FMSL Initial Formation Latest

Christmas 2011

2012-01-22T12:22:00.001-08:00

Sisters Innocentia and Attracta were invited to spend the Christmas period at our Mother House in Littlehampton. This left Sisters Elizabeth, Magdalene and Clare with Willie to celebrate Our Lord's birthday in Canterbury. They were joined for Christmas lunch by two guests: Linda, a local parishioner and Sister Liesbeth from Indonesia, a Franciscan on sabbatical at the FISC whose return to her mission in Tanzania was unavoidably delayed until after Christmas.

From left: Linda, Liesbeth, Willie and Magdalene.

Sr. Liesbeth and Willie struck up a great friendship.

Willie (William Anderson) has been resident in a caravan in the grounds of the convent for over 30 years and is a much-loved member of our community.

Willie enjoyed opening his Christmas surprises.

SVP Christmas Party

2011-12-18T07:16:00.000-08:00

Sr. Magdalene (centre, in red Christmas hat)has joined the SVP group of St. Thomas' Parish in Canterbury.

On 11th December, she helped to provide entertainment for the SVP Christmas Party by singing some Christmas songs and playing guitar.

AGM of Josephine Butler Society

2011-10-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

The Annual General Meeting of the Josephine Butler Society held on the 12^th Oct, 2011 at St. Peter's Church Eaton Square, London.

I left with Valerie who is the chairman of the society at 1.30pm to board a train at Faversham. She began by looking into the minutes of their last meeting which were approved by the members.

Valerie Gore, Chairing the Meeting

After that, there was refreshment of sandwiches, soft drinks and tea which was followed by an input by a retired Chief Constable who has always worked hard against human trafficking,

Dr. Timothy Brain.

The Josephine Butler Society is a society of people who work hard to stop human trafficking and help those who are victims, whether they chose to do that or they have been forced into it. Much mention was made of children, and he praised THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY for raising awareness of children on the street prostituting and BARNARDO'S for doing a report with recommendations. Both charities are organisations whose work is to help children involved in any kind of abuse. Dr. Brain said that human trafficking and prostitution has been an issue in this country and that they have been working hard on it. Any kind of work relating to that should always be dealt with and not be ignored. He said that one of the major problems police face today concerning prostitution is that some police look at it as if it is a distraction to their work. They feel that they have to pay more attention to burglers, or any other offence more than that of prostitution.

He said that in recent years, it has increased and decreased. The number of those who are brought into Britain for this always gets higher in number. They come mostly from Asia, Eastern Europe, South America and Africa. Though some of these ladies are forced into it, when they have a way to escape and get the help they need, they can care for themselves. He said that children of 16+ should not be treated the same way as adults. Though it is a crime, there should be some consideration, because these children are victims. Therefore the best thing for them when they are caught is not to subject them to more punishment but to help them find a better way of life.

Some of these 16+ might have had difficult relationships, and then gone away from home, eventually getting involved with 'friends' who pretend to love them. They then teach them to drink, take drugs, keep secrets from adults, go to pubs and stay out late at night. Then these 'friends' will start selling them to men for money.

The meeting finished at about 8:20 pm. We helped to clean and put things in order and then headed for the train station.

By Sr. Innocentia

Making a Big Hash of It

2011-10-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

Sister Attracta, now one month in Novitiate, has begun to join Sisters Innocentia and Clare in voluntary kitchen work at the Catching Lives Centre for homeless people in Canterbury. On Friday 7th October they were working with volunteers David, Roz, Rebecca, Lawrence and Terry (staff). What can you make for lunch with vast quantities of donated apples, lots of potatoes and not much else? The answer was apple crumble and corned beef hash. After Innocentia made the crumble, more of the apples were peeled and stewed, to be frozen and used later. Here's how they went about making corned beef hash for around 20 people:

Wash, peel and boil around 30 potatoes together with 2 giant (or four average) chopped onions

Empty out 9 tins of corned beef (carefully) and divide into two large, deep trays. Chop up into small chunks.

Add to these trays:

The cooked potatoes and onion

a whole white cabbage chopped (cooked from frozen)

a large tub of blanched garden peas (from freezer)

several cans of mixed veg and carrots

sprinkle with salt and pepper

a generous splurge of a variety of bottled sauces: eg. ketchup, brown sauce, horseradish

Mix together.

The hash can now be warmed in the oven and served. It has a reputation for tasting much better than it looks.

From left: Sr. Attracta, Lawrence, Rebecca and Sr. Innocentia, peeling apples. Front: two trays of magnificent hash.

For more information about the Catching Lives charity, visit www.catchinglives.org

Welcome Srs. Lincy and Martha to Canterbury!

2011-10-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

On 5th October, Sisters Lincy and Martha from our FMSL community in India came to stay with us in Canterbury, as part of their visit to the UK. In the evening, there was an open public event at Canterbury Cathedral which the Sisters attended with us and with other Franciscans from the FISC. This included a beautiful choral evensong with the cathedral choir, a historical tour and exhibits of vestments from solemn historical occasions, such as the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Above, from left: Sisters Martha, Innocentia, Lincy and Attracta in the main nave of the cathedral.

Sisters Lincy and Martha will be with us in Canterbury for five weeks before returning to Littlehampton and from there back to India on the 25th November. We wish them a blessed and joyful time with us.

Sisters Martha and Lincy in Bradford

2011-10-09T03:52:00.000-07:00

During their visit to Bradford, Srs. Martha and Lincy from India became accustomed to dressing for the northern English climate.

While some local people seized the opportunity to put on a sari to welcome their eastern visitors! Here are Willie and Alice. They came to sing at a charity event attended by our Sisters.

This is an account of that fundraising event:

Seasonal variations are natural phenomena of the earth. It occurs rhythmically and systematically.Plants shed their leaves,come to life again, in human beings too there are unchangeable realities - life and death....................... This is a dance performed by our sisters Martha & Lincy depicting the same. This was done during a fund raising programme for drug addicts in an AMERICAN TEA PARTY in the parish hall of St. Joseph's Church, Bradford on September 24th.

By Sr. Lincy

Day for Religious at Aylesford Priory

2011-10-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

On 23rd September 2011, Srs. Attracta, Innocentia and Clare Bernadette attended a day for religious for Southwark Diocese at Aylesford Priory. Sr. Anne, Mother General, came too, as she was visiting Canterbury for a few days. Sr. Anne Bross FMSJ also travelled with us from Canterbury.

Fr. Martin Poulsom SDB led the day. He is a Salesian of Don Bosco, a lecturer at the Religious life Institute, Heythrop and an activist for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation. Martin is also a singer-songwriter and illustrated parts of his presentation by playing guitar and singing songs he had written. Bishop John Hine also attended the day, since Archbishop Peter Smith was otherwise engaged.

Fr. Martin gave a thought-provoking reflection about the state of religious life today with the need to unite its contemplative and active or 'prophetic' aspects. I was heartened to hear St. Francis of Assisi mentioned together with Hildegard of Bingen as two mystics who inspired a contemplative approach to creation. Yet it struck me as he spoke that the spirituality of Francis offered the very unification of contemplative and prophetic ('being' and 'doing') approaches that Fr. Martin was seeking to establish for Religious Life today. The value of this talk for me was to place Francis' significance for ecology in a wider context of Religious Life than the Franciscan family. It showed me the potential fruitfulness of dialogue, collaboration and networking with other Religious persons and groups involved in JPIC today. It was good to meet and discuss with representatives of so many different religious groups from diverse cultures.

Fr. Martin Poulsom SDB delivers his talk, 'Religious Life in the Midst of Creation, the Challenge of Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation.'

Srs. Innocentia and Attracta meet Sr. Elizabeth Obbard, a Religious Solitary attached to the Priory. Having been learning about the lives of women hermitesses and recluses at the time of St. Francis, they were delighted to meet in the flesh a modern version of the solitary vocation and to learn that Sr. Elizabeth follows the spirituality of Julian of Norwich, a 14th Century English recluse.

Photocall at the end of the day: Srs. Attracta and Innocentia with Sr. Anne McLaughlin (back) and Sr. Anne Bross FMSJ (front)

by Sr. Clare Bernadette

First Professions of Two OFM Brothers

2011-09-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 17th September, Sisters Attracta, Innocentia and Clare Bernadette attended the First Profession of Vows of Brothers Michael O'Grady and Marc Reimer OFM at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Woodford Green. The Sisters travelled by minibus with a group from the Franciscan Study Centre. The chief celebrant of the Mass was Br. Michael Copps OFM, the Minister Provincial. Br. Michael preached about the Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis:

The terrain of Mt. La Verna, where Francis was praying when he received the stigmata, is twisted and tortuous. This could represent the Cross of human nature contorted by sin that we are called to bear every day by living in fraternity. We accept the Cross because Christ has shown us that love ultimately conquers all the twistedness of human weakness and death.

Franciscan Spirituality, like Christian faith, involves us in the terrible beauty of the mysteries of death and resurrection. It involves sacrifice. In the case of Religious Life, the sacrifice of exclusive relationships. We also sacrifice the right to carve out our own life and career. Instead, we always have to ask ourselves how our actions will affect the fraternity. Religious vows, like marriage vows, are for those who wish to respond wholeheartedly to God's gifts of life and love by making a public commitment. Religious Life is a high-risk strategy for life but fortunately, we are surrounded by others who also believe it to be worthwhile.

Below: Br. Michael Copps, assisted by Br. Seamus, receives the vows of Brs. Michael and Marc.

After Mass, all the attendees were invited to a celebratory lunch in the friary. Friends and family of Brothers Marc and Michael were also there. Also present were Vincent, a postulant and Br. Feidhlim O Seasnain, who had just made first profession in Ireland. These will be joining Brothers Marc and Michael in the Canterbury friary. We pray that they all remain blessed and guided by the Lord as they follow Jesus Christ in the Franciscan way.

Brs. Michael (left) and Feidhlim with Srs Innocentia, Attracta and Clare Bernadette.

Br. Marc with Srs. Attracta and Innocentia.

Our Sisters in the garden at Woodford Friary and below: with Sr. Clare and Br. Seamus, who will be Student Master to the newly-professed friars in Canterbury.

Renewals of Vows and Reception of Novice Sister

2011-09-10T07:33:00.001-07:00

From 5th-7th September, the FMSL formation Community in Canterbury were joined by Attracta and Sr. Rose of Lima. Srs. Rose and Magdalene were preparing to renew their vows on September 8th in Littlehampton and Attracta was preparing to be received into Novitiate on the same feast day of the birth of Our Blessed Lady. The OFM Conventual Friars based in Canterbury also joined us for these few days of reflection and helped us prepare for the big day.

Above, top left to right: fr. David, Attracta, fr. Gerard, Sr. Magdalene, fr. Paschal, fr. Stephen. Bottom left to right: Sr. Clare, fr. James, fr. Maximilian and Sr. Innocentia in convent dining room (7th Sept) after a conference given by fr. David and a shared lunch.

On 8th September, during morning Mass in St. Joseph's Convent chapel, Littlehampton, Sisters Rose of Lima and Mary Magdalene renewed their vows in the presence of Mother General. Sisters from Canterbury and Copthorne Communities, members of the Secular Franciscan Order, FMSL Friends, the daily Mass community and other guests were also present.

After a celebratory lunch in the convent, Srs. Magdalene, Rose and Clare Bernadette took a walk on the sea front.

Later, during Evening Prayer, Attracta was received into Novitiate by Sister Anne, Mother General.

Mother General, having accepted Attracta's wish to enter Novitiate, asked Sr. Clare Bernadette, Novice Formator, to present her with the Bible and San Damiano Crucifix. Mother General then presented Attracta with the FMSL Rule and Constitutions. Finally, she was given the simple white veil of a Novice Sister.

After the Prayer, many FMSL and other witnesses were waiting to congratulate Sister Attracta. That evening, she returned with the Sisters from Canterbury to the Formation Community there, where she will be based for the next 2 years joining her fellow novice Sister Innocentia.

Back row left to right: Sr. Augustine, Sr. Anne, Mother General, Sr. Attracta, Sr. Martha (visiting from India Community), Sr. Regina, Sr. Philomena (Copthorne Community), Sr. Anastasia. Front row left to right: Sr. Lincy (India) Sr. Clare Bernadette (Canterbury), Sr. Dominic, Sr. Damian, Sr. Innocentia (Canterbury). Front: Sr. Rose with Tony III (Copthorne).

Please remember Srs. Rose, Magdalene and Attracta specially in your prayers as they continue their Franciscan journey in response to God's call.

