Annual News 2019 20 - from Wantage and overseas - Community of St Mary the Virgin
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Annual News 2019 - 20 from Wantage and overseas
Community Welcome soul’. On return to the reception area
there was much happy energy in talk-
Sisters at December 2019 ing and relaxing with one another over
in order of Profession - tea/coffee and cake.
the making of their life vows to God:
Another aspect of newness and
Honor Margaret change is this edition’s first combin-
Jean Frances ing of CSMV Annual News with our
Valeria Overseas Links magazine. It expresses
Phoebe Margaret part of our growing commitment to
Christine Ann (Solitary) unify and expand our Community’s
Eileen outreach. We want, too, to celebrate
Lorna and affirm today something of CSMV’s
Stella concern for aspects of pastoral care
Trudy and mission that we are in touch with
Elizabeth Jane in the UK, but also in places in our
troubled world where courageous
The Sisters are pleased to have living with Sisters responded to various Bishops’
them two Postulants and one Alongsider Dear Friends, invitations to initiate forms of educa-
who are exploring the religious life. tion and Christian nurture: first in India
The first phase of our building and in 1877 and later to South Africa and
reconstruction work has been com- then to Botswana.
pleted with a striking façade of high
arched windows at the entrance to We rejoice that the courage and ded-
the Convent, leading into the new ication of those early Sisters‘ prayer
reception area. We hope you will find and service have left their mark on the
it welcoming and peaceful. Our archi- continuing work overseas: in support
tect has, we feel, created an imagina- of children and young people in Pune,
tive environment, sensitive to the spirit India, for the intellectually disabled
of simplicity that we wish to live as women at Irene Homes in South
pilgrims in the religious life. Africa, and for orphaned and deprived
Acknowledgements children and for hospice care in
The service of Blessing of the new Botswana. You may feel led to go and
We are grateful to all the people who space and refurbished North Wing experience some of this forward-look-
have provided material to be included in was shared by Fathers Toby Wright ing work that CSMV supports and
our Annual News, including in particular: and Brendan Clover and conveyed even to explore offering voluntary help
with solemnity yet with a lightness and/or perhaps to provide a donation
Aashish James of touch. As well as the pleasure for a young person without means to
Rita Ball of having CSMV staff as part of the pursue further skills and training. We
Margaret Taylor celebration, there was the delight of warmly encourage you to share in the
Estelle van der Schoor the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust Sisters’ prayer for upholding those
Rosey Feuell (ODST) trustees and members of involved in giving and receiving com-
Suellen Pedley staff being with us and having their passion and contemporary insights in
Stevie Ancient new office space on North Wing these areas of struggle and suffering.
blessed, followed by the blessing of our
refurbished Saints’ passage to accom- It feels important – as we seek to
modate Alongsiders and those well reflect upon and pray about the
known to us. present political disruption and fear in
our society, as well as the challenges
CSMV website: https://csmv.co.uk Part of the experience of the Blessing of new and stretching demands here
was sharing together in the Eucharist, at the Convent – that we acknowl-
Front cover: concelebrated by Toby and Brendan edge our own corporate frailties and
Pupils and staff of the Gabane in St Mary’s Chapel, with rousing and limitations as a Community. At the
Community Day Care Centre, Botswana heartfelt singing after Communion of same time we need to be rooted in
the Taize chant, ‘Bless the Lord, my traditions that strengthen our faith and
CSMV Annual News 2019-20 | 2
Surprises! Building work & disruptions
enrich our vision, such as our spiritual Surprises!
ancestors of the 4th century desert tra-
dition in Egypt together with the first I wander every day as I try to find a way;
stalwart CSMV sisters that struggled to get from A to B is a mystery to me.
in this country in the mid-19th century Is it here, I ask, at all
to form our charism of education and or am I up against a wall
support of vulnerable women in the that I really didn’t want to have to see?
face of much opposition and limited Yes, some days things are here
funds. It can help us to draw closer to and then they don’t appear:
one another and to value and trust Sr Lorna in the Sisters’ new summer house it’s here, it’s not, it’s cold or hot
each other. or doesn’t work at all.
