I arrived at St Mary’s Convent on the 14th September 2016 to start my postulancy. I received a wonderful welcome, by the whole community. I arrived just 10 days before the 175th Anniversary. What a time to arrive, so much to be completed, but so much excitement in the house. It was Mercy charisma at its best. Not just with the community, but all the sisters staying in the house and visiting. For me a newbie, it was wonderful to see, and very encouraging of what my future looks like.
On the Friday, some of the visiting sisters were taken to the church to look at the focal point, it was about 5pm, and I said, “This time tomorrow it’ll all be over”. I was informed, “no dear, you’ll be making cups of tea”. This was so true, but with so many memories to be remembered and over a good cuppa tea, it was one tradition I was happy to be a part of.
The 24th September 2016 was upon us all, it was a day that will be with me for a very long time, from the beginning to the end. Starting with finalising things at the church and hall, to welcoming visitors into the house, to the most amazing church service, with so many individuals being a part of the various ministries.
On the Friday, some of the visiting sisters were taken to the church to look at the focal point, it was about 5pm, and I said, “This time tomorrow it’ll all be over”. I was informed, “no dear, you’ll be making cups of tea”. This was so true, but with so many memories to be remembered and over a good cuppa tea, it was one tradition I was happy to be a part of.
The 24th September 2016 was upon us all, it was a day that will be with me for a very long time, from the beginning to the end. Starting with finalising things at the church and hall, to welcoming visitors into the house, to the most amazing church service, with so many individuals being a part of the various ministries.
 | I took part in the offertory procession, and the second candle: the Novitiate. Sr Agatha Collopy walked with me while the following was read: “In 1841 two postulants accompanied Mother Catherine McAuley, and the founding sisters – Juliana Hardman, Lucy Bond, Eliza Edwards and Anne Wood. From then until the 1950s, there was a flourishing Novitiate where those seeking to follow the Mercy way of life were trained.” It was emotional for me, with Juliana being a distant cousin of mine and for me, to be doing the same thing 175 years later. Some sisters’ commented, its come full circle. This is so true. |
We then proceeded over to the church hall for the feeding of the thousands, well maybe not quite a thousand, but a lot. The celebrations continued in the convent well into Sunday afternoon.
The community of St Mary’s Handsworth should be so proud of what they achieved on this most memorable day for so many sisters, the local community and myself. I am so grateful to be here at St Mary’s Convent for the first key stage of my Mercy journey, and hope that I will be half as good as the sisters here.
Thank you Sr Noreen, Sr Brendan, Sr Brigid, Sr Ita, Sr Marie and Sr Ursula for letting me join your community at such a busy time and for accompanying me on the beginning of my Mercy journey.
Love
Nicole
The community of St Mary’s Handsworth should be so proud of what they achieved on this most memorable day for so many sisters, the local community and myself. I am so grateful to be here at St Mary’s Convent for the first key stage of my Mercy journey, and hope that I will be half as good as the sisters here.
Thank you Sr Noreen, Sr Brendan, Sr Brigid, Sr Ita, Sr Marie and Sr Ursula for letting me join your community at such a busy time and for accompanying me on the beginning of my Mercy journey.
Love
Nicole
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