A Surprise Visit

2011-08-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, Sr. Innocentia and I were just settling down to a talk about meditation in the convent library while Sr. Elizabeth was out shopping. Then, in came Sr. Magdalene with the announcement that there was a group of German scouts at the door in need of a cup of tea. The boys and girls with their adult leader were a sorry sight. Having been caught in a torrential downpour while hiking through the nearby forest, they were soaked to the skin. So we invited them in. There were, as it turned out, 12 scouts aged 11-13 plus a young man, their group leader. Our visitors' rucksacks soon filled the small library. We hung their dripping jackets in the laundry in the hope that they might dry off a bit and ushered our guests into the dining room, bringing in extra chairs. Then Innocentia, Magdalene and I ran to fill all available tea pots and bring out all the cake in the house, which soon disappeared. Most of them warmed up with at least two mugs of tea, although, brewed Irish-nun style, it proved a bit too strong for a few of the young people. While they were drinking and drying off a bit and visiting the rest room one-by-one, we supplied a weather forecast and directions to the Tourist Information. The leader was considering abandoning plans to camp and looking for emergency overnight accommodation. This was a Catholic scout group. Apart from the leader, all were having their first experience of England and its weather. After tea, they departed to walk to the Tourist Office in the town, still wet through but high spirited. The rain had stopped and the sun was trying to appear. We did enjoy their visit and they were grateful for the temporary shelter and hot drinks.

We never can predict what God might have in store for us in the middle of a quiet meditation session. So it's always useful to heed the scout motto, 'Be prepared', or, as Jesus put it: 'Stay awake, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.'

Initial Formation Group Supporting the Chapter

2011-08-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Srs. Magdalene and Innocentia took up a week's prayer ministry in Monte Bre to support their Sisters at the General Chapter in Littlehampton (1st-6th August 2011).

Sr. Magdalene recalls their special activities:

Holy Hour leading up to elections on Monday.

Mass offered for Chapter and especially the elections on the Monday.

Office x 3 daily where we tried to incorporate the themes of the day from Chapter

Regularly prayed for during Mass intentions

We shared with each other during our Gospel sharing too and in our recreation time. Even offered our daily 'Franciscan Crown' and 'Rule' readings up for the Chapter.

ps. The photos began with the Sisters who had died since the last Chapter: Immaculata, Fidelis, Angela, but grew to include as many of our Sisters who had lived at Monte Bre as possible ie Mother Angela, Paschal, Anne Joseph, Agnes and Xavier.

We thank Srs. Innocentia and Magdalene for their prayerful support and also Sr. Rose in Bradford and the community in Mysore, Attracta in St Joseph's, all our Sisters who could not attend due to illness and all our friends, Brothers and Sisters who were with us in spirit during the Chapter week.

What is more, on our return from Chapter, the Sisters greeted us with a home-made Franciscan apple pie.

We could not resist a Little Portion!

Diaconate Ordination 6th August 2011

2011-08-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

On the feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, Sisters Magdalene and Innocentia from the Canterbury community attended the Diaconate ordination of one of their Franciscan brothers, Martin Mikuskiewicz. It took place at the Capuchin friary in a beautiful church of Our Lady of the Angels in Erith.

It was a lovely ceremony that was celebrated by one of the auxiliary bishops, Pat Lynch.

Martin's parents and his elder brother came over from Poland. Many friends from his Mum's parish in London and friends from his former community in Oxford were all there.

The African sisters who were his fellow students at the Franciscan Study Centre did an African offertory dance. Some made it more interesting by showing some African way of dancing while carrying their offertory on their heads.

After the Mass, there was a nice buffet with cooked meals and finger food. There were many other Franciscan brothers present too.

Thanks to wonderful Merlyn and John her husband who drove us down and provided the bread and grapes for the offertory. We all enjoyed the evening and we continue to pray for Bro. Martin in his service to the people of God.

by Sr. Innocentia

Invocation 2011

2011-06-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

On the occasion of the Invocation 2011 Vocations Discernment Conference on 18th and 19th June 2011.

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

presents His special greetings to His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, to his brother Bishops, and to all those persons who are participating in Invocation 2011, the second national Vocations Discernment weekend for England and Wales, taking place at St Mary’s College, Oscott.

The Holy Father, in his Message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations this year affirmed: “It is a challenging and uplifting invitation that Jesus addresses to those to whom he says: “Follow me!” (MT 4:19). He invites them to become his friends, to listen attentively to his word and to live with him. He teaches them complete commitment to God and to the extension of his kingdom in accordance with the law of the Gospel: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it diesit bears much fruit” (Jn 12:24) He invites them to leave behind their own narrow agenda and their notions of self-fulfillment in order to immerse themselves in another will, the will of God, and to be guided by it”.

His Holiness cordially imparts to all the participants in Invocation 2011 and to their families and loved ones a special Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of abundant graces from Our Blessed Lord.

I have just had the privilege of attending the 2^nd Invocation Festival at Oscott Collage, Birmingham, 17th-19^th June, 2011. During this weekend the young people present have just blown me away with the strength of their faith commitment to hear God's unique plan for them.

To develop a strong life of prayer rooted in silence, scripture, liturgy and the Sacraments. To be open to the many vocational calls of all the major spiritualities, including that of Lay Consecrated Life. Finally, not to be afraid to follow Christ, to know that we are never alone. We are part of the one 'Body of Christ' made up of many parts, but strengthened in our whole expression, as we exchanged e-mails, facebook contacts, mobile numbers and thankfully, for me at least, the old fashioned mode of swapping postal addresses.

I will leave the final words in this following prayer of the festival, which I continue to pray for all our young people:

Lord God, your beloved Son said to us: Ask

the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest.

So we come to you, offering our prayers and our sufferings for the

needs of the Church in the world today.

We pray that many may hear your call to serve you in the priesthood,

diaconate, religious life and lay apostolates.

Give their family and friends the grace to support and encourage them.

Give to those you choose eagerness to answer you call;

humility and generosity to make you known and loved;

and faithfulness to persevere in their dedication.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mary, Mother of Jesus, who came among us as a servant,

pray for all who share in his saving work. Amen.

Brave and intrepid pilgrims braving the rain and cold to camp out for the weekend...

This includes me...

Home Sweet Home...

Two of our young discerner's, Abby and Sam respectively...

by Sr. M. Magdalene

Sr. Magdalene: Kent Uni Catholic Chaplaincy

2011-06-26T03:23:00.000-07:00

During the academic year 2010/11 I have had the privilege of attending regular CathSoc evenings, as part of my reflective practice for my pastoral ministry: youth studies course.

From both the students and Fr. Peter, our Chaplain, I have learnt that the essence of true Chaplaincy is to be a 'simple presence'. It doesn't require a high academic achievement, or a leadership that 'does for' instead of 'being with. It is a relationship based on a true understanding and commitment to having time and availability for all. It is about raising people up from underneath to their true dignity by putting their needs before our own and striving for their good.
I have shared discernment, discussion, films, food and drink, the Eucharist and relaxation in our weekly gatherings. You have given me so much in your openness and acceptance of me and through the sharing of our faith journey's.
I will continue to pray for you all in all your future deliberations and in thanksgiving for our time together.

by Sr. M. Magdalene

FMSL Centenary 5th June 2011

2011-06-19T03:58:00.000-07:00

On 5th June 2011, the FMSL celebrated 100 years since we were established as an independant diocesan Congregation in 1911. To mark the occasion, we had Mass in St. Joseph's Convent chapel. The principal celebrant was Bishop Kieran Conry of Arundel and Brighton Diocese. Mass was followed by celebratory lunch and talks regarding our history.

A group of students travelled from Canterbury to participate in a Nigerian song and dance for the Offertory Procession.

William Anderson came with the Sisters from Canterbury. He very much enjoyed the day and meeting again all the Sisters whom he knew when they were based in Canterbury.

Sr. Clare sang the Psalm.

In his homily, Bishop Kieran Conry spoke about the witness value of religious life for today. He picked out the key dimensions of prayer, community and service from our centenary banners.

Sisters, students and staff from Canterbury led the Offertory Procession with a Nigerian song and dance, joined also by Angie from the SFO Littlehampton. Attracta played the drum.

After Mass, Sr. Anastasia, Mother General, thanked everyone who had helped prepare for the day and joined the celebration.

The photo of Mother Mary Patrick Brennan, our foundress was arranged on the sanctuary.

This tree, illustrating the growth of our Congregation over 100 years, was made by Attracta and Sr. Innocentia. It has our Foundress, Mother M. Patrick at the roots and also William with Maximus on the Canterbury branch! There were many other displays of photos illustrating our history.

Celebratory cakes were made for the occasion

New portable centenary banners, which Sisters Innocentia, Magdalene, Rose and Attracta helped to design and prepare, were produced for us by Tony and Kevin of the Homelink charity.

Kevin gave a talk after the lunch about how he had put the final design together. Several people who, as children, had been cared for and educated by our Sisters returned to celebrate the day with us.

Some of the Things We've Been Up To

2011-05-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

On Friday 6th May, Srs. Innocentia and Clare were helping to cook lunch at the Catching Lives Open Centre for homeless people in Canterbury http://www.catchinglives.org/. Innocentia baked three sets of sponge currant buns, which disappeared, well, like hot cakes.

Since there were 15 egg whites left over from Terry's preparation of home-made ice cream, Clare was challenged to use them up by making meringues. Having never attempted this before, she followed Delia Smith's tome of cookery wisdom and popped them in the oven with a quick prayer.

Innocentia with currant buns and meringues

God is merciful ...and isn't Delia Smith long overdue a knighthood or something?

From Tuesday 10th-Thursday 12th May, Srs Innocentia, Magdalene and Clare came to St. Joseph's, Littlehampton to form a team with Sr. Rose and Attracta. Their job was to prepare two sets of displays in the convent; one, to commemorate two Sisters' jubilees to be celebrated on Friday the 20th, the other to commemorate the centenary of the FMSL on 5th June.

On 20th May, Sister Savio will be celebrating her Golden Jubilee of religious profession and Sister Philomena, her Diamond Jubilee.

In preparation for the centenary, Attracta and Innocentia worked together on an artistic representation of the Congregation in the form of a tree; at the roots, Mother M. Patrick, our Foundress with the various FMSL Houses in 2011 on its branches.
Srs. Magdalene, Rose and Clare also took the opportunity to meet as a formation group in Assisi Garden.Srs. Magdalene, Innocentia and Clare returned to Canterbury on the afternoon of the 12th. We will all meet again at the Jubilee celebration on 5th June.

From Peru: First Sunday in Lent

2011-03-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

13th March 2011: First Sunday in Lent. This Sunday Sr Clara planned to go to the First Communion of her godson Solim from the Therapy Centre.

Solim at the Therapy Centre. Solim is seated on the right. This was on the birthday of one of the other boys. The sister in a habit is a Peruvian sister, Secundina, who belongs to a Mexican order. She helps in the Therapy Centre.

The table the children are sitting round was one of five donated by Sr Clara from her Golden Jubilee funds. She entered discussions with a local carpenter and had the tables custom made.

The Centre was set up by Michael Murphy a retired Irish engineer. He has just moved to new premises to expand. This is a picture of Michael, Clara, Brigid and Ada the Peruvian administrator outside the Centre in the crucial last days before the opening ceremony of the new centre

Sr Ann decided to take me to visit a lay community, Foyer de Charité Santa Rosa, in the mountains at Ñaña outside Lima, for Mass and a day of recollection. To get to the Foyer we needed to take two buses, one into Lima and then another to the mountains. We were very fortunate to get seats on the bus into Lima, so I was able to read Ann's booklet about Marta Robin, the French woman (born 1902 & died 1981) who inspired and founded the movement Foyers de Charité. Martha spent over fifty years confined to her bed and in dreadful pain.

Marta Robin

On our arrival in Ñaña we immediately felt the benefit of the cleaner mountain air as we stopped at a roadside shop to have a snack of bread-sticks and a yoghurt drink.

Sr Ann told me about the times she had been here on retreat in the past, sometimes with Sr Angela and at other times with Señora Domingo from our parish. In a sense we were making a memorial pilgrimage for Angela. We took a motor-taxi to the Foyer and once inside I saw my first Peruvian llamas grazing in their lovely green chacra (farm or smallholding).

llamas grazing

We went to pray quietly in the chapel until Mass, but a little humming bird distracted us. It was beating against the wall of glass behind the altar ,struggling to get out, yet unable to see the glass. Sr Ann managed to rescue the bird. When it rested she cupped it in her hands and took it to an open window at the back of the chapel. She put her hands out of the window and released the bird, but it lay still on her palms and we were afraid that it had died, maybe from fright. Then, thanks be to God, it suddenly came alive and flew away.