I try to find the bin amidst all the
I believe our shift into a smaller group dust and din
has enabled us Sisters to be able to to put my relatively small amount of
listen more carefully to each other and rubbish in.
to be discerning in sharing personal It’ll be alright, they say,
experience that has been life-giving it will indeed become much better,
even when it has revealed past issues yet sometimes things are getting wetter
that may have hurt or damaged us. than they ought to be.
It has, I believe, helped us to pursue And there’s the unexpected guest who’s
unexpected tasks and to explore coping well with less than best and glad to
creative expression that has revealed have some rest
beauty and self-knowledge. and not become too stressed by our
exciting changes!
Having other religious visit us this In all of the work of every member of New resources are delightful, full of fresh
year, Br Stuart OSB and Sr Susan SLG the CSMV Community, its staff and surprises,
coming to share personal insights with trustees, we are seeking to advance like liquid coffee beans or chocolate hot
us about the vowed life, has been God’s kingdom. on the dot, just press the spot of this our
stimulating. It was specially invigorating new facility
to listen recently to Sr Katharine SSC During 2019, we looked afresh at our and you will have the ability
sharing about the feelings and content charitable objects and re-expressed to do it all again, then go away as if
of her artistic output, bringing many them to reflect today’s world. Our it’s play,
of her pictures for us to absorb, and new objects reflect the three broad just smile and say:
helping us to reflect on how such inner areas which have always been at the much thanks to all our helpers, who mer-
gifts of God can be part of living the heart of what we are and what we do cifully keep their tempers.
vowed life. It released joy and inspira- since our founding as a Community in But tell us now, they ask, of your
tion in us. 1848. These are: embroidery.
‘Lilies appear, not finished, I fear,
As we look towards the couple • Living and growing in faith, and in on my own embroidery frame, yet it’s
journeying to Bethlehem as part of an particular sustaining the life of the good, I feel, to work at it as part of a
oppressed nation, with pregnancy and Community of Sisters which is at friendly game.
imminent birth becoming threatening, the centre of CSMV Do look and see, have pity on me ... ‘
let us ponder on what metaphorically -sometimes a bit beside myself, but not on
we would wish to bring to birth from • Supporting education founded in the shelf!
the womb, from our deep inner dark- Anglican Christian principles Will there be any ‘afters’
ness, now, as a gift to God. as we shake among the rafters?
• Caring for the vulnerable, in par- Oh yes! We now have a new hexagonal
May the Feast of the Nativity be a rich ticular women and girls and those place to rest and stay.
blessing for you. who are ill. See our green little house
where there’s not a single mouse.
With peace, This annual review reflects how we No, there’s not a single mouse
have sought to realise these three in our new & striking summer house -
Stella csmv objectives in 2019. except perhaps the odd and lonely one
helping us be still and pray!
Sr Lorna
3| CSMV Annual News 2019-20
Living and growing in faith
We seek to live and grow in faith as office space for the Oxford Diocesan
a Community and to help others to Schools Trust. You can read more
come closer to God. We are cur- about their work on page 9.
rently in the middle of a programme
of renewal of parts of our Convent Our builders are now refurbishing the
buildings so that we can offer oppor- West Wing of the Convent, which
tunities to more people for prayer and houses our Guest Wing. When the
reflection. We are also supporting work is complete, at the end of the
other organisations doing innovative summer in 2020, there will be 21
work helping people to pray and be comfortable bedrooms and a variety
introduced to the religious life. of spaces where those on retreat and
coming for quiet days can reflect, learn
A striking new entrance and pray. Disabled access will be much
improved by a new lift.
offering a warm welcome
Although the Guest Wing is closed
until the refurbishment has been
completed, we are still able to offer
accommodation to small groups in
White Lodge and to provide space
elsewhere in the Covent for quiet days
and retreat groups.
