Retreat at St Mary’s Convent, Handsworth - June 2019
A small group of Handsworth and Stechford Associates gathered at St Mary’s on Saturday 8th June for a Retreat led by Sister Noreen and Sister Bridget.
During the morning session, Sister Bridget talked to us about Juliana Hardman and her family. Juliana had the privilege of receiving her formation from Catherine. She and three companions set off for Dublin to be trained and after their profession, returned immediately to Handsworth where they were greeted by Cardinal Wiseman who had travelled from London to receive them. Catherine had also travelled to Handsworth with the four, where she stayed for a month to help them settle in. Juliana was the first Reverend Mother of Handsworth. She was a Sister of Mercy for forty three years and was superior for thirty five of those years.
In the afternoon, Sister Noreen recounted a talk she had attended called ‘Mercy is Love’s other Name’. What a wonderful way to describe Mercy. Catherine described Mercy as a blend of loving, compassion and forgiveness.
We were delighted to celebrate with Briege and Joan who were commissioned in the afternoon by Sister Noreen and joined Handsworth Associates.
We enjoyed a lovely lunch in the company of the Sisters at St Mary’s and, of course, lots of comfortable cups of tea throughout the day.
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