The statue of Our Lady and the Child Jesus in front of the Chapel

Picture of view from the Chapel

We joined the Mass of a group called Bodas de Cana (Wedding Feast of Cana) who were having a day retreat under the direction of the French priest who guides the Foyer.. The members of this group are couples who seek to emphasize the value and importance of the sacrament of Christian marriage. They went up to communion as a couple and even up to the ambo to read as a couple. After the Mass people were going up for blessings given by the priest and another man and woman. As they received their blessings many people fell down backwards and lay on the carpets spread in front of the altar. (There were people ready to catch them, so no-one was hurt.) I had not seen this before. Sr Ann said it was a charismatic phenomenon and the people were considered as resting in the spirit, or as some say, “slain in the spirit”. Ann asked if I would like to go for a blessing and I thought that I would. I went up to the woman and she asked me my name. I said, “Rosa” quite loudly and then the person put her hands on my head and began to pray. I felt the pressure of her hands and I found myself slipping down away. It was not like falling and I did not fall, but I realized I was lying on the ground and quite still. After a little I thought I would like to get up, but it seemed to me that I would not be able to move. Then I began to move and someone else helped me and she gave me a lovely smile and supported my arm and helped me to walk back towards my seat. The best way I can describe what happened is that it was like being suspended. After Mass Ann asked if I felt ready for more prayer as there is a beautiful way of the cross that zig-zags up the mountain behind the chapel. We agreed that it would be good to make the way following our own pattern. We prayed for the people of Japan and again for the recently dead especially Sr Angela.

Sr Ann in contemplation on the way of the Cross

By this time the afternoon was well on. I wanted to go on foot back down to the village as it is a lovely walk.

Sr. Rose on the Way of the Cross

Sunset from the bus window on the way to Puente Piedro.

by Sr. Rose of Lima

Pilgrimage to Santa Rosa de Quives, 6 March 2011

2011-03-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Santa Rosa de Quives is a village in the mountains outside Lima. It houses the national shrine to Santa Rosa, the first canonized saint of the Americas. Rosa died at the young age of thirty-one and seven of those years – nearly a quarter – were spent in Quives where her father was sent to administer a mine for precious stones.
View of valley from Quives

Rosa's house is a small solidly-built stone house consisting of basically two rooms with a small part sectioned off at the back of one room as Rosa's prayer cell.

Rosa's house

The shrine decked with garlands from brides married in the chapel where Rosa was confirmed

The stone she used to recline on when praying

Quives can be extremely hot and is renowned for its mosquitoes, therefore, despite my eagerness to be present at Sunday Mass in the chapel where Rosa was confirmed by the second Archbishop of Lima in 1596, I felt the need to brace myself for a day of mixed trials and blessings.

There is as yet only one small road to Quives. To reach this road, it is necessary to go into the vast, sprawling suburb of Comus, an extremely poor district of Lima which is littered with piles of rubbish and is very barren and dusty. Once out of Comus, we began the long painfully slow ascent to Quives. We had allowed about four hours for the journey, but the road was so full of potholes and its surface so bumpy, that Sr Clara was obliged to drive with great caution and we began to wonder if we would arrive in time for midday Mass. In the event we made excellent time, arriving at eleven.

The mountain road, despite its shortcomings as a highway, leads through gorgeous picturesque scenes. The valley below is watered by the River Chilloñ and is quite lush.

View from Quives looking down into the valley below

The shrine occupies a large area and is enclosed by an iron pallisade put in place by Vincentian Fathers. In addition to Rosa's house and the chapel, there is a large retreat house. Sr Clara brought a group of forty young people in the past for a retreat here and said it was excellent. On the day of our visit, sadly, we were all sorry to see how neglected and poorly maintained the site is, probably because there is now no group of religious living there.

Srs Anne, Rose and Clara outside the Chapel where Rosa was confirmed.

Chica de Jora stall just outside the sanctuary - a refreshing local drink made from maize and wheat

Flowers in the village

A goat on her knees in the grounds of the sanctuary - perhaps in prayer?

The Priest who said Mass for us blessing someone's new car after the Mass

Sr Anne kindly treated us for lunch in one of the semi-open-air restaurants that serve pilgrims and visitors. I was privileged to try a Pachamanca, a Peruvian speciality prepared by burying the meats in the earth to cook on hot stones. The meats were served with potatoes cooked in their skins, corn on the cob, broad beans and finely sliced onions garnished with lemon-juice. It was a great feast. We were advised to share one between us, but even so there was so much left over that we had enough for Monday's lunch!

Brigid, Sr Clara and Sr Anne at lunch

I had anticipated a day of both great blessings and challenges. This turned out to be so, but not in the way I had thought. I expected extreme heat, but we were blessed with lovely coolish, breezy air. It was not at all hot or uncomfortable. I had expected to be plagued with mosquitoes even if we used repellent, but apart from one little bite at the beginning of the journey (Brigid), and one on arrival (Clara), we were remarkably free from insect trouble. Finally, the joy of praying in the very place where Santa Rosa lived her formative years and took the name of Rosa at confirmation outweighed any small inconveniences.

Sr Rose sitting on the wall outside the sanctuary with the view from Quives behind

by Sr. Rose of Lima

Franciscan Retreat at Manchester University

2011-02-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

On 11th-13th February, the FAV Team (Franciscan Animators for Vocations) were invited to give a Franciscan Retreat for the Catholic Chaplaincy of the University of Manchester. This was co-ordinated by Sr. Oneng. The team included Srs. Magdalene and Clare Bernadette FMSL, Sr. Teresa FMSJ, Sr. Oneng FMDM, Br. Paul OFM Cap and Br. Antony OFM.

They were kindly hosted by Rev. Ian Kelly and the Cathsoc and accommodated by the neighbouring OFM Conventual and FMSJ communities.

The theme of the weekend was 'First Things First'. This retreat included opportunities for Mass, Adoration, Confession, workshops, discussion, prayer and reflection. Br. Paul introduced this theme with his opening Mass and workshop on Friday evening. This dealt with the challenge of putting God first in one's life – in practice as well as in desire. In his workshop, Br. Paul explained how St. Francis put God first. Through meditation, he entered into the mystery of Christ by a threefold path, focusing on the Incarnation, the Passion and the Eucharist.
During Mass on Saturday morning, Br. Antony led us to reflect, through the Gospel story of Martha and Mary, on how our busyness can cause us to miss Christ present to us in the present moment. He also led us to question whether God is always our inner motivation for serving others.

Later in the morning, Sr. Oneng's workshop delved into the profound conversion which St. Francis underwent when he decided to kiss a person he would have normally avoided at all costs – a person suffering from leprosy. Oneng explained how, after seeing Christ in the leper, Francis' outlook was gradually changed so that he began to see Christ in all his fellow creatures. We were then challenged to befriend the 'lepers' in our own lives.

In between workshops and scheduled prayers, there was time for Franciscans and students to relax and converse together.

In the afternoon, Sr. Clare led a workshop about the relevance of St. Francis' spirituality expressed in his Canticle of Sir Brother Sun, to ecological issues facing today's world.

The group discussions considered the potential of a spiritual practice of poverty and outlook of humility in our efforts to live in harmony with the rest of creation.

In the evening, there was an open forum with students in which each member of the FAV team shared the story of their own vocation and the team answered questions from the retreatants. This session was resumed and completed on Sunday morning after Mass.

During the Holy Hours, Sr. Teresa helped us to get in touch with God through the prayers of St. Francis.
In the Mass of Sunday morning, Br. Paul highlighted the necessity of God's grace, not just our good works, to help us become the saints we are all called to be.

With some members of the Team including Srs. Oneng, Magdalene and Clare having to depart on their homeward journeys, there were some farewells and photos before lunch.

The retreat concluded that afternoon and evening with a workshop on Franciscan saints and an evening Mass.
FAV Team members commented that they enjoyed the weekend and appreciated the friendly welcome, enthusiastic participation and constructive feedback of the students and chaplaincy. They also enjoyed the Franciscan teamwork of the event. Thanks and God bless to all who enabled and prayed for the success of this retreat.

Report from FMSL Mission, Santa Rosa, Lima, Peru

2011-02-20T05:45:00.000-08:00

Sr. Rose at the Botanical Garden

I went with Bridgit to visit the local school in Santa Rosa where she has established a Jardín Botánico [Botanical Garden] to teach the children the importance of taking care of the environment and to deepen their awareness of the interdependence of all plant/bird/animal/insect life forms.

Bridgit, the environmentalist who set up the project and is teaching the children in Santa Rosa school.

The project started in 2007 with the back-breaking task of clearing the site which was nothing but rubble, stones and junk.

At first the project was held up by difficulties with poor soil quality. Later, a forestry engineer, Javier, became involved. With his help the children were able to grow more vigorous plants. Javier taught them the way to dig a metre square pit for each new tree or bush and then to fill it with rotting organic matter. This would break down to provide food for the growing plants. On top of this organic matter the children placed the soil that had been dug out, minus the large rocks. If a layer of good top-soil could be acquired it would be an added bonus, but if not, no problem.
The garden was planned to include various plants that would provide both colour, perfume and homes for insects and birds.

During my visit, Bridgit, picked five different plants to review with the children:
1. Madre selvas [honeysuckle]. This has a profumo muy rico [very rich perfume] and so it scents the garden and is delightful. It is a plant que trepa [that climbs] so it could be trained to cover parts and make an arbour.
2. Jazmín [jasmine].This also is a climber with a lovely smell.
3. Bougainvillea. This plants has brilliant colour. It can be red, white, pink, purplish or orange. In this garden it is rosado [pink].
4. Palo Verde [Green Post]. This plant actually seeded itself in the garden. It grows so easily everywhere as to be almost a weed! Nevertheless it has a lovely green tronco [trunk] which gives it its name. It also has pretty yellow flowers.
5. The last plant we looked at was the Moye Costeño. It has been planted to make a little avenida [avenue].It is in bud at the moment and it flowers will become red berries that birds feed on.
6.
Bridget is also teaching the children about Hydroponic Gardens. The word comes from two Greek words meaning water and grow. It is a system of gardening which can be operated in small spaces with no soil. Seeds are supported in sand from the river that has been washed and bleached. The seed germinates and when it has three leaves it is transplanted into pure water. The stem is put through a little hole in s tyro-foam which then floats on the water. The final stage is to transplant this in little plastic cups that sit in the water. I saw the children cut hole in the sides of the plastic containing lettuce seedlings in order to insert small drainage pipes into the sand.

Finally the children set up a simpler hydroponic garden for maize. They lined boxes with black plastic and stapled them firmly. Then they put a couple of inches of water in the boxes and sprinkled them with seeds. They will take these home, cover them with newspaper and make sure the seeds do not dry out.

I thought these activities were highly enjoyable for the children. Bridgit went out of her way to impress on the children that learning is not just from books in classes, but can have an important practical dimension. Doing this kind of project could be the beginning of a good career studying horticulture and they might become a Forestry Engineer like Javier. Since these children were doing summer school recuperación because of poor grades in science/maths, the hope was that they would be encouraged to take more interest in their studies.
It was good to see the children learning about the importance of plants and the concept of urban forest as “the lungs of the city”.

by Sr. Rose of Lima

Willie's 75th Birthday Celebrations

2010-12-29T05:47:00.000-08:00

Above: Willie with his wee friend Maximus

December 7th was Willie's 75th birthday. Willie who lives in the caravan on our grounds has been with us for nearly 40 years and it is a miracle that he is still alive given his earlier lifestyle. Anyway we had Mass for him up at the Study Centre and then a celebration meal for him with all the students, staff, all of us here at the convent, - and the Parish Priest who has known Willie all the time he has been with us. Philippe who is the Principal of the Study Centre was the Presider at Mass and he has known Willie for some years.

Left: Willie at lunch with Parish Priest Canon Bunce and FISC Principal, Br. Philippe

Right: Winnie reads Psalm

Below left: Sr. Magdalene reads

Br. Ninian reads the Gospel

It was a great celebration. Some of the students did a liturgical dance for the presentation of the gifts during the Mass with African music and drums. They had some form of African garment on for the occasion even the blokes! After the homily Philippe made reference to the story of when Archbishop Carey was being installed/inaugurated as Archbishop of Canterbury. On that great day there was a mammoth procession for the Cathedral after the ceremony with all the dignatories and VIP's etc - and at the end came the new Archbishop in all his glory: grand vestments, mitre etc etc etc. Up pops Willie from the crowd and goes right up to the Archbishop, tugs at his sleeve and boldly asks: “When are you going to give us our Cathedral back?!”
Funny story yet true. Philippe continued to explain how Willie has been a part of the life of the Centre since its beginnings. The Mass was beautiful.

