Happenings

 

 

  Some Recent Events

 

in prayerTeresinha
 

 

 

In January we welcomed two sisters from the Carmel of Hera in East Timor. Sisters Anna and Teresinha will be with us for a year.

 
 
 

 

 

Catherine Ann clothing
 

 

Later in January our postulant received the Carmelite Habit and the religious name: Sister Catherine Ann of the Compassion of Christ.

 

 

 

  Anne
Our Sister Anne went home to God on 14 February.

Born in Le Havre, France on January 17, 1922, Sister Anne entered the Carmel of Avranches at the age of 23. Later, she responded to an appeal by a visiting Missionary Bishop, and with a companion, left France in 1954, to offer herself to help the struggling Carmel of what is now Papua New Guinea. However, the tropics proved disastrous for her health, and she had to leave PNG shortly afterwards. Rather than return to France, and take back her sacrifice, Sr. Anne  joined our community in 1956, maintaining always close bonds with Avranches Carmel.  After we moved to Ormiston in 1965, Sr. Anne ably managed the Monastery’s dairy - later beef - cattle and the bees with tender loving care, right up until she was diagnosed with lung cancer one year ago. In spite of continual pain from her juvenile arthritis, when not out in the fields, she was often engaged in adding a French touch to our cuisine with tasty chutneys and jams.

Sr. Anne's spiritual life, nourished on the psalms, was simple and very much orientated toward care and concern for others. Her zeal for her duties was surpassed only by her fidelity in praying for the many intentions recommended to our community prayers.  She had the unusual gift of remembering each of these by name, at an allotted time during the day - more often than not, adding a little sacrifice to the offered prayer. It is no wonder that we recognised in her a great power of prayer, and were often amazed when she asked about an intention long after it was normally forgotten.

We thank God for all the joy, love and smiles dear Sr. Anne gave us in her life. 

 

Marie Tania and CeciliaIn August we welcomed home our Sister Marie Tania who had spent six months at Marymount Mercy Centre in Sydney taking part with other women Religious, including two other contemplatives, in a course for formators. This is the first time such a course has been available here in Australia. We are sure this learning and experience will be invaluable in the formation of young women who aspire to Carmelite life.