St. Mary's Convent Handsworth

Carols by candlelight, 18th December 2019

4/1/2020

The weeks leading up to Christmas are always a time of anticipation, excitement and reflection. They are also a time for some traditions that for many people are a particularly meaningful part of Christmastime. On the evening of Wednesday 18th December 2019 the community at St Mary’s Convent welcomed around 60 local (and some not so local) people to a very successful carols by candlelight service.

The Christmas Story was told through readings and hymns – all of which were sung with much enthusiasm, either by soloists or the congregation. As far as we know, this is the first such service that has taken place at St Mary’s so was a special and significant event.

Special thanks to the Holy Spirit Sisters and the Jesuit Community in Birmingham for their involvement.

Jenny Smith
Archivist, Union of the Sisters of Mercy GB

A New Statue of Venerable Catherine

23/11/2019

A New Statue of Venerable Catherine for Saint Mary’s, Handsworth, Birmingham
(Catherine’s last foundation)
19th November 2019

For the occasion of the blessing and dedication, Father Gerry, PP, prepared a beautiful and fitting service which included hymns, scripture, intercessions and the singing of the Suscipe. In his reflection on Ephesians 2:8-10, Father Gerry reminded us that each one of us is God’s work of art.
Father Gerry gave thanks for the ministries of Sisters of Mercy worldwide, and the one hundred and seventy-eight years Mercy ministry in Handsworth.
During the intercessions, all our deceased Sisters were remembered and, in a special way, Ita was remembered.

The statue of Catherine stands about three feet high in the front garden of Saint Mary’s.
Catherine’s features are based on the description provided by Sister Clare Augustine Moore. It was sculpted in limestone by Peter, the nephew-in-law of Anne (who worked for many years in Saint Mary’s).
For the poor men and women who call daily at the convent she represents ‘all the nuns’.
The original idea for a new statue of Catherine was the brainchild of Sister Ita Keane (1945 – 2019). Sadly, Ita was not here to witness the installation and blessing, though she was fondly remembered in our prayers.

Fr. Gerry and Sister Philomena

PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY L-R: Denise (Secretary), Sr. Maureen rsm, Ann, Sr. Noreen rsm, Sr. M Brendan rsm, Albert (Mercy Associate & Volunteer), Sr. Maura rsm, Father Gerry, PP, Sr. Marie rsm, Sr. Philomena rsm (Union Congregational Leader), Sr. Brigid rsm, Sr. Nicole rsm.

Missing from the group is Jenny (Archivist) who took the photograph!
After the ceremony, all gathered in the refectory for a very special meal.

Heritage Open Days at St Mary’s Convent, Handsworth 2019

26/9/2019

‘A most beautiful place, so unexpected’
‘What a treasure and haven of peace’
‘We really enjoyed the welcome and hearing the history of the Sisters of Mercy’

These were some of the comments by visitors to St Mary’s Convent, Handsworth over Heritage Open Days/ Birmingham Heritage Week. Aided by the hospitality of the Sisters at St Mary’s, as well as some very committed volunteers, we were able to open from 10am -4 pm on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st September 2019 for rolling tours throughout the day. We welcomed 120 visitors during this time, which exceeded previous years by some margin. What an achievement!

We saw such a range of people from many age profiles, backgrounds, faiths (and no faith) and localities. It was really quite inspiring to see so many people of Birmingham and further afield taking such an interest in the convent and in the history of the Sisters of Mercy. We even managed to order the sun to shine.
Hopefully some of these visitors will return and will spread the word that St Mary’s Convent is somewhere to think about visiting. We have set tour dates throughout the year (as per the website) and can often arrange visits outside of those set dates to groups wanting to come.

Let us see what the Heritage Days for 2020 bring!

Jenny Smith
Archivist, Union of the Sisters of Mercy GB

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Carols by candlelight, 18th December 2019

​Special thanks to the Holy Spirit Sisters and the Jesuit Community in Birmingham for their involvement.

A New Statue of Venerable Catherine

A New Statue of Venerable Catherine for Saint Mary’s, Handsworth, Birmingham(Catherine’s last foundation)19th November 2019

Heritage Open Days at St Mary’s Convent, Handsworth 2019

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Special thanks to the Holy Spirit Sisters and the Jesuit Community in Birmingham for their involvement.

A New Statue of Venerable Catherine for Saint Mary’s, Handsworth, Birmingham
(Catherine’s last foundation)
19th November 2019