Since mince is Willie's favourite food, we had shepherd's pie as the main part of the meal. A friend and neighbour had made him a cake and iced it with green and white icing as he is a Celtic supporter.

He proudly blew out his candles and enjoyed every moment of the day.

Above Centre: Willie with his old friend Br. Brendan

Above left: Willie with Sr. Clare and with Sr. Elizabeth before Mass

Below: Willie Enjoying his cake, cards and gifts at Monte Bre

Below Left: Max ran off with one gift to open himself!

It certainly was a huge landmark in Willie's life and it was an appropriate day to remember the earlier sisters who cared for him:
Sr Agnes, Mother Angela, Sr Immaculata and Sr Paschal. They are now enjoying their eternal reward and smiling down on him. A great day was had by all.

by Sr. Elizabeth

News Update from Sr. Rose

2010-12-20T02:59:00.000-08:00

Statue of St. Joseph and the child Jesus outside the Mother House

Since the end of September I have been at the Mother House, St Joseph's Convent, Littlehampton. I have been researching into homelessness in Littlehampton and the surrounding towns. I have also been studying Spanish from CDs in preparation for my trip to our mission in Peru in January. In addition, I help out in the sacristy and refectory and in the work of hospitality at St Joseph's.

Below: Sr. Regina, whom I help in the sacristy

Sr. Fabian, whom I help in the Refectory

From 28 November – December 4 I joined the lovely retreat given by Bishop John Crowley in St Joseph's. There were two talks a day based largely on the Gospel of the day. The talks were very clear and easily understandable and at the same time full of richness, wisdom and depth. I found a wealth of material to ponder and reflect on.

Bishop John Crowley in St. Joseph's Community Room

I will mention only two things which impressed me. The first concerns friendship. Our friedship with each other needs much the same elements as our friendship with Christ. Bishop John highlighted four essential ingredients for deepening intimacy between friends:

time
self-disclosure (so that one becomes vulnerable)
listening
affection.

The second point concerns ministry. Bishop John said that it is the most Christ-like ministry to encourage others. I felt very happy to hear this. I felt that everyone is therefore able to be Christ-like because it is a simple matter of choice to look for what is good in another person and to focus on that and take joy in it.

The retreat was open to sisters from our other houses and to secular Franciscans and to friends.

Sr Stanislaus visiting from our convent in Knock,with her Benemerenti medal and certificate which were presented during the course of the retreat to the surprise and delight of all, including Sr Stanislaus herself who knew nothing of this impending distinction!

Sr. Stanislaus with her Benemerenti medal and certificate

For my research into homelessness I recently visited St Anne's, a Christian Day Centre for homeless and lonely people in Brighton. One of the volunteers, Trevor, met me at the station and took me to the centre in Kemptown where I was greated with great warmth and openness. I chatted briefly with Anthony, who manages the centre, before being allowed to mingle with those present. For me this was a grace-filled and memorable time.

Anthony (front) with a few clients and volunteers

My latest visit was to St. Joseph's Night Refuge just outside Chichester, which is run by the charity Stone Pillow. On a previous visit I had been shown round The Old Glassworks a day centre for the homeless in Chichester, another Stone Pillow project. I am very grateful to the Stone Pillow staff who gave me their valuable time to help me understand their work and to enabled me to get some understanding of the complex issues involved in homelessness.

Staff and a volunteer in the sitting room of St Joseph's Night Refuge.

At the moment I am spending a few days back in Canterbury. It is lovely to be here again. To make up for my having very sadly missed Willie's grand 75th birthday Mass and lunch at FISC on December 7th, we had another mini-celebration in Monte Bre sitting room with tea and a cake.

Willie and Sr. Rose

November Formation Gathering in Canterbury

2010-11-28T06:47:00.000-08:00

The temporary-professed Sisters had their monthly formation gathering in Canterbury from 19th-22nd November. On the morning of the 19th, Srs. Rose and Clare went to the 'catching lives' day shelter for homeless people in Canterbury to help cook the lunch. Innocentia was attending a Day of Prayer with the Benedictine Sisters in Minster Abbey. On Saturday 20th, Sisters Rose and Magdalene attended a morning of Franciscan Solitude Prayer in Greyfriars Chapel, Canterbury. Magdalene assisted Louise in leading the morning's reflection on Chapter Three of 'The Soul's Journey Into God' by St. Bonaventure.

In the afternoon, Rose, Magdalene and Clare shared their thoughts on the first encyclical letter of Pope Benedict XVI, 'Deus Caritas Est,' which R+M presented artistically.

On Sunday 22nd, all attended Mass for the Feast of Christ the King at the Franciscan Study Centre, at which Stephen King OFM Conv was the main celebrant. Fr. Stephen preached about the universal reign of Christ transcending all national and cultural boundaries. The students planned and led the liturgy, featuring a new banner above the altar and international music and dance.

Below: Offertory dance up the aisle...

...and back down again

From left: Srs. Consolata, Annette and Clarina, Br. Martin, Innocentia.

Innocentia, wearing her national costume, helped to lead the music with singing and drumming. At the entrance and offertory processions, students from many countries participated in dancing African-style.

Willie enjoyed attending this special Mass and meeting the students and many of his old friends.

Below: Wille with Consolata, Uju and Innocentia. Rose returned to Littlehampton in the afternoon.

Fundraising Dinner at Kent University

2010-11-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

On the evening of 27th October, our community, together with Winnie, our resident PhD student, attended a fundraising meal at the Catholic Chaplaincy of Kent University. The meal was organised, prepared and served by the SVP student group at the Chaplaincy in aid of the Catching Lives charity (formerly the Scrine Foundation) which helps people who are homeless in Canterbury.

During the excellent three-course dinner of soup, pasta bake and dessert, two of the students entertained the diners with brilliant singing and piano playing.

To find out more about the Catching Lives charity, visit www.catchinglives.org

Our Indian Sisters Return to Mysore

2010-10-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

Having spent time in our Communities in England for the past 6 months, Sisters Elizabeth and Promodini returned to our FMSL convent in Mysore on 21st October. On their last day in England, a special 'thank you' lunch was arranged by St. Joseph's Community. Sisters from Copthorne, Burgess Hill and Canterbury were also invited. Sr. Anastasia, Mother General thanked the Sisters for all they had contributed to our Communities during their stay in England and promised all our prayers for their community and mission in India. Sisters Promodini and Elizabeth thanked all the Sisters for their kindness and hospitality and promised to remember and pray for them all. They presented the Community with a gift and a 'thank you' picture.

On the 19th and 20th, before departing, they joined with Sisters Magdalene and Rose for a 2-day formation meeting of temporary-professed Sisters with Sr. Clare Bernadette. As part of their group sharing, Sr. Magdalene gave a presentation on meditation with young people, which she was preparing for her pastoral ministry course.
The group also shared prayer and recent life experience together and learned about some aspects of Mariology.

Sr. Magdalene gives her presentation to the temporary-professed group.

Sr. Magdalene Begins Pastoral Ministry Training

2010-10-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

On 30th September I tentatively got on an extremely early coach to go into London and cross down to Christian Education Centre in Tooting Bec. I was beginning my Foundation Degree in Pastoral Ministry:Youth Studies through St. Mary's University, Strawberry Hill. Yes, where the Pope visited recently to meet with the Youth, so I must be in safe hands!
My fears very quickly left me as we introduced ourselves to each other, and we all realised we were truly a mixed bunch of people, from all walks of life and indeed pastoral ministry. Yet we all have one thing in common, we are all called by God, to build his kingdom! So straight away we set about encouraging and helping each other to address what has very quickly become quite a work load to balance with all our other life commitments.

Above: in class with Module Convenor, Rebekah O'Keeffe

My first three modules which are all foundational in Theology, Scripture and Sacraments I will study here at Tooting Bec, then in February I will move to Strawberry Hill to focus on my Youth Studies. It is hard work, and I need to be disciplined, especially so I don't squeeze out my special time with God in prayer each day, who is my one true priority. Slowly I'm learning to make a list, prioritise my time and needs, and do one thing at a time!

Above: with Rebekah and fellow youth-ministry student, Carl. Do we enjoy theology? Oh yes!

By Sr. Magdalene

First Professions of Vows!

2010-09-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

by Sisters Rose of Lima and Mary Magdalene FMSL
in the MotherHouse, St. Joseph's Convent, Littlehampton
on September 8th 2010: The Feast of the Birthday of Our Blessed Lady
during Mass in St. Joseph's convent chapel,

celebrated by Br. Philippe Yates OFM

Before Mass: Novice Sisters, Rose and Magdalene

Above: Listening to the Word of God

Sr. Kathleen A. Copp OSF reads the First Reading, Sr. Angela sings the Psalm,

Br. Ninian Arbuckle OFM reads the Gospel.

Br. Philippe OFM gives the homily

"Sister Rose of Lima. Sister Mary Magdalene" ... "Lord, you have called me; here I am."

Srs. Magdalene and Rose request of Mother General to make profession of vows

Sisters Rose and Magdalene make profession of vows.

Veils and FMSL medals
are blessed, then presented

by Mother General

After Mass: Professed Sisters Rose and Magdalene!

Celebration with Sisters and Brothers, friends and family.

Official photocall outside Assisi Garden

Congratulations Sisters Rose and Magdalene!

Visit to Leeds Castle, Thursday 29th July

2010-07-31T11:33:00.000-07:00

To celebrate completion of Sr. Rose and Sr. Magdalene's 2-year Novitiate, they visited Leeds Castle for the day with Sr. Clare Bernadette.
They enjoyed seeing a variety of swans and other birds, including peacocks, in the grounds.

Inside the castle, the historic design is well-preserved

At the end of their visit, Magdalene preached to the birds...

..."Come back, I'm talking to you!'"

Congregation Day: God-Centred Poverty

2010-07-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

On 8th July, the initial formation community, including Sisters Elizabeth Varghese and Promodini Ekka, presented the Congregation day in St. Joseph's Littlehampton, entitled, 'Rich in Him:God-Centred Poverty'. Sisters attended from St. Joseph's, Burgess Hill, Copthorne and Bradford. Sr. Elizabeth Morris' cousin Mary with her granddaughter Claire also joined the day. The programme began with Mass in the chapel at 10.30am, for which the liturgy was arranged by Srs. Promodini and Elizabeth, with intercessions composed and read by Sr. Promodini. Then all assembled in the Community Room.

The first little drama featuring Sr. Magdalene as St. Francis and Sr. Rose as Br. Leo was a story from 'The Deeds of Blessed Francis and His Companions (VIII)' by Uglino Boniscambi of Montegiorgio (1328-1337). The scene was set by Srs. Elizabeth and Promodini with Innocentia, who sang a song about Saint Francis in Latin. Then Srs. Rose and Magdalene, wearing friars' habits, enacted the story of how, one night, Francis and Leo, before they had breviaries, composed their own sort of matins. Francis' prayer lamented that he was such a sinner God could not show him mercy. When he commended Br. Leo to confirm this by his own prayer, Leo kept responding with the opposite - that God would give mercy with great grace and blessing to Francis. While Francis, angrily insisted that Leo co-operate in his self-condemnation, Leo confessed that God was actually speaking to Francis through his mouth. Still, Francis persisted in trying to dictate the prayer according to his own terms. A general discussion followed this drama. This story illustrated, as Srs. Rose and Magdalene explained, that there are things that we can cling to contrary to poverty which are not material: our opinions, our false image of ourselves or of God, our pride and our anger. Even St. Francis himself struggled with such issues, as this story reveals. The challenge of poverty in its spiritual aspect is to 'let go and let God', that is empty ourselves of all interior baggage that obstructs our relationship with God. This is part of our process of ongoing conversion.

The programme resumed after lunch with a drama in the form of a TV chat show. In the context of the 'Make Poverty History' Campaign, the host Sue Perkins (Sr. Rose) interviewed Mother Mary of Holy Poverty, Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters of Leaving All for God (Sr. Magdalene) about her understanding and living out of religious poverty in today's world. The questions and responses drew on the novices' study of the evangelical counsels since May. It also included material from their interviews with Sisters in St. Joseph's, Copthorne and Hollington about their lived experience of the vow of poverty. Mother Mary explained that the practice of poverty is a way of treating all material goods as Gift from God to be shared rather than as private property. In the course of the chat show, Mother Mary played guitar and sang a song she had composed taking the words of the hymn to poverty in St. Clare's First Letter to St. Agnes of Prague.

