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On 15^th September 2023, a celebration Mass of thanksgiving was held in St. Joseph’s Convent Chapel for six FMSL Sisters’ Jubilees of religious profession. Jubilee celebrations had been postponed since 2020 due to the pandemic.  This year, we were able to mark the Platinum Jubilee (70 years) of Sisters Philomena Flynn, Anastasia McGonagle and Dolores Delaney, the Diamond Jubilees (60 years) of Sisters Clara Lynch and Savio Faulkner, and the Golden Jubilee (50 years) of Sister Marie Therese Quigley.  Although Sisters Anastasia and Dolores were unable to travel to be present in person at the celebration, the Mass was livestreamed and some of Sr Dolores’ family members were able to attend.  The main celebrant was Rt. Rev. Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton.  Msgrs. Benny O’Shea and Michael Jackson and Canon Seamus Hester concelebrated.  The Jubilarians’ combined years of religious life totaled 380, as Bishop Moth commented during his homily.  We congratulate the Sisters and give thanks to God for their many years of dedicated service in the Franciscan way of life.

The Mass was livestreamed on YouTube:

Friday the 15th of September 2023 JUBILEE MASS with the BISHOP RICHARD MOTH – YouTube

From 2nd to 5th December, Msgr. Michael Jackson led us in three days (Triduum) of Advent reflection at St. Joseph’s, Littlehampton. At the end of this spiritually enriching retreat, on 5th December, we celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Sister Elizabeth Morris with Mass and lunch. Sister Elizabeth received a Papal blessing in honour of her 25 years of consecrated life.

We praise and thank God for Sister Elizabeth’s twenty five years of religious consecration in the FMSL. Congratulations Sister Elizabeth!

In January 2019, Sisters Susan and Clare Bernadette travelled to India to attend the opening of a new FMSL house. The first stage of the new St Anthony’s Convent was completed on FMSL land in the rural village of Belwadi, about 10km from Mysore city. The Very Reverend K.A. William, Bishop of Mysore blessed the new Convent in an opening Mass on 21st January 2019. The Mass was attended by around 100 guests including local priests and religious, and we are grateful to all who helped the community prepare for this. The building will enable the formation and training of new Sisters for our service to the poor in the spirit of the Gospel. The land and mission continue to be developed. We thank our benefactors for their generous support asking God to reward them.

While Sisters Susan and Clare Bernadette were in Mysore, Manju Ekka entered into her period of Postulancy in a short ceremony during Evening Prayer. We praise God for this great blessing.

We were blessed to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Sister Benignus’ Religious Profession on 21st November in Knock Community. Sisters Dominic, Rose and Clare Bernadette were among the guests who attended. Father Terence OFM Cap presided for the Jubilee Mass in the Convent chapel. After Mass, Sister Clare Bernadette presented Sr. Benignus with a Papal Blessing. A festive meal followed the Mass. We thank God for Sr. Benignus’ wonderful achievement of seventy years of life consecrated in God’s service.

Sisters in the UK celebrated with Sister Benignus earlier in the year during a Congregation Day.

Congratulations Sister!

On 30th September 2018, our team of four took up the challenge to ‘Go the Distance’ by walking 10km for the charity Turning Tides, whose aim is to end local homelessness. Rose, Susan, Clare and Helen represented the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Littlehampton among the 130+ participants who warmed up at the starting point in Beach House grounds, Worthing.

With encouraging words from the Mayor of Worthing and John Holmstrom, the Chief Executive of the charity, they were sent off along the sea front.

They were blessed with perfect sunny weather to enjoy the beautiful sea view all the way to the 5km point where they turned around and headed back to the start.

On completing the distance together, they were delighted to receive a medal and certificate each, but much happier to have contributed to the work of turning the tides for homeless people in the area.

The Sisters would like to thank everyone who sponsored and supported them on their journey. Thanks to so many generous contributions, they raised over 1000.00 pounds.

In November 2018, Sister Attracta celebrated her graduation in Adult Nursing with her group from Worthing Hospital.

As she had to be away during the Brighton University graduations, she celebrated receiving her BSc in Adult nursing with the following year’s graduates on 31st July 2019. She was joined for the ceremony in Brighton by a few Sisters and friends.

On Saturday 24th February 2018, Sisters Anne, McLaughlin, Rose and Clare Bernadette took part in a sponsored sleep out in Littlehampton in aid of Worthing Churches Homeless projects. The total raised by the Sisters was around £2,400. Many thanks to all who have supported them.

The summer concert performed by The Friendship Singers planned for 29th June 2020 has had to be postponed due to coronavirus restrictions on gathering and travel. The next concert will be held when this again becomes possible. Please check here for updates.

The Friendship Singers Christmas concert in St. Joseph’s Convent Chapel on 9th December 2019 was well attended. A retiring collection in aid of the Thejomaya De-Addiction Centre in Mysore, India, together with later donations, raised a total of £500.00. We are grateful to the choir for giving their time and talents and to all who contributed to the event.