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
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