During this TV programme, there was also a commercial break in which an on-line bingo site was advertised. In this advertisement, Srs. Elizabeth V., Promodini, Clare Bernadette and Innocentia danced to Abba's song, 'Money money Money'. This demonstrated the stark contrast between the Gospel ideal of evangelical poverty and the commercial culture of consumerism in which we live today.

A general discussion followed in which Mother Mary of Holy Poverty answered questions from the studio audience. The discussion had a wide range of contributions from Sisters, ranging from the most recent entrants to the most senior in the Congregation.

To round off the programme, Sisters Elizabeth V. and Promodini performed an Indian dance in their cultural costumes. The meaning of the dance was how they would miss us and remember us when they returned to India. You can view some of it in the video clip below...
The day concluded with a special Evening Prayer together in the community room on the theme of God-centred poverty, compiled by Sisters Rose and Magdalene.

FMSL at National Vocation Discernment Festival

2010-07-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

Report by Sr. Clare Bernadette
'Invocation' was the first national vocation discernment event held in St. Mary's College, Oscott, Birmingham from 2nd-4th July. It was for young Catholic adults who wished to deepen their relationship with Christ and receive guidance and inspiration to help them discern their vocation in life. Dioceses and religious orders were especially invited to send members in the under-35 age bracket to accompany the young adults and share their own vocation stories. I was asked by Mother General to go and represent the FMSL.

Accommodation was in the grounds of Oscott Seminary in tents or a marquee.

I brought a pop-up tent, which lived up to its name. Popping it down again is rather more complicated and tends to require two people.
On site, I was encouraged to see that many young men and women had come there to seek God's will. I was told there were about 100 young adults. In addition, there was a great variety of Religious Orders represented. The opening Mass and all the main liturgies were held in the beautiful and traditionally grand surroundings of Oscott College chapel. Meals, assemblies and keynote talks were held in large outdoor marquees. The daily Masses were celebrated by Archbishops Bernard Longley of Birmingham Diocese, then Peter Smith of Southwark and finally, Vincent Nichols of Westminster.

Keynote Talks
The First keynote talk was by Fr. Christopher Jamison from the Benedictines of Worth Abbey. Fr. Christopher talked about the need to find sanctuary - space and silence in this busy and noisy world so that we can hear God speaking in our hearts and make our response to God's offer of love. He then made the encouraging observation that no-one considers themselves to be exactly the right sort of person for priesthood or religious life, including those who are already priests and religious. Fr. Jamison also pointed out that the idea of holiness is not to be feared. It's not about God prodding us to buck our ideas up and do better. It's about allowing ourselves to be cradled in God's arms. Vocation is not about commitment, which is something I choose and do, it is about covenant. This means God does the choosing and calling and all the promising. I only have to respond by accepting God's offer. Fr. Jamison's talk was followed by a testimony from a young seeker called Mark, who spoke about his positive experience of finding his vocation to the Jesuits through a discernment group with other enquirers called 'Compass', based at Worth Abbey.

The second keynote talk was by Dr. Andrew O'Connell, a media communications expert working for the presentation brothers in Ireland. He spoke about how we as Christians should live in a way that radically challenges the prevalent culture. Key points of his talk were:
The noise and hectic pace of modern life can prevent us seeing and hearing the Truth (Christ) at the heart of it.
We need to make time and space in our lives to hear God speaking to our hearts.
The modern media culture creates a cocoon around us which makes us content with this life only and prevents us reflecting on the big questions of what this life means and what lies beyond it.
If we are looking for God, we will see God everywhere in our lives. if we are not looking for God, we will see God nowhere
The cult of celebrity focusses on a shallow narcissism.
The modern media promotes 'affluenza' i.e. the need to measure my worth by what I possess compared to what others possess. This means I am always restless, wanting more or better material goods, and never contented.
The modern secular culture promotes atheism and belittles religion.
Christianity cannot be moderately important. If it is true, it must be of utmost importance (C.S. Lewis).
So we each need to be trained and equipped to be able to defend our faith publicly.
The Church has never needed young people more.

Sr. Gabriel Davison OSC giving her talk

The third keynote talk of the weekend was by Sr. Gabriel Davison OSC of the Poor Clares, Arundel.
She spoke movingly about her spiritual journey and what her Poor Clare vocation, lived in community meant to her. I gleaned the following points from her talk:

God loves us for who we are, not for what we do.
The challenge and joy of the Poor Clare vocation is to live the Gospel in radical poverty.
Poor Clare life is a life lived not for self but for God in loving service to others in the simple, ordinary things of life.
Living in Community is far from easy but the unconditional love received there helps one to grow in self-acceptance and to give that unconditional love to others.
The initiative for vocation is God's total self-gift in love, manifested in the Poor Crucified Christ. We are called to respond with the total gift of ourselves in love.
Moreover, we are called to contemplate Christ and thus be transformed by God's grace into other Christs, i.e. other images of God.

On Saturday evening, there was a Reconciliation Service in the main marquee, led by the Youth 2000. This was followed by Night Prayer, then a candle-lit procession with the Blessed Sacrament around the College, ending with the blessing of all the Congregation and of the City of Birmingham. (photo from:http://www.catholicchurch.org.uk/Catholic-Church/Events/Invocation-2010)

The fourth Keynote talk on Sunday morning was by Archbishop Vincent Nichols. He spoke about our vocation and spiritual journey as being like a pilgrimage. The hero we are travelling towards is Jesus and God gives us the grace, strength and protection to overcome all the obstacles and challenges on the way. Archbishop Nichols also said that for those who spend early life practising their religion out of loyalty and habit, there must come a time of transition when their faith becomes personal, integrated into their being and totally relevant to their own lives. This can involve the realisation that a teaching of truth (dogma) is more valuable as a guide for life than any personal opinion. The Four Keynote Speakers: from left: Fr. Christopher Jamison OSB, Dr. Andrew O'Connel, Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Sr. Gabriel Davison OSC. (photo from http://www.catholicchurch.org.uk/Catholic-Church/Events/Invocation-2010)

In the final Mass of the weekend, Archbishop Nichols said that Christian life was about living in joyful hope. The young people of the Church today are the hope for the Church's future. They are called to respond generously to God and be the light of Christ for the world. The College chapel was so packed for this Mass that young people were sitting in the aisle. As the Archbishop, wearing his mitre and carrying his crozier, processed out at the head of a long train of bishops, priests, deacons and acolytes it was nice to see him give a cheery thumbs-up to the musicians in the choir loft.

In summary, this is what I learned up from the whole experience:
To be an authentic Christian in today's secularist culture makes one necessarily a radical sign of contradiction. Young Catholics in any walk of life need to be well educated and equipped to publicly defend their faith in this culture.
To be a mature Christian, one must have a personal relationship with Christ. In our present culture, this requires finding places and times of sanctuary from the incessant noise and busyness of life in which to listen to God's voice in our hearts. Only then may we hear and respond to a divine vocation. Religious groups can help young people by providing them with these times of silence and places of sanctuary.
Young adults seeking their vocation find it very helpful and fruitful to discern their paths in groups with other young seekers, animated by priests or religious. The growth of 'Compass' discernment groups in the north and south of England is a recent development to meet this need. The pioneering 'Invocation' event is another example. The current trend is for religious Orders to pool their resources and collaborate in vocations promotion for the good of the whole Church rather than working in isolation and in competition. This results in larger events in which young adults can discern their vocations in a peer group of seekers.
Young lay people appreciate the distinctiveness of religious. They like us to be publicly visible and see the witness of our radical commitment to Christ as a help and inspiration for their own Christian living.

Over the weekend, I was privileged to meet many young people who were genuinely seeking to know Jesus and their vocation in life. One young lady told me it had been a great revelation to her to learn that priests and religious were ordinary people with real and varied pasts and senses of humour. I assured her that a sense of humour was an essential quality for our life. Having tried my best to co-operate with all God's plans for me over the weekend, I can only pray that in time, any seeds of vocation sown during the encounters between religious and young people in Oscott will bear fruit in more lives dedicated to the Lord's service.

Day Trip to Broadstairs

2010-05-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 22nd May, Sisters Rose, Magdalene, Elizabeth, Promodini and Innocentia headed for the seaside to enjoy the warm, sunny weather. They took a day trip to Broadstairs.

Travelling as a group by train

A very British cultural experience: fish and chips on the beach.

Daring to dip their feet in the sea

Hold on - it's cold!

After exploring the beach and the town, they went to visit the FCJ Sisters, whom Magdalene and Rose had met on their holiday in Broadstairs the previous summer. They attended Mass in the FCJ convent before heading home.

Sisters Commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers

2010-05-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 15th May, Srs. Magdalene and Rose were commissioned as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist for St. Thomas' Parish, Canterbury, having done their training with Fr. David Blowey OFM Conv. The Day of Commissioning for the Southwark Diocese took place at Aylesford Priory. Srs. Clare, Elizabeth and Promodini also attended the day with them. After arriving, we prayed part of the Rosary Way together.
Above: On the Rosary Way at Aylesford Priory

The programme began with a talk by Bishop Pat Lynch on the connection between the Mass and the Gospel story of the Road to Emmaus. Then, we had a packed lunch. In the afternoon, Msgr Matthew from the diocesan staff talked about the rubrics and procedures for administering Holy Communion and answered questions. He then celebrated Mass during which Srs. Rose and Magdalene were commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers and were given their certificates.

From left: Srs. Clare, Rose, Magdalene, Promodini and Elizabeth

Srs. Rose and Magdalene afterwards said that they felt honoured and privileged and looked forward to exercising this ministry.

Two Sisters from FMSL India come to England

2010-05-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday evening, 11th May, after a very long flight via Dubai, Elizabeth and Promodini, two of our Sisters from St. Francis Community, Mysore, arrived at Gatwick, even as the looming volcanic ash cloud threatened to disrupt flights into the UK. They were met by Sr. Clare Bowers, who took them to St. Joseph's, Littlehampton. On Wednesday evening they gathered with the Community for refreshments and entertained them with Indian singing and dancing.

On Thursday morning, Sr. Clare Bernadette came from Canterbury to collect them and after lunch, they departed for Monte Bre, where Srs. Elizabeth and Promodini will be based until the end of June. After welcome, tea and Evening Prayer with the Community, our visitors went to meet the Communities at the Franciscan International Study Centre. There, they sampled international cookery at a special 'Pot Luck' Supper.

Next day, they went to Hollington with Sr. Clare and Innocentia to meet the Poor Clare Community and hear about St. Clare from Sr. Frances Teresa OSC.

From left: Innocentia, Sr. Francies Teresa OSC, Sr. Promodini, Sr. Elizabeth.

Innocentia Welcomed Into Postulancy

2010-05-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

On 2nd May, Innocentia was welcomed into FMSL Postulancy during Evening Prayer in St. Joseph's Convent Littlehampton. She is pictured here with Mother General Sr. Anastasia on her left and, to her right, Sr. Clare Bernadette, representing the Formation Team in Canterbury. After Evening Prayer and tea with the Community in St. Joseph's, Innocentia departed with Sr. Clare for Canterbury, where she will be based during her period of postulancy formation.

Open Day at Kent University Farm

2010-03-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 13th March, Srs. Rose and Magdalene visited the farm on Moat Lane to fraternise with the new spring lambs.

Billy the goat was in a bad mood.

But the sheep were very happy.

Exotic Cookery at the Canterbury Open Centre

2010-03-13T02:51:00.000-08:00

On 10th March, during their volunteering at the Canterbury Open Centre for the homeless, Srs. Rose, Magdalene and Clare enjoyed a new challenge as they learned some north African cookery. They took instructions from Terry, the Assistant Manager, who is a professional chef. This special lunchtime meal for the clients consisted of kofka kebabs, vegetable kebabs, cous cous salad and home-made hummus. Rose took on the hummus, using a power blender on tins of chick peas and enjoyed adding the juice of numerous lemons. Clare prepared the salad and vegetable kebabs.Terry's dog, Biggles, came to the serving hatch to ask for a bit of toast - so much for our culinary skills!

Hand-moulding raw minced beef ...uugh! - well done, Magdalene!

Magdalene took up the challenge of the kofka kebabs, mixing minced beef, onions and seasoning in a bowl, then shaping it by hand onto the bamboo skewers. It was difficult to get it to stick together but to her relief, it did not disintegrate when cooked in the oven and actually looked very good! All turned out well, thank God and thanks to Terry for sharing his expertise. We enjoyed learning something new and useful for the future.

