Celebrating Jubilees in the UK in 2023

 It was with great delight the Sisters in the UK Region were able to gather on Wednesday 24 May at Rothley Court Hotel in Leicestershire to give thanks and celebrate with our Jubilarians of 2023. This year three Jubilarians, Sisters Laurette Bergin, Catherine McCormack, and Brigid Phelan each celebrated 60 years of Religious Life. The weather was glorious, and the day was simply perfect with a relaxed atmosphere. On behalf of all the Jubilarians including Catherine Ferguson who celebrated 70 years of Religious Life on Saturday 20 May, Catherine McCormack warmly welcomed us to our joyful celebration. Laurette then led us in the beautiful prayer service she had prepared beginning with the hymn “Come as you are,” and each sister was blessed with oil by Alexine, Hilda, and Anne Kenny and we concluded with the singing of “Lord you have come to the Lakeside.”

“With love you have looked in my eyes, Lord,
Smiling gently, you called me by name…..”

We were especially pleased once again to have Andrea join us for the occasion as she was visiting the Region. Andrea was also able to be present for Catherine Ferguson’s celebration in Pinner, Middlesex along with the sisters from the Walm Lane Community, Lelia Walsh who travelled from Leicester and two of Catherine’s friends from her Focolare Group.

We offer congratulations to Catherine Ferguson, Laurette, Catherine, and Brigid from all of us and may God continue to bless and guide them in the years to come.

By Maureen Brennan