We met to celebrate the 5th Centenary of our foundress St. Teresa of Avila.

 

The day began with a simple Opening Ritual giving thanks for our Vocation and closing with the singing of a poem/hymn written by Teresa, ‘I am thine and born for Thee, what is Thy will for me?’

A sister from each community placed a candle around a picture of Teresa. (Left)

After the ritual we moved to the Chapel (below) for a Mass of Thanksgiving.

 

After Mass it was time for a celebration meal.

A lot of old friends met up, some after many years, and new friendships were made.

 

 

 

The early afternoon was spent chatting, walking in the grounds and looking at the exhibitions provided by each Carmel, telling their individual story.

The picture on the left shows sisters chatting in the exhibition area.

 

 

Then we gathered for the group photograph.  (See top of page)

but it took some time for everyone to gather and get into position so that all could be seen.

A great variety of shots were taken of the whole group and of smaller sections in it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the photos  everyone returned to the house for tea.

A special birthday cake had been made by Sr. Mary Joseph and we all sang
Happy Birthday to TERESA.
Then Sr. Monica, our newly elected Association President, cut the cake.

Everyone enjoyed the party!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were joined by our Provincial, Fr. Michael, who had celebrated Mass for us…

 

 

 

…and by Sr. Allain, president of the British Carmelite Association…

 

 

 

 

 

The party continued until the cars and minibuses began to arrive to bring us home.