Lenten Day for Religious at Convent of Mercy, Whitstable. Friday, 26th Feb, 2010.

2010-03-04T12:12:00.000-08:00

Icon of the Holy Trinity

Sr. Annette holding a small icon of John the Baptist

Sr Annette of The Daughters of Mary and Joseph gave a talk on her work as an iconographer and explained the language and traditions of “writing” icons. She focussed on two icons in particular: the Pantocrator and the Holy Trinity and we were taken through meditations on these icons while we gazed at them and allowed them to speak to us.

The Sanctuary with various icons displayed

Magdalene and Rose travelled to the event in the FISC mini-bus with several other students from various FISC programmes.

Michael, OFM postulant chatting with Anne FMSJ over coffee

Above: Monica from Hongkong, Clare from Taiwan, Sarah FMSJ, Annette from Cameroon and Chinyere from Nigeria relaxing together in the conservatory before the talks

Magdalene serving coffee to the arrivals

We were greeted by the new Vicar for Religious, Marion, a Vocations Sister.

Mass was celebrated by Bishop Pat seen here enjoying a cup of tea after Mass with Sarah, on sabbatical at FISC and another visiting sister

Saying “Goodbye” to Sr Jean and Sr Mary, who are sadly moving from this diocese. They have been wonderful in the hospitality they have given to the religious of the diocese over many years. We keep them in our prayers.

Shrove Tuesday at the Franciscan Study Centre

2010-02-20T03:07:00.001-08:00

Gathered at Franciscan International Study Centre for our traditional 'pancake party' we have from left to right Catherine from USA, Betty from Zambia, Sarah from Ireland and Magdalene from England. All of us did a star turn. Catherine did a duet of John Denvers 'Country Road', with one of the FISC lecturers Kathleen Ann, also from America. Betty did an African royalty dance with fellow African students Annette, Alice and Jabu, and also an individual song in her native tongue. Sarah read a poem about an 'Irish Immigrant. And Magdalene opened the entertainment with a Lancashire Folk song called 'A Mon Like Thee'

- 'Ee, I'm allus' glad t'see a mon like thee!'

Above Right: Clare from Hong Kong tucking into her pancake, a new experience for her!

Above left: Everyone tucking into their pancakes before the entertainment started. From left to right Seamus, a lecture at FISC, Clare, Rose (FMSL), Magdalene (FMSL) and Betty.

Below: Jude from Nigeria singing an Ibo song.

Below: Betty, Alice and Jabu doing their

African 'Royalty Dance'.

Philippe, Principal of FISC gave us another Lancashire rendition of a monologue entitled 'Our Albert'.

Dharma from India played a 'picnic song' from Goa, called 'Whose Daughter is She?'

Jack from Ireland sang a beautiful Irish Ballad

Below: Seamus astonishes us with his virtuosity on the tin whistle, the harmonica and guitar.

by Srs. Rose and Magdalene

Fit for the Kingdom!

2010-02-19T12:03:00.000-08:00

Sr. Magdalene set herself a challenge during her novitiate to achieve a healthier lifestyle and has made amazing progress. She hopes that sharing her story (below) will encourage others.

Below (September 2008)

(February 2010: 3 stone 4 pounds lighter)

Ever since I can remember I have been a chubby child and then adult, yet I was always able to withstand the bullying I received because of it, because of my strong faith in God's love for me. Yet compounded by an increasing low self-esteem and a decreasing belief that God loved me as I was I comfort ate, and slowly but surely the weight crept on.
In January, 2009 I gave myself an ultimatum 'to put up or shut up'. If I truly believed that God loved me as my increasing self-esteem and faith was telling me I wanted to make of this inward realisation a concrete witness that God not only loved me as I am, but all of us equally so I challenged myself – to get 'Fit for God'.
To begin with I totally re-educated myself about my diet, making small yet significant changes which were maintainable in the long run, so I could keep the weight off, once it had been lost, This meant that I could have 'treats' on a Sunday and once during the week, and even on an extra special occasion. By December, 2009 I had lost 3 stone and 4lbs, and I am maintaining it well.
In January this year I was enrolled on an 'Exercise Referral Scheme' at the local University gym, which is helping me with gradual increase in exercise to tone up my body, and feel much fitter from a cardio-vascular point of view as well. Plus, when I finish the scheme I will be given a maintainable 'home program' utilising everyday living so wherever I go next I can continue to 'Get Fit For God'.
Here we are in February, 2010 I've grown in my self-esteem as I've learnt to seek my self-worth in God and not in food, tv advertsing and other superficial temptations. I've realised that there is such a thing as 'stewardship of the body', because our bodies and our lives are God's most precious gift to us and each other, so I must respect and take care of myself, so I can respect and take care of others, Finally, but most importantly for me I've shown God that I love Him, by persevering with this commitment I made to Him, that He truly is my motivation and focus of life, and I've given a strong witness to those around me that with God everything is possible, and that we are everything we need to be.

Christmas at Monte Bre Convent, Canterbury

2010-01-25T01:32:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve, we went to Midnight Mass at the Franciscan Study Centre. It began with a candle-lit carol service at which Sr. Rose read a Christmas poem. Br. Philippe Yates, the presider, preached about how Jesus was the only answer to the problems facing humanity, not any political leader or system. After Mass there was mulled wine and mince pies for all in the Common Room. Next morning, after Morning Prayer, Adoration and breakfast together, we attended the Christmas Day Mass at the Study Centre, celebrated by Br. Philippe. We brought Willie with us, who enjoyed being there and meeting his old friends such as Br. Brendan OFM. Sr. Clare was recruited into the choir with Sr. Magdalene and Vikki. Christmas lunch was a joint effort with everyone preparing a part of the menu. The starter was special secret recipe soup prepared by Sr. Elizabeth, which was very popular with all. The traditional main course also went down very well. When it came to dessert, the Christmas pudding served by Sr. Francoise was set alight and burned with festive cheer as planned. Clare's trifle did not go according to plan because the jelly had not set. With this bottom layer stubbornly remaining liquid for hours at room temperature and even fridge temperature, it became clear that the only way to add on the custard and cream layers was to freeze the jelly, forcing it to solidify. In order to then avoid structural collapse of the dessert, Clare took the unorthodox step of serving the entire trifle frozen. This novel dish was greeted with mixed reactions, though it remained an artistic triumph.

Above: frozen trifle - Note its perfect structural integrity.

Willie joined us for lunch and opened his gifts from the Sisters, including a Chelsea FC hat and mug but was especially delighted to receive a tool kit, something he said he had always wanted.

Willie showing a hammer from his new tool kit.

A Christmas gift for the Community was an air hockey table, which we tried out by having a ferocious tournament during our Sunday evening recreation. Throughout this festive season beneath the Christmas tree in our sitting room was assembled a unique collection of crib figures knitted by Francoise, which, together with our wooden crib in the chapel helped to remind us of the birth of Jesus.

On New Year's Day, The Solemnity of Mary Mother of God, Mary deWolf, SFO, (FISC staff and friend of the Community) joined us for lunch. The 'big freeze' that came over Britain in the days that followed forced the cancellation of several meetings and travel plans for the Community.
Below: Rose and Magdalene shovelling snow

Clare sweeping snow

It was a time to shovel paths through the snow on our driveway and then stay in and keep warm.

Apart from staying warm, another pleasant aspect of staying at home was dog-sitting Maximus. A Happy and Blessed New Year and new decade to everyone!

Magdalene and contented Maximus

Advent Retreat in Littlehampton

2010-01-25T00:57:00.000-08:00

From 12th-15th December, Srs. Magdalene, Rose and Clare went to St. Joseph's to attend a three-day preached Advent retreat given by Br. Seamus Mulholland OFM.
Br. Seamus pointed out that Advent was a good time to step out of our own plan and reflect on God's plan for our salvation throughout human history. Starting with Eden, Br. Seamus described how human plans and actions had repeatedly got in the way of God's plans. Therefore, God had to keep adjusting His plans and starting again. From Abraham onwards, God was determined to see through His plan of a covenant with a chosen people which would be completed when God became one of them in Jesus. The genealogies in the Gospels show how Jesus was fully part of this chequered human history and family. Br. Seamus used the image of God's salvation plan as a thread which God was trying to pull through the eye of a needle but with a frayed end, standing for the human stubbornness that frustrates God's actions. In the history of the chosen people, God's plan followed a tortuous route, even through 40 years of wondering in the desert, due to their frequent rebellions. With the birth of Jesus, the thread was finally inserted through the needle. At His Passion, Death and Resurrection it would be pulled through and tied off so it could never be undone and union with God would always be available to humankind. This led us to draw strength in our own lives from the thought that God never gives up on us and, in the end, will find ways to fulfil His vision for our lives, even though we frequently mess up His plans.
After the retreat, Srs. Clare, Rose and Magdalene stayed on in St. Joseph's for a week, helping prepare for various pre-Christmas functions and R+M photocopying the histories of our deceased Sisters for Monte Bre. They returned safely (thank God) to Canterbury on the 19th, even as snow and freezing conditions were beginning to cause travel disruption throughout Britain.

Visit to Copthorne

2010-01-24T08:12:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas, Sr. Francoise took Srs. Magdalene and Rose to visit our FMSL Community in Copthorne, Sussex, where our Sisters have worked for many years in our children's home and school which later became a retreat centre. Although the retreat centre has now closed, three of our Sisters: Bonaventure, Attracta and Savio continue to be a presence in the local parish. Srs. Francoise, Rose and Magdalene had lunch with the Community.

Above: Srs. Francoise and Magdalene (left) with Sr. Savio (right) in Copthorne garden.

Later, they went with the Sisters to visit the local church in Crawley, which used to be a parish run by the Franciscan Capuchin friars and is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua.

From left: Srs. Bonaventure, Magdalene, Savio, Attracta and Rose at Church in Crawley.

Fr. Tom and Maximus Come to Tea

2009-12-28T06:26:00.000-08:00

Max and Clare

Max and Rose

Max and Francoise

On 11th December 2009, Fr. Tom Herbst OFM brought his new pet to tea with the Sisters at Monte Bre. The Sisters welcomed them in festive headgear. Maximus, a 3-month-old Chihuahua soon bonded with each of the Sisters
and William...

Max and Magdalene

Max and William

Max and Elizabeth

Needless to say, we offered to dog-sit whenever the need might arise.

...

Franciscan 8th Centenary, Westminster

2009-12-27T06:29:00.000-08:00

On 9th December 2009, Srs. Francoise, Rose, Magdalene and Clare attended a Symposium in Westminster Cathedral Hall, celebrating the eighth centenary of the papal approval of the First Order's Rule and Life. Sr. Clare's parents, who were visiting Monte Bre, also came with them. They all travelled by bus from Canterbury. On arriving in Westminster, they were first able to attend Mass in the Cathedral. The afternoon Symposium, entitled, 'Franciscan Ideals and Influence' consisted of four talks. It was introduced and led by Br. Seamus Mulholland OFM.

Above: Br. Seamus introducing the programme with Br. Michael Copps and Sr. Clare

left: Sr. Francis Teresa giving her talk. To her right, Sr. Clare, Br. Seamus, Leon Davison and Br. Michael.

Right: Sr. Clare giving talk.

The first speaker, Br. Michael Copps, OFM Provincial Minister, spoke about 'Franciscan Life is Life Together'. Then, Sr. Frances Teresa Downing OSC spoke on the influence of St. Clare on the Franciscan movement. The third speaker, Sr. Clare Knowles FMSL, talked about St. Francis' Canticle of Sir Brother Sun as a model for conversion. The fourth speaker was Leon Davison SFO National Minister, who talked about the development of the SFO from its origins until the present. There was time after each talk for questions from the audience. There was a break during which Srs. Francoise, Rose and Magdalene served coffee and tea for all. Secular Franciscans attended from all over the country, as a national meeting preceded the Symposium. A group came from FISC Canterbury, as well as friars OFM and Capuchin from Houses including Chilworth, Woodford, Oxford and Pantasaph. FMSL Sisters attended from Littlehampton, Burgess Hill, Canterbury and Copthorne and Poor Clares from various Houses including Arundel, Hollington and Arkley. In total, around a hundred people attended the event. It was an encouraging celebration of the growth of the Franciscan movement in its various branches up to the present day and the unity of the whole Franciscan family.

Day for Religious in Whitstable

2009-12-18T01:03:00.000-08:00

Sisters Magdalene and Rose attended a day For Religious in Whitstable. Here are their thoughts on the event:

Sr. Kate Stogden, a Cenacle Sister, gave an Advent day for Religious at the Convent of Mercy, Whitstable on Friday 27th November from 10am to 3.30pm. The topic was Lectio Divina: Nourishing our Consecration through the Word of God. The day was attended by almost fifty religious and among those present were several Franciscan friars - some from as far away as Erith. Sr. Kate's talks were immensely enjoyable and fruitful. She urged us to rest in the Word of life given to us in Scripture. Lectio Divina is not an intellectual exercise - the emphasis is on being nourished. We read with a faith conviction that God is communicating with us, and we draw life from this encounter. To read well, we need to prepare well. Being open and generous is half the battle. Fundamentally, in Lectio when we approach the Scripture, we see it as a gift to be received, not a problem to be dissected. So we need:

faith: a belief that God can speak to us
humility: understanding that we are in need of God's saving word
openness: to resist the temptation to say, 'I know all this'.

By Sr. Rose

The day started off with a 'good' problem, which saw record numbers of Sisters and Brothers attending the day, so we were pleasantly a little squashed in the chapel! There were many old and new faces, which inflamed me with a great sense of communion between our two generations, each of us sharing our hopes and fears for the future of Religious life in our country. For me this was eloquently expressed by Sr. Kate when she described LD as a real relationship with our God, where we share our pains and joys openly and honestly with Him every step of the way, so that He can then transfigure us with His Love, so we too can transfigure each other in our love, as we journey together openly and honestly through life. She said, “ If we are groaning, groan”, but I was definitely 'hopeful in hope', by the end of the day, for which I give thanks to God for the gift of all our Brothers and Sister who gathered together for the day, knowing that we are right here for each other in our prayer and Lectio Divina. No matter where we are, we are the living reality of the communion of Trinitarian love and life incarnate.

By Sr. Magdalene

Painting the Day Centre for Homeless People

2009-12-18T00:50:00.000-08:00

The Centre for homeless people run by the Scrine Foundation in Canterbury has just re-opened for mornings only as a volunteer-run service. Srs. Magdalene, Rose and Clare were helping to paint the Centre during November in preparation for its re-opening. It was a welcome break from essays!

It's Essay-Writing Time

2009-11-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

Srs. Magdalene and Rose are busy producing an essay for their course at the FISC on our Franciscan Rule of the Third Order Regular.

This, their first written assignment for a FISC course, is a new experience.

Their comments about the process:

Magdalene: 'It's good to look at how we're living the 4 core values of the TOR Rule and how I personally am trying to live them. Having to trust God enough to sit down and work on it each day is a spiritual help too.'

Rose: 'I find it is a fascinating process to grapple with what the question is asking me about Francis and his contemporaries. It is leading me to a better understanding of Francis and his charism as well as increasing historical knowledge of his context. It has been a valuable challenge in a positive way. It has challenged my assumptions about Francis.'

May God continue to inspire and guide them, and all FISC students and staff in their work.

Barn Dance at the FISC, 9th October 2009

2009-10-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

All five Sisters from Monte Bre Community attended the evening Barn Dance organised by the Friends of the FISC. For some of our overseas students it was their first time to try this kind of dancing. But with no previous experience required, the idea is that we all learn each dance together and then we all get it wrong together, with hilariously disastrous consequences. There was a buffet supper provided by the Friends at half time. It was an ideal opportunity for new students and more seasoned members of FISC community to get to know each other. A great time was had by all.

Cooking for Homeless People in Canterbury

2009-10-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

On 29th September, Srs. Magdalene, Rose and Clare began volunteer work for 2 hours a week at the Canterbury Open Centre for homeless people run by The Scrine Foundation. They were introduced to the Centre and its work by Gail, the Volunteer Co-ordinator. Since the Centre had been inundated with donations of vegetables, much labour was needed to cook all these while they were still fresh. The Sisters helped in the kitchen to make these into several varieties of soup that could be frozen and used through the winter. The next week, we were stewing large amounts of donated apples.

Rose manning (or 'womaning') the blender

Magdalene with Volunteer Co-ordinator, Gail

Quality control by Magdalene

The work is fun in a friendly atmosphere and we enjoy chatting with the clients and other volunteers. We look forward to our weekly sessions here.

Magdalene and Clare with finished soups

Feast of St. Francis at the FISC, 4th October 2009

2009-10-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday Mass at the FISC for this Feast in the 8th Centenary year was celebrated by the Archbishop of Southwark Diocese, Kevin McDonald. The Archbishop preached about St. Francis' focus on peace through the Cross. A group of the student sisters did an African offertory dance to bring up the gifts.
African Offertory Dance

Below: Archbishop and priests processing out

.
Sr. Magdalene was playing guitar with the choir. Br. Philippe presented the Archbishop with two books as a gift, one on Francis and Islam, the other on the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition, published by the FISC

After Mass, Archbishop Kevin stayed to have coffee and chat with everyone in the Common Room. He also stayed for lunch in the Refectory before he had to depart. The Monte Bre Community was also invited to lunch. In true Franciscan style, all hands were on deck for washing up afterwards.

The Transitus of St. Francis 3rd October 2009

2009-10-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

This year's Transitus at the Franciscan International Study Centre (FISC) was a commemoration of the 8th Centenary of the beginnings of Franciscan life. It was specially written and introduced by fr. David Blowey OFM Conv. This liturgy imagined Brs. Francis and Leo on Francis' final journey from Siena, where he dictated a Testament, to the Portiuncula, Assisi, where he passed from death to life. As they travel, Francis is remembering by free association the action of God in the spiritual journey of himself and the Brothers and Sisters. Through our participation in this prayer, we in the FISC community were led to reflect on how we were living out the values of Francis in today's world. The part of Francis was read by Br. Austin SSF and Leo, by Br. Jack OFM.
The service began in FISC Common Room. In Siena, Francis thought about the start of his journey, when he helped a poor knight and God showed him a vision of a palace full of armour for him and his knights. This vision was represented in the Common Room (see left) where the students of Clare House FISC led us to question how we are helping Christ in the poor today.

Monte Bre Community were asked to present 'Spoleto' the next stage of the journey. Francis recalled his dream at Spoleto on his way to war in which God asked him to follow the voice of his true Lord, not of an earthly warlord. Francis remembered his true Lord had spoken to him from the Crucifix in San Damiano, telling him to 'rebuild my house'.

Starting with images and sounds of glorified violence, individuals were asked to remove the newspaper images, piece by piece (right). Underneath was revealed the San Damiano Crucifix and the Lord's message, 'Rebuild My House'.

Francis understood that this meant to build up the Church of Christ by ministering to God's poor ones and John's Gospel narrative of the washing of the disciples' feet was begun. The five Monte Bre Sisters moved around all the people giving a blessing on the forehead with blessed oil. The reading concluded with our reminder to follow Christ's example of service, 'If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.' After this, we all processed to Francis' final resting place, the Portiuncula (FISC chapel), singing, 'Lord, make me a means of your peace' led by Sr. Magdalene on the recorder.

FISC Chapel prepared for Transitus

Francis now recalled the Gospel text which struck him at the Portiuncula, in which Jesus taught the disciples to, 'take nothing for the journey' and to say, 'peace to this house', where they rested. This connected with Francis' memory of the greeting the Lord revealed to him, 'may the Lord give you peace'. All then shared bread and a sign of peace together. A reading of Francis' fifteenth Admonition reminded us that the peacemakers are those, 'who preserve peace of mind and body for love of our Lord Jesus Christ, despite what they suffer in this world.' We then prayed the Psalm 141 with Francis and heard the narration of his final moments in this world. The lights dimmed until only candle light remained and sombre music faded to silence. We were left to pray over Francis' parting words, '"I have done what is mine; may Christ teach you what is yours".' We will remember this year's Transitus as an exceptionally moving prayer experience.

Garden Maintenance with William

2009-10-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

Sr. Rose digging around the apple trees

Willie trims lawn edges with giant clippers

William from Glasgow has lived in a mobile home at the rear of Monte Bre for around 30 years. He is the longest-standing resident at Monte Bre. Willie helps the Sisters, who look after him, with grounds security, gardening and general maintenance.

Novices' Holiday in Broadstairs

2009-10-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Having completed their first year of Novitiate Sisters Rose and Magdalene had 12 day's holiday by the sea at Broadstairs, in a guest house owned by the Faithful Companions of Jesus.
Weather on Day One was unpromising...

Holiday Day 1. Rose outside house.

Magdalene intrepid pilgim off to visit Tesco

But then came the Sun!

An example of a beautiful sunrise

So they were able to enjoy the seashore:

Brave Magdalene paddling her feet !

An example of our barefooted walks along the beaches

Viking Bay, Broadstairs on the way to Ramsgate

Rose at Ramsgate Harbour

There were memorable views on their visit to Dover:

Magdalene with view of Dover Port
from Western Heights

Rose enjoying view

at top of Western heights, Dover

Meanwhile, two former students from FISC, Canterbury, Brothers Antanas and Alvydas were ordained to the priesthood in Lithuania, which was a good reason to celebrate with a special meal at the house in Broadstairs. Congratulations Brothers!

They shared daily Masses with the FCJ Sisters in their convent and also visited for afternoon tea.
Rose and Magdalene were also invited to Sunday lunch with the FCJ Community:

Thanks to the FCJ Sisters for their warm and generous hospitality.

Having rested and recharged, it's time to return to new challenges in Novitiate Year 2!

(photos and captions by Sisters Magdalene and Rose)

Franciscan 8th Centenary Celebration in Canterbury

2009-09-16T05:09:00.000-07:00

On 10th September was a celebration day at the historic Franciscan site of Greyfriars and at Canterbury Cathedral to mark the 8th centenary of the Franciscan way of life, dating from papal approval of the friars' Rule in 1209. The day began with Mass in a marquee in Greyfriars meadow, attended by Franciscans from many branches of the movement and their friends, hosted by the Anglican Franciscan friars. The main celebrant was Br. Philippe Yates OFM, Principal of the Franciscan Study Centre. He preached on the humility of a little child as the attitude necessary to enter the Kingdom of God. The choir of St. Thomas' Church led us expertly in singing. After Mass was a shared lunch, where we mixed with the gathered brothers and sisters and met with our Sisters and friends who had travelled from Littlehampton.
above left: Shared lunch at Greyfriars (including tomatoes).

Srs. Rose (left) and Magdelene (right) getting to know Innocentia (centre) newly arrived in pre-postulancy and now based in Littlehampton.

After lunch, Br. Philippe (right) gave a talk on the history of the Franciscans in England, including every branch of the Franciscan family.

There followed a procession of all with singing from Greyfriars to Canterbury Cathedral behind a Franciscan banner.

out of Greyfriars Meadow...

through Stour Street onto the High St.

In the Cathedral Crypt, we were treated to an hour's presentation by a group of musicians of the music of the medieval troubadors, which had influenced St. Francis. Then, there were prayers in the Cathedral at the tomb of John Pecham, a Franciscan Archbishop of Canterbury. The celebration concluded with Evensong in the Cathedral Choir. The angelic boy choristers had prepared John Rutter's setting of 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' especially for this Franciscan occasion.
Our visitors from Littlehampton came back to Monte Bre for a buffet supper before making the return journey in the minibus. Our Sister Regina stayed with us, as she will be taking her holiday here. Praise God for a most successful and enjoyable celebration of our Franciscan life!

2009-09-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

Pastoral Assignment

On the first two days of our second year in the novitiate, Magdalene and I were happy to be invited to join Br Philippe and Br Chris at FISC to welcome groups of 15 and 16 year olds from Cardinal Pole school in London to make day retreats on the theme of “vocation”. The brothers had planned input around a series of sessions leading the pupils to reflect on what we are before God and how he calls us to become most fully alive.
We played Chinese Whispers, watched an extract from the film The Lord of the Rings, listened to a poem about names of cats, spent time in quiet reflection while holding a stone on which God's “hidden name” for us is written, drew times lines of our life stories and finished by passing round a paper in which each pupil wrote a positive comment about the others in the class.
For me it was a great pleasure to meet these young people, many of whom have suffered great changes in their lives when they moved to this country.

By Sr. Rose

Gospel-Based Retreat In Littlehampton

2009-09-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

We Will Come to the Lord and Take up Residence With Him in His Heart…

Or to put it a more simpler way ‘Come and See’ was the theme of our retreat with Br Seamus Muholland OFM at our Mother House, Littlehampton from 28th Aug -3rd September, 09.
We were challenged, invited, demanded and commanded, and inspired with curiosity to seek out our Lord and ‘experience’ Him.
To expect the unexpected and to risk it all in Faith – Go into it with eyes wide shut! To climb the heights of Mount Tabor, but to also come back down again to our everyday, bringing Jesus glorified back with us.
To allow ourselves to be unbound by Jesus, and to unbind those we bind in death through our own prejudices, fears and judgements.
To go back to the beginning in Genesis and to return to Galilee, where in Mark's Gospel the risen Jesus is waiting for us. For you see our journey is a journey without end.
We can take our own faith journey and walk with those first disciples on the road to Emmaus. At the beginning we are filled with hope, joy and expectation, but life can dash our hopes, rob us of our expectations, and we are left like these two disciples, our hearts filled with everything that is unrealised and empty, and YET even in the midst of all this sense of emptiness and brokenness and dashed hope, it is here that our Risen Lord will steal upon us like He did then, and make our hearts burn within us, and in our gradual realisation, recognition and experience of Him, we will run as fast as we can back to Jerusalem, where there are many more of us still in need of our experience of Him for themselves. Happy journeying!

Report and photos by Sr. Magdalene

Day of Recollection at Aylesford Priory

2009-09-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

Enjoying a picnic lunch

On 24th August, we had a Community day of recollection at Aylesford Carmelite Priory and Marian shrine. On arrival, we had some quiet individual time to pray in beautiful surroundings with many varieties of water birds on the lake including two black swans. A Carmelite friar was available for Confessions before Mass, which was in the choir chapel at Midday. The Mass was a Requiem for a local parishioner at which Sr. Magdalene was invited to read. After Mass, we came together for a picnic lunch (above).

After lunch and some more quiet time, Srs. Francoise, Magdalene and Clare met with Br. Michael, a Carmelite theology student at the Franciscan Study Centre, based at Aylesford during his summer vacation. Br. Michael showed the Sisters some of the less frequented parts of the shrine including the private garden (left) and cemetery.

Above: Srs. Francoise and Magdalene with Br. Michael OCarm

He then treated the Sisters to some generous Carmelite hospitality - Huge pots of tea and coffee in a pleasant garden behind the friary with a view of the river (left). Meanwhile, Srs. Elizabeth and Rose were enjoying some more solitude time. We all met up at 3pm to return home.

The Carmelite Community here is preparing to host the relics of St. Terese of Lisieux in October.

Visit to St. Anne's, Burgess Hill

2009-09-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

'Playing to a packed House' in St. Anne's

On 23rd May, Sr. Rose of Lima's Feast Day, Srs. Magdalene, Rose and Clare Bernadette were invited to St. Anne's Convent and rest home, Burgess Hill, to have lunch and a sing-song with the residents and local visitors. Sunday lunch was shared with the Community and with visitors, Sue, Jim and Joyce from Littlehampton. After lunch, Sisters, residents and guests gathered in the sitting room. More than twenty people were packed in with a few seated outside in the corridor. Having heard that visitor Tom Boyle was a singer, the musicians invited him to do a guest turn of three favourite Scottish folk songs that had everyone joining in with gusto.

Sisters of St. Anne's Community listen with guests and residents

Srs. Paul and Martha, residents and guests

Sr. Felicity with Frances

Above right: Josephine, Sr. Finbarr,
and Dorothy Crowder
Below: Jim, Sue, Martha Boyle and Sr. Martha

Srs. Magdalene and Clare Bernadette accompany singing

Sr. Magdalene (left) played guitar and sang a few solos including, 'O Danny Boy' and 'Coat of Many Colours' by Dolly Parton. Sr. Rose boosted the group singing and filled the roles of compere and 'road manager'. Some group songs were accompanied by Sr. Clare (above right) on keyboard and one on accordion.

A Lovely Audience

Sr. Felicity, Frances and Olivia

Philomena, Phyllis and Cathy
Helen Caxton and Philomena Baines

All Joining In

From left, Miss Crookes, Tom Boyle, Dorothy Crowder... and Mary Reynolds

The programme included popular songs by John Denver, Bob Dylan and an adaptation of Elvis' 'Jailhouse Rock'. After the entertainment, all had tea and cake before the visitors departed. It was a memorable and enjoyable Feast Day visit.

Photos taken by Sr. Rose of Lima

2009-08-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

Srs. Elizabeth, Francoise, Rose and Magdalene attend SSG SUMMER SCHOOL,

3-7 AUGUST, 2009

Liturgies, lectures, seminars, workshops and sheer SOUND: the Society of St. Gregory's Summer School, once described as “a retreat at a hundred miles an hour”, was held this year in rural Norfolk, at Ditchingham, amid narrow lanes and rolling cornfields. As August days blazed and then gave way to nights bright with a harvest moon, we explored the theme of “joyful hope” in Christian living and dying.

Bishop Michael Evans delivers keynote speech

Bishop Michael Evans of East Anglia interested me in his keynote speech by insisting that there is nothing sacrosanct about Latin as a liturgical language. Moreover, if we want to get closer to understanding the Scriptures, he said, let us look back to Hebrew and New Testament Greek. With regard to the controversy over translating the beatitudes, for example, Bishop Michael said that 'happy' comes closer to the Koine 'μακαριοι' [makarioi]and does more to convey an idea of the joyfulness which is the essence of Christian hope than does the translation 'blessed'.

On the afternoon of the Feast of the Transfiguration I went to the Composers' Forum. Christopher Walker, Paul Wellicome and Edwin Fawcett, three very brilliant composers, gave constructive and practical advice on six compositions submitted by SSGparticipants. Among other things, the panel encouraged composers to be specific in communicating the dynamics of each piece – to give very precise directions about how you want it to sound: is it loud or soft; are there swells; is it for solo or group; is the speed marking accurate and have you marked all this information for the accompaniment as well as the melody? Many practical tips were shared and each piece was sung through, so we had a marvellous opportunity to listen to some very beautiful new work.

Sr. Rose reads at Morning Prayer

A workshop on the Ministry of reading offered by permanent deacon Peter Tibke focussed on issues surrounding the role of reader. People tend to think that anyone can read, thus the need for training and practice is not widely recognized. We looked at three key aspects involved in proclaiming the Word of God suitably: conviction, preparation and delivery. Together we discussed such varied points as the need for eye contact with the congregation, the need to project the voice in larger assemblies and the need to understand the different genres of Scripture in order to read with understanding. Even a point as simple as that of arriving in good time is crucial. Since we receive Our Lord no less in the Liturgy of the Word than in the Blessed Sacrament, due seriousness and honour should be given to the task of reading at Mass.
The Summer School was far more than just a time of study. As a social event it was also hugely enjoyable, particularly the Big Sings and the Final Concert. I came away stimulated and refreshed, with my hope in the vitality of the Church rekindled.

By Sr. Rose of Lima

Don’t Hide Your Light Under The Bed, But Put it on a Lamp-Stand (Lk 8:16-18)

Sr. Magdalene plays recorder in music group

It was this message of Christ that touched me so deeply during this last weeks Summer Liturgy School. I was blessed, yes, with a ‘joyful hope’, the theme of our week, by all the many talented and gifted people, with whom I shared the ups and the downs of the week, and the simple reality that we all can, rather than can’t!
During my workshop we were all asked to produce a couple of small compositions, so that we could receive constructive criticism in return, to help us identify our strengths and weaknesses. I wrote a simple refrain and psalm tone for psalm 145, and a mantra based on one of the new memorial acclamation responses due to be brought out with the new Missal, hopefully next year.

The highlight of my week had to be my performance of my musical composition of ‘Canticle of Sir Brother Sun’, by St. Francis of Assisi, and all the very positive and affirming well wishes I received afterwards. I really would encourage all of you never to ‘give up’ on your gifts, whatever they are, no matter what level you are at, but to trust God to help us to live in the ‘joyful hope’ of our gifts, so that we can put them on a lamp-stand, and not hide them under our beds, because there is plenty of room on the ‘lamp-stand of liturgical music’, and indeed the ‘lamp-stand of life’ for all of us!

By Sr. Magdalene

Above: Sr. Magdalene performs her Canticle

Sr. Francoise in lecture

This was my first time at the St. Gregory Summer School. I had chosen for my workshop;
'A Sight for Sore Eyes: for those who think they can't sight-sing' , given by Edwin Fawcett.
I enjoyed the three sessions that we had, and I have a better understanding of how to begin to sight read. I know that I need to get myself familiar with the do, ray, me...scale, as one model. I must think in my head what is the starting note and then work out the do, ray, me scale for the following notes. It will only be by practising what is the first note that I will be able to eventually sight read the music in front of me.
I enjoyed the week with all the different sessions, but the high light for me was the Big Sing song with Edwin and singing Gospel Choir music. We sang, “ My God is a Rock- Psalm 17” by Edwin Fawcett © 2004. After an hour we had learnt how to be conducted by Edwin and it was really interesting to see this other way of singing music and to hear us sing this Psalm. Edwin's enthusiasm and talent of pitching the notes, for the four part singing, really drew everyone into singing the Psalm.
There was a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere that lasted the whole time. The encouragement, to have a go and see what happens was excellent, for everyone who wanted to learn more. I would highly recommended, that anyone who has never been before to come and see for themselves this wonderful Liturgical atmosphere.

By Sr. M. Francoise

The theme of the summer School was: “As we wait in joyful hope”
For the closing liturgy I was asked by Fr Tim Menzies, co-ordinator of the week, - to offer a short reflection on what had most touched/moved me during the week’s experience.
The Bishop of East Anglia, Michael Evans, gave a keynote lecture on Wednesday and he said to us that life is a journey – a pilgrimage; and to live in joyful hope. He challenged us to make a difference IN THE HERE AND NOW in ministry and in service. He also invited us to experience a foretaste of heaven and to enable others to do so; - to be ministers of hope: joyful hope.

Ann Blackett gives lecture

I attended the workshop on
“God’s holy people and the places we make – liturgical spaces” led by Ann Blackett.
I found these sessions energising and they led me to reflect that each and every one of us is sacred space.
In the final keynote lecture, Ann Blackett focused on living in joyful hope in relation to Pastoral Care of the Sick. Her sharing of her journeying with her Dad through chemotherapy, dying and death was a visible example for me of living in joyful hope.
She also highlighted that what we hope and pray for can change – especially with the illness and death of a loved one.
Above all, I returned home from the week with this:
Our hope is when we are Christ to one another.

By Sr. Elizabeth

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

2009-08-01T02:42:00.000-07:00

...not Saints Clare of Assisi and Agnes of Prague, that's for sure! Both women of the Franciscan Second Order petitioned the Popes of their time to finally obtain the Privilege of Poverty, that is, a privilege of owning nothing at all, individually or in common. Highlighting the clash of values between the Franciscan ideal of poverty and today's money-loving culture, Sisters Magdalene and Rose created a spoof gameshow of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? for the FMSL Congregation Day in Littlehampton in 16th July. This was to share what they had learned about St. Clare in a course taught by Sr. Frances Teresa OSC at the FISC Canterbury during the summer term. The show featured Agnes of Prague (Sr. Rose) as a reluctant contestant and Chuck Tarrent (Sr. Magdalene) as the cheery host, with an appearance from heaven of the deceased St. Clare (Sr. Clare Bernadette) as Agnes' 'phone-a-friend'. In the background, Sr. Francoise helped with the props.

Agnes appeared on the show under obedience from the Pope, who wanted to put her monastery on a more sound financial footing. Unable to lie, she was aghast as she won more and more money she didn't want by answering successive questions correctly, since they were all about her friend, St. Clare. When it came to the final, all-or-nothing, million-pound question, Agnes was stuck. She used her last lifeline of 'ask the audience'. After their voting, she decided to go with their majority answer. After a tense build-up, the computer revealed the answer. The audience had got it wrong! Agnes danced for joy - she was penniless and happy once more. Then Chuck Tarrent made a surprise announcement: the Holy Father was sending his Papal Bulldog live into the studio to confirm Agnes' Privilege of Poverty. The Bulldog (played by the Monte Bre Community's automated pet, Haecceitas) stole the show with it's groovy dance and encouraging song, 'I really like the way you walk...'

All enjoyed this afternoon show, as well as the morning performance of St. Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio, retold by Srs. Rose and Magdalene, featuring near-lifelike puppets of Francis and a most alarming wolf! By special request, the Novitiate recreated the Millionaire gameshow for the Poor Clare Community in Hollington on 22nd July during an enjoyable afternoon visit for the Feast of St, Mary Magdalene.

St. Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio

The Millionaire Show at the Poor Clares, Hollington