In July we welcomed the Places of Worship Pilgrimage group for a short tour and reflection time.  Here, Canon Dr Andrew Smith gives an account of the visit. 

Handsworth is known as an area of religious diversity, and the stories of the places of worship and who worships there tell us a lot about the area and how it has changed. We have developed a Heritage Trail around the area that looks at Handsworth and Lozells through the perspective of places of worship. In July 12 of us walked the trial as an act of pilgrimage, taking time to pause, reflect and look for signs of God and godliness in the area. As people of different faiths, we were inspired by the stories we encountered and the hospitality we received. We ended our visit at St Mary’s Convent where we were warmly welcomed. For many of us it was our first visit and were struck by the beauty of the building and the history of worship and service of the nuns. We were able to spend time in the garden in peaceful reflection at the end of our day, thankful for all we had seen, heard and learnt on our pilgrimage. 

Canon Dr Andrew Smith
Director of Interfaith Relations for the Bishop of Birmingham

​At a recent visit to St Mary's Convent, the young adults involved with ATHAC came to present their work from the Inner City in a suitcase project to the community.  One of the suitcases was based on the history of St Mary's.
Project Manager Carol Reid discusses the project:

ATHAC CIC works with young people and adults with neurodiverse needs (including Autism and ADHD) and learning disabilities and differences to access heritage, arts and culture in creative ways and to provide opportunities for these people to realise their potential as artists, makers and contributors.
Using the no. 8 inner city circular bus route as inspiration we identified four different stops along the route of people and spaces of historical significance.   A local historian facilitated guided exploration of each specific area where the young people explored the location as they gained a deeper understanding of each area of heritage.

• A Grade II listed building (St Mary’s Convent, Hockley)
• Historic green space (Small Heath Park)
• A heritage-rich reservoir with a story linked to a commemorative statue (Edgbaston Reservoir and Charles Blondin statue, Ladywood).
• Five Ways Circus Ladywood

The young people researched using Birmingham Library Archives and digital heritage platforms to understand and explore heritage.
This mini-project, worked with 3 artists to design each suitcase to tell each story, empowering and engaging the young people in the production of each case.  The suitcases are being shared across Ladywood with local community groups.  A gallery exhibition is planned at The Hive in the Jewellery Quarter during Birmingham Heritage Week.
It was a meaningful experience where all the young people gained skills in research, communication and creativity whilst creating a sense of pride through their collective efforts in their modelled suitcases.
 
Carol Reid,
Project Manager,
Athac

​ 
The Stechford and Handsworth Mercy Associates met for a day’s Retreat in St Mary's Convent - Catherine’s last foundation. There was a great buzz of meeting and greeting on arrivals.
 
The Associates had asked to learn more about Catherine so the theme of the day was “Walking where Catherine walked.”
 
Sister Kathleen introduced the day and informed the group that she had received a message that morning for another Mercy woman to attend and was that ok? To the groups surprise ...Venerable Catherine herself (Sister Noreen), walked in and told us all of how she founded this house in Birmingham in 1841. It was a very moving experience as she relived the memories of those early days.
 As she left we really felt the day had begun and especially as she reminded the Associates that Mercy started with two associates. The refrain “She is here, She is moving among us” was sung as we did actually feel her presence with us.
 
The morning was spent going back to our beginnings, both through the life of Catherine and the development of St Mary’s to the Centre as it is today. The Associates felt free to ask and contribute to the input. It was a lively session. We then literally walked where Catherine had walked as we did a tour of the house.  
                        
Our afternoon session began with a reflection on one of  Catherine’s letters from this house, led by Sister Maureen. We were then encouraged to find a quiet place in the house, reread the letter and then write our own letter to Catherine as we were feeling today.
Sister Maura concluded the day with a reflection and prayer on all the happenings of the day, emphasising greatly the role of the Mercy Associates.
 
The day could not be over without a good cup of tea and a 21st Century Roger de Coverley Scottish country dance music, and Abba!