Mother and Child sculpture
When I first viewed the design for a new By moving the reception area and
entrance area for St Mary’s Convent I was some other activities from the ground
struck by the clean and elegant lines and St Mary’s Convent has always been a floor of the West Wing, we have an
the sense of light and space that it would place of hospitality, but we have been opportunity to create a new area of
create; the Beauty of Holiness. I felt that aware for some time that parts of the meeting and conference rooms. This
the design encapsulated and emphasised building were in need of renewal if too will open in the latter part of 2020
the openness of the community. we were to continue to offer a warm and we look forward to welcoming
welcome to guests. The first phase of churches, diocesan bodies, education
My artistic response reflects this sense this work is now complete and at the organisations and other charities to
of welcome and outreach. A tall elegant end of October 2019 our striking new use this space.
pale limestone sculpture of the young entrance building and reception area
Mary joyously holds her son aloft. With were opened. St Mary’s Convent is a special place
rolled up sleeves Mary looks directly at us, where worship and prayer continue
smiling, engaging us. As one Sister noted, When most people started arriving by to be offered daily, as they have been
“Mary steps out”, meeting us where we car, the main entrance to the Convent for 170 years. The current work on the
are, much as Philip meets the Ethiopian was switched to the north side of building will safeguard that specialness
(Acts 8 v.27). the building. As this was originally the but offer new opportunities to con-
back of the building, however, it was nect to the contemporary world.
Mary presents the Christ-Child to us. not that obvious which of the many
Jesus, here portrayed as a very young doors was the entrance. By filling in a
infant rather than a newborn baby, raises courtyard between two wings we have
his arms in joyous celebration of Life. He created a distinctive new entrance
meets our gaze and says, “This is your where we can offer a warm welcome
Mother”. ( John 19 v.27). and easily direct visitors to different
parts of the Convent.
The Christ-Child, arms raised, is at once
the crucified Lord and the Risen Christ. We have also refurbished the adjacent
North Wing of the Convent. This now
Nicholas Mynheer provides a new office for our own
Nicholas’ new sculpture will be set in Bursary staff and, on the first floor,
place in late summer 2020.
CSMV Annual News 2019-20 | 4
Community Life of spiritual directors in Winchester for As one of the carers said, “She gets
a day’s reflection on the spiritual life. It things done.”
Our life in community is enriched by was evidently a helpful interplay of cre-
encounters with others. Here are ative gifts between the two disparate Those Sisters on SRW may be frail
some highlights from 2019. forms of religious community. physically or emotionally, but there is
an expression among them of vitality
15-year-old Katie Jarvis came to visit One of the year’s most stimulating of spirit that is heartening. We are
us in preparation for presenting her experiences was visiting Deddington enjoying having Sr Adrian SLG living
GCSE art work. The subject she chose Primary School with Anne Dellar, CEO with us here for a period.
was ‘inhabiting space’ which she felt of the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust.
we would have some experience of in The independent spirit of the children Sr Honor Margaret
living at the Convent. A Sister showed was especially noticeable at the end of
her our chapels and then she showed the school day when all gathered for
us her inventive and sensitive embroi- Assembly. A variety of tasks – lead- St Frideswide Community
dery designs. She drew us into a circle ing the singing, organising the mikes,
to interview each Sister about how we doing the readings, arranging symbols
used our space and what it meant to for worship – were the sole respon-
us. We were very impressed with her sibility of various children. When a
listening. Later it was a delight to visit local clergy woman shared about the
the GCSE and A Level Art exhibition Gospel reading many hands repeat-
at King Alfred’s School to see some edly shot up to give explanations and
of our faces embroidered in one of ask questions. It was an energising
her designs! engagement.
