Sr Camilla has been appointed by Bishop Alan Hopes as Vicar for Women Religious for the Diocese of East Anglia. She is looking forward to working with and supporting religious, consecrated virgins and consecrated widows and to promoting consecrated life in its many forms in the diocese. In the light of this Sr Theresa is now the new director of Dowry House and Sr Gabi is to become the local servant from January.
The COLW Book of Life received the imprimatur from Bishop Alan Williams SM from the Diocese of Brentwood. It was hoped to publish it by Christmas but Covid-19 related delays mean it will have to wait until the new year.
Another special day was All Saints. Every year the local families at Walsingham have a ‘Night of Light’ celebration for the children on this special solemnity. This year’s event was smaller and repeated in the same format three times over the weekend so people could attend in small groups and could allow for social distancing. There was Adoration in the chapel and educational activities for the children in which they learnt about the saints, as well as sweets galore.
September saw the exciting arrival of the community’s first Shepherd’s Hut! The consecrated members of COLW, sisters and future brothers, have a hermit experience every year and it will be used for this and for prayer and solitude.
The lovely comfortable bed, prayer area, desk and fully-equipped kitchen mean that a shorter or longer time can be enjoyed there. It has heating, including a delightful wood-burning stove and there are views of the prayer gardens and the opportunity to go for walks on the surrounding moors.
Sign up for the regular newsletter at the COLW website.
Pictured above is the new Shepherd’s Hut at the Dereham COLW Convent.