow students: get a stable graduate career, good social life, my own place to live, maybe get married and have a family. After University, I did get a graduate job with career prospects in a printing firm, rented my own flat, had a fine social life. But I was not happy or fulfilled. After some romances that didn't work, I became sure that marriage was not my vocation. It was when I went on a weekend retreat that a crisis came in prayer. I felt the huge gap between what I believed in my heart and my self-centred, materialistic lifestyle. Then, in prayer, I saw myself as a Sister, my life's direction in God's hands, my work and talents used to spread God's word and love in the world. I saw myself living simply in community, free from all possessions and false images, just being myself for God. In this, I felt a surge of joy and excitement, as if a door to freedom had opened. I began to enquire into various women's Orders, writing letters and making visits while continuing in my job, sharing my journey with a spiritual director. Finally, the Holy Spirit led me back to my original call to be a Franciscan, and to the FMSL, where I saw women living out the spirit that was in my heart. Since then, I've found joy in the study of Franciscan spirituality and sharing this with others. I've lived happily in Bradford, Canterbury and Southern India. My work has involved: helping the homeless, poor, housebound, sick, drug addicts, youth, Gospel sharing, music ministry, teaching, writing, leading retreats, vocations promotion and spiritual formation of new Franciscan Sisters. Even with the normal ups and downs of life, I find deep peace and joy in knowing I am where I'm meant to be, following Jesus ever more closely in ongoing conversion. I wish that every person could know the happiness of living their true vocation, whatever it may be.

This article first appeared in the Portsmouth People

Sister Anne Joseph was born in Kerala, South India, the eldest of six children. Her family were Catholic, so she had an excellent Catholic upbringing. She trained as an Infant School Teacher and it was while she was on a retreat for teachers that she felt the call to the Religious Life. Jesus became her hero and inspiration. She spent much time in prayer and reflection and then made the final decision to do something about her call. “Where?” was the next question? Like Abraham, Anne felt called to England and so she joined Our Congregation – The Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Littlehampton - and so she left Kerala for an unknown land and people in 1979.

Anne followed the Congregational training as a Postulant, Novice and then made her First Commitment (Profession of the three Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience) 25 years ago as an FMSL Sister. She says that these 25 years have been fruitful, fulfilled and happy in the service of God and the Church. In 2005 Sr Anne was commissioned by the Congregation to begin our new foundation in India. She began her search for a place in Bangalore and ended up in Mysore where we have established a Convent for Formation of FMSL Sisters in India, under the guidance of Sr Anne Joseph and team. (See Mysore entry for more details)

On the 9 May 2007 Sr Anne Joseph celebrated her Silver Jubilee with Sister Clare Bowers FMSL here in St Joseph’s Littlehampton. It was a memorable day
and our Bishop Kieran Conry and Priests along with her cousin Fr Matthew concelebrated the Mass. Both she and Sr Clare were presented with a framed Papal Blessing for the occasion. They were joined in the celebration by family, friends and Sisters of the Congregation. It was a very enjoyable occasion and
Anne says she received the “hundredfold reward” as promised by the Lord.

Sister Anne Joseph is saying to you: “Is Jesus calling you to Follow Him more closely in the Religious Life? The Church and the World need your service of love and dedication. Are you prepared to accept his invitation of leaving all to follow Him?” This is not for the faint-hearted but God is your “help and shield” if you trust him. Are you interested?

Sister Clare with her Papal Blessing

 

Are you prepared to spend time in prayer and discernment to realise God's dream for you?

If you would like to know more about our community and you are considering a life following Christ in the footsteps of St Francis. If you want to be an effective instrument of justice and peace through love, and you are inspired by the life of St Francis. You are invited first to pray and after a period of discernment you are invited to contact me, Sister Anastasia, at fmsl@franciscan.co.uk or any of our Convent Communities who will help you further your faith journey. You may even like to arrange a visit.