On June 21st our Jubilarians gathered at the Bar Convent to celebrate with as many IBVM and CJ sisters who were able to be present.
Our Jubilarians this year were: Sr Ann Stafford (Diamond), Sr Jane Livesey and Sr Gemma Simmonds (Golden), and two sisters celebrated their 90th birthdays, Sr Mary Ann Flood and Sr Jude Bunn. We met for coffee and chat from 10.00 am and were still chatting as the 12.00 Mass approached. The Mass, presided over by Fr Henry Longbottom from the Leeds diocese, and Sr Gemma’s godson, was the centre of the celebration. The Music at Mass was wonderful and the homily linked the celebration with St Aloysius Gonzaga whose feast day it was.
The new Bar Convent Chef, Rob James, provided us with a magnificent lunch. Lunch lingered into the afternoon with more chatting, tea and coffee and, of course, the cutting of the celebration cake. By 4.30 pm all were ready to depart for home after a happy memorable day. There was much speculation about next year’s Jubilee celebration(s) when we have ‘Become One’ congregation. We look forward to it whatever form it takes.
The photo below shows left to right: Sisters Ann, Jude, Mary Ann, Gemma and Jane in cutting cake mode – before devouring it with the rest of us.