Sister Clara Savarimuthu died in India on 23rd April 2021, aged 59 years, having succumbed to Covid-19. She entered the community in India and spent some years in England, most recently at the Generalate in Brighton and at Holy Cross Priory, Heathfield. She returned to India in 2014 and at the time of her death was Sub-Prioress of the Indian Priory and Superior at Grace and Compassion Priory, Tiruvannamalai. May she rest in peace.
Procession at the start of the Profession Mass in East Africa
Sisters Adelight, Eunice and Edith who were due to make their Final Profession in Kenya in April waited patiently for restrictions to be lifted but as there was no sign of this happening the ceremony went ahead in July and they were joined by Sr Martha who made her First Profession at the same time. In spite of having very few outside guests the community ensured that the four sisters had a memorable Profession Day. We congratulate each one and pray that they will find peace, joy and fulfilment as sisters of Grace and Compassion .
Professed Sisters with the Parish Priest and Sr Beatrice, Regional Superior
Sisters on their Profession day
Sr Theresa arrives at St Mary’s House, Brighton
Following a couple of falls and a few broken bones Sr Theresa spent several weeks in hospital and Holy Cross Care Home. She is now at St Mary’s to regain her strength and spend time with the community once again.
The blessing of our new foundation at Kibabii took place in July
Thanks to the kindness of a generous benefactor who donated some land, we have started a new foundation at Kibabii near Bungoma in Kenya where we hope to offer accommodation to students at the three nearby universities. The blessing took place a few days after the Profession Ceremony in July and once again the sisters made sure it was a joyful occasion in spite of Covid 19 restrictions. The sisters are waiting eagerly for the Universities to open so that they can welcome guests and students. In the meantime they have begun planting and will be kept busy in the garden.
The sisters at the blessing at Kibabii
What happened in 2020?
This word cloud sums up at a glance some of the many experiences of this year of pandemic. It has been a challenging time for everyone and in each country the sisters have had to face lockdown and difficulties such as not being able to travel, cancellation of classes in schools, colleges and universities, uncertainty, sickness and anxiety. However these unprecedented times have also been a time of many blessings and graces and we go forward in hope, united in prayer.
Sister Elizabeth Fearon
Sister Elizabeth Fearon died peacefully at St Mary’s House, Brighton on Wednesday 14th August 2019, aged 96 years. She was born in Cuba in September 1922 and entered the community at Holy Cross Priory in August 1968. She was the first Superior at Tiruvannamalai, India where she made her Final Profession in February 1976. May she rest in peace.
First Profession in Uganda and Final Profession in India
Sister Anitha made her Final Profession at Yercaud in India on 31st August and Sister Faustina and Sister Emmanuelina made their First Profession of Vows in Uganda on 22nd August and we offer them our prayers and congratulations!
Jubilees
The third Jubilee celebration this year was held at Holy Cross Priory, Heathfield, on the feast of the Holy Cross in September. Congratulations to Sister Euphrasia and Sister Delsiya!
New House in Sri Lanka
St Benedict’s Retirement Home was blessed and officially opened on 12th September at Millewa Sri Lanka.
First Profession in India
Sister Priya and Sister Usha made their first Profession of Vows in July 2019 in Bangalore India. We offer them our warm congratulations and prayers!
Silver Jubilee
Sister Thaya and Sister Swarna celebrated their Silver Jubilee in Sri Lanka in June 2019 during a visit of the General Council. Bishop Cletus OSB was the main celebrant and family members and sisters from all the Sri Lankan houses were present for the Mass and lovely meal!
Golden Jubilee
Sr Catherine celebrated her Golden Jubilee on 6th August 2019, exactly 50 years from the day of her First Profession in 1969. Sr Catherine was joined by family members and sisters from the English houses for Mass and lunch at St Mary’s House in Brighton.
Sister Sheila Shanley
Sister Sheila Shanley died peacefully at Holy Cross Care Home, aged 82 years, on Saturday 16th March 2019. She entered the Community in 1962 and was the longest serving member and the first sister to celebrate her Golden Jubilee, in 2015. Her funeral took place at Holy Cross Priory, Heathfield on 29th March. May she rest in peace.
Visit to the Elderly at Mundika
The sisters have always cared for the elderly since they arrived at Mundika and as well as the home for residents there is an Outreach service where the sisters visit people in the villages to give support and to monitor their health and welfare. Our picture show some of the residents and sisters taken during a recent visit of Sr Kathy and Sr Carmel.
General Council Meetings
Following the General Chapter last year only three members of the General Council live in England so we arranged a full meeting in Kenya and plan to have others at different locations. Our pictures show the meeting taking place in the convent at Mundika and another one of the group under a mango tree.
Final Profession in Uganda
In December 2018, five Sisters made their Final Profession of Vows at the Parish Church in Jinja, Uganda. They were Sisters Jacinta, Clare, Beninya, Maria Gorette and Kizito. It was a colourful, joyful, outdoor celebration which lasted all day! The photos show the group receiving a solemn blessing and at the end of the Mass with the Bishop and Sister Kathy.
In February, six sisters renewed their vows at the convent in Jinja as seen in the picture above.