The Colwich ChronicleSt. Mary's Abbey Colwich Stafford ST18 0UFAdvent 2008 |
Celebrating St Gertrude in November 2008
A Message from Mother AbbessThank you very much for your prayerful support during my illness.I am back to my old self and enjoying Community life. May the Peace of Christ and His joy be with you and your loved ones. My love and prayers 
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On the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, 25th January, Sister Marie Therese was clothed as a novice. Mother Prioress is the Novice Mistress, and Sister Davina is Assistant Novice Mistress. Sister Davina and Sister Marie Therese began a Scripture Course with the Maryvale Institute in Birmingham, with a study weekend in October.
GoodbyesWe said goodbye in June to Sister Cordis, who had been with us for four years. She returned to her Congregation, the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy. In September Sister Mary Magdalen, who had been a novice for a year, returned to her family. We wish them both well and our prayers go with them. |
A Requiem Massis celebrated here on 5th Novemberfor the deceased relatives and benefactors of our English Benedictine Congregation. Holy Mass is offered once a month for our relatives and benefactors, living and dead. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament |
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May They Rest in PeaceAmongst those who have died this year:John Baker, brother of Mother Abbess Peter Redfern, father of Sr Marie Therese Carol (Therese) Flynn, our dear oblate Monica Leeming, who was always here for the Holy Triduum and Easter. |
Chelsea
Our poodle Chelsea is still very lively although she is now ten years old and has begun to suffer a bit from arthritis. With her powerful bark, she is a wonderful watchdog. She is really quite gentle and is a great favourite in the guest room.
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Visitation
Abbot Richard Yeo, Abbot President, and Abbot Paul Stonham of Belmont Abbey came in April for our Visitation, which takes place at four yearly intervals. They gave us plenty of encouragement and advice.
RetreatThis year we had our Annual Retreat in May, in preparation for Pentecost. It was given by a Canadian priest, Father Patrick Slaney from Toronto.CelebrationWe celebrated in June the 90th birthday of our Chaplain, Father Edward Delepine, giving thanks for his long service to God and our community. |
Seventy Years Ago: The Shadow of War30th September: In spite of encouraging reports from Munich Capt. Blair came up today to lecture on the subject of gas-masks and to leave models to be tried on before ordering the sizes and numbers we want. Next month we are to have lectures on gas bombs from the point of view of the recipient, and after Christmas the doctor is to give instructions in first aid. 15th December: Our thoughts and prayers are with our German co-religionists, and the Jews who are undergoing such a terrible persecution as to shock the whole world. |