Inside story of Covid lockdown at Walsingham Shrine
August 29, 2021
Opportunity to explore wonders of St John’s Cathedral
September 1, 2021
Sr Anna Yeo from the Daughters of Divine Charity in Swaffham made her solemn profession during a Mass celebrated in St John’s Cathedral by Bishop Alan Hopes.
During the celebration over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, Sr Bernarda and Sr Francis celebrated their Golden Jubilee and renewed their permanent vows, while Sr Mary and Sr Jude renewed their temporary vows. They were joined at the service by Sr Danuta, the Provincial Superior.
The convent of the Daughters of Divine Charity in Swaffham has been particularly vibrant since a new influx in 2016, when it welcomed a postulant, two novices and two sisters.
“We often need reminders of the very purpose of our lives,” said Bishop Alan in his homily, “to become saints as God intends, so that whatever stage of life we have reached, we can allow His grace to burn within us.”
The bishop encouraged the sisters renewing their vows to be courageous and to persevere. “Our relationship with God is a romance,” he said. “May God who has already begun this good work in you bring it to fulfilment on the Day of Jesus Christ.”
Turning to Sr Anna, Bishop Alan gave a reminder that we are never quite happy on earth. “There can never be fulfilled perfection outside of heaven itself. Even though your consecration is perpetual, you must constantly remind yourself of your final destination.”
Finally, the bishop gave an appeal to all of the sisters to “love each other as God loves each of you…Remember that mutual forgiveness, gentleness and compassion are at the heart of your Holy Rule.”
A reception was held after Mass in the Narthex and the cathedral garden, where the sisters welcomed family, friends and supporting priests.
The Daughters of Divine Charity are based in Austria and have over 1,000 sisters worldwide.
You can see a Flickr gallery of the celebration by clicking on the link or the picture below.