It’s a pleasure to welcome the Wan- Perhaps the most relaxing and enjoya-
tage Parish Church Choir to sing ble event in the year was being warmly The Community of St Frideswide
Choral Evensong in our larger chapel, welcomed to the annual musical at is one of an emerging network of
and recently to have their organist, King Alfred’s School. This was ‘In new religious communities sharing a
John Ridgway, giving two much appre- the Heights’ about a neighbourhood common rule of life. In addition to one
ciated organ recitals. It was good also north of Manhattan where the major- year full-time residential commitments,
to share in the welcome at the Revd ity of people are Spanish speaking the community is working closely with
Philip Wells’ institution at Wantage immigrants struggling to make ends parishes and chaplaincies in the Oxford
Parish Church and likewise, to attend meet and threatened by gentrifica- and Cowley deaneries.
the institution of the Revd Orazio tion. The story line was swept along
Camaioni to the Wantage Downs by energetic dance, good acting and CSMV is supporting the development
Benefice with its four villages. At lively singing. of the community, and Kate Seagrave,
both services Bishop Colin Fletcher’s who leads it, comes regularly to the
humorous, down to earth and simple St Raphael’s Wing Convent to preside at the eucharist
encouragement to pray and to engage and then share with us the latest devel-
with the ceremony was inspiring. It was in 1895 that the Sisters decided opments. It’s a pleasure to hear of
to build an infirmary for the care of those who are feeling called to spend
We value Bishop Sarah Mullally’s visits ill and ageing members. It was named a year meeting and sharing and praying
twice a year as our Bishop Visitor, after the Archangel Raphael, the angel together about what offering them-
especially hearing her responses to of healing. selves to God involves and is requir-
knife crime and her account, from ing of them.
a visit to Mozambique diocese of Nowadays the wing is staffed by a
Lebombo in July, of the bishop’s desire team of well-trained carers, under It was most heartening to be at the
to encourage the laity and children to the guidance and support of Head of Commissioning eucharist at St Fride-
take part spontaneously in liturgy and Care, Vyvyan Hazel, who understands swide’s Church in September to give
leading prayers. and affirms that this is primarily the thanks for the members who had
Sisters’ home. She meets regularly with completed their year and to listen to
A member of the Community of the Sisters, discussing with them any Bishop Steven Croft asking the new
Hopeweavers – a dispersed commu- changes necessary. These may vary group three questions about their
nity living under a rule of life, ‘weaving from choosing curtains and plan- commitment to prayer, to mission and
hope into every day’ – together with ning the use of rooms to offering a to adopting their Rule of Life.
one of our Sisters shared with a group choice of vegetarian and other foods.
5| CSMV Annual News 2019-20
Life Together Oxford
others to say a monastic Justice and Reconciliation.
In February 2019, several lege where I was warmly style Morning Office. There
religious communities joined welcomed. Being February, were up to 30 of us each These lunch time meetings
together to share the Reli- the gardens were full of morning, and a lovely sense were followed later in the
gious Life with students of snowdrops. Over eighty of unity and stillness as we afternoon by Tea Parties in
Oxford University. varieties in all. chanted the psalms and a variety of colleges, hosted
prayed together. We were by the college chaplains who
Brothers and Sisters from I quickly became aware then all warmly welcomed had an abundant supply of
CR - Mirfield, SLG - that of course the Oxford into the church café for tea and cake. I found myself
Fairacres, ASSP - Oxford, colleges have very monas- coffee and pastries. It was visiting Hertford, Magdalen
and myself representing tic foundations and that a lovely opportunity to and Lincoln. Others went
CSMV, were made so wel- our presence was both a mingle and chat. to Christ Church, Keble
come by both college chap- reminder of this, as well and Merton.
lains and students, together as connecting us to our Each day we then went on
with the vicar and staff roots. Worcester College to a different college chapel Some of us were then able
of the University Church. for example had early to chant the Midday Office. to attend a college Evensong
There had been very good Benedictine and Carmelite One of us then gave a talk before dining in our respec-
preparation beforehand, connections. on a different aspect of the tive college dining halls. We
including the creation of a Religious Life – at Keble, were then out and about
Life Together website and Each morning I gathered at Worcester, Brasenose and again in the evening leading
the printing of bookmarks the University Church with Trinity in turn. We had or attending Compline in
and other publicity material. Fr George CR, Br Marc CR, thought carefully about the various college chapels. One
Sr Judith SLG, Sr Margaret talks beforehand and our night I was at Queen’s and
We spent four days in Theresa SLG and Sr Jane titles for each day were: enjoyed beautiful singing
Oxford and I was allocated ASSP, together with clergy, Community and Belonging; by the choral scholars,
to stay at Worcester Col- chaplains, students and Worship; Being Human; and followed by hot chocolate
CSMV Oblates Those of us who have had the privilege Communion was set out at the heart
UK Oblates continued to meet of being welcomed into the newly of the meeting roundel. Although the
through 2019 in local groups and to completed entrance and reception weather tested our resolve and taking
visit the Convent at Wantage for times area at Wantage have been over- cover was needed, it was a joyful and
of retreat; there is always a warm wel- joyed to find it stunningly beautiful, peaceful time. Only the sound of trees,
come from the Community and the warm and embracing, full of light and the wind, grasses and the fire crackling
support staff. The on-going building with familiar friends like the St Fran- broke the silence.
work has meant that group retreats cis statue there to greet us in little
have used White Lodge, with the niches. As an increasing number of There was prayer for friends overseas,
Oblate Council using the Song Room. people come to know the Community and others in pain and illness who
It has been fascinating to walk through through retreat and conference events, could not be there, and they felt very
previously unseen areas of the Con- we pray that many may want to know close. There was prayer too for those
vent following the carefully positioned more about the Oblate vocation and starting challenging new ministries,
signs to avoid the builders’ activities. that is part of the challenge of the renewal of Oblation vows and an ‘Iona’
year ahead. Eucharist, creating a sense of being
This year the Annual Oblate Gathering ‘at one with all creation through the
was held at the College of the Res- Wessex Group BBQ Holy Spirit’.
urrection in Mirfield in early October. The Wessex Oblate Group held their
Eighteen Oblates, Sister Stella and our summer meeting in a wood. One This was followed by joyful eating
invited speaker the Revd Professor member, Felicity, owns an area of together in the sunshine, with expert
Jeremy Duffy spent a day exploring the ancient woodland which, as a Deacon, BBQing and delicious food.
theme of “Community”. It was a time she has been able to turn into a hub
of new insights and challenges, and the for baptisms and wedding blessings as Oblates in South Africa
questions and learning that we shared a result of her woodland management South African Oblates met with some
will continue to be explored, when we and craft skills. of the Associates at Irene House in
gather in September 2020. Pretoria for Candlemas. They feel that
CSMV Annual News 2019-20 | 6
or madeira! Another night heartened by this initiative
I was at Trinity College and the opportunity it gave
where Compline was a new to work together across the
experience for the students. colleges. One commented
Afterwards they said how that it can be lonely being a
much they’d enjoyed it and college chaplain.
that they’d like to do it again.
The chaplain then invited We made some lovely
everyone down to the bar contacts, and as a result
to complete the evening. the chaplains of Brasenose
and Wadham Colleges have
Over these days, we had both brought Quiet Day
wonderful opportunities to groups to the Convent. Sister Elizabeth Jane joins members of the other religious orders
meet with students who Encouragingly, the students and organisers of Life Together Oxford
were so open and genuinely really enjoyed these Days
engaged. They are obviously and want to come back.
at a point when they are
very much thinking about Those of us who took part
their futures and what found it a most exhilarating
they want to do. It was so and inspiring time and feel
natural to ask them about we have a template which
their hopes and dreams for we can take to other univer-
the future, and they were so sities in the future.
interested to hear our voca-
tional stories. The chaplains, Sr Elizabeth Jane
too, felt encouraged and The Wessex Oblate Group’s summer BBQ
it is important to have at least one new members and are considering sional visits, creating links with other
service together and it is such a joy to new projects. The Associates’ Day Associates, plus considering how infor-
get as many as possible to come from continues to be popular, as do retreats mal “buddying” may work for others
within such a vast country. and quiet days. Add to that visits to desiring it.
Wantage for services, music, events,
The Council met in March to discuss private stays and regional groups, and The Associates recognise that there
many matters. There are communica- a lot is going on. Overall there is much are varied spiritual awakenings today!
tions with all the Oblates and each one optimism and future oriented faith Longings for special places and
has personal conversation before their in evidence, with lively gratitude to faith-nurturing has never been greater
Renewals. The Oblates also know they God and CSMV. as society fragments. Hence the
can contact any one of the Council importance of knowing what “Asso-
with news they want or need to share. In past years, most Associates came ciateship” offers, how such belonging
It is glorious that they feel secure in from the Convent’s regular visitor-base, might be shared more widely and how
what they tell us. reinforced by CSMV’s schools, social it might enfold different newcomers.
care, and work abroad. All wished The opportunities for ongoing con-
Each member of Council has a portfo- to pray with/for CSMV, to keep in nection and community are clearly
lio, a system which is working well. touch, and to visit the Convent when appreciated.
possible. However, life changes and
Time leads to change, but the Oblates these groups are smaller or no longer Our website has more information about
take each challenge as it arrives and in existence, so we need to find new becoming an Oblate or an Associate.
God has guided us. We are so blessed members elsewhere.
to have each other.
There is concern for more isolated
CSMV Associates Associates unable to visit or meet
There are over 150 Associates, about a nowadays, and Committee members
third overseas. We are keen to admit support some with calls, letters, occa-
7| CSMV Annual News 2019-20
Helping others pray community areas.
CSMV continues to support two chari- It has helped create 218 prayer spaces
ties which promote prayer – Discover- in Oxfordshire schools in the last
ing Prayer and BeSpace. three years and is busy with another
very active year in 2019-20.
Discovering Prayer offers those seek-
ing to explore prayer many different Some of the reflections left by pupils
ways to do so through the medium of who have used the spaces, tell their
the internet. CSMV has been support- own story. “I loved the Prayer Space.
ing the charity, run by CSMV Oblate It lets people become a better them”
Michelle Eyre, since September 2017, and “I thought the prayer space was
both financially and by keeping the helpful because it helped me talk to
work in our own prayers. God in a way I liked”.
The website is flourishing. It has BeSpace is passionate about seeing
reached over 1.6 million people since Bishop Colin joins students in a BeSpace every child, young person and adult
its inception. “People’s lives have been Prayer space have space to pray or reflect in their
transformed by prayer,” says Michelle. daily lives. Sisters from the Community
Currently, with CSMV’s support, the Dorchester. “It’s helping many thou- visit some of the prayer spaces to lend
site is increasing the number of audio sands to discover the ancient forms of their support to the children, schools
prayer times it offers and is work- Christian meditation.” and charity team.
ing with ordinands at Wycliffe Hall,
Oxford. “I think Discovering Prayer is BeSpace is a charity which equips CSMV has recently agreed to continue
a significant development,” says the local churches to facilitate prayer and to support these two charities finan-
Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, Bishop of reflective spaces in schools and other cially for a further three years.
All Saints Embroidery Group frontal she is restoring. She has since Piety, a symbol which appears on the
been convalescing, and we look for- arms of the college. Helen is working
ward to her return to the workshop. on two saltire crosses which will flank
the pelican.
The Letcombe frontal is finished,
worked on by Helen, Juliet and Suel- An exciting new commission was for
len. The festal frontal has the badge of a new cope, mitre and stole for the
the World Council of Churches in the Bishop of Reading, to be ready for her
centre, supported by the saltire Cross consecration. After many long hours,
of St Andrew, the church’s patron. the work was completed for Bishop
On either side of the frontal are two Olivia to wear at St Paul’s Cathedral.
panels of flowers worked in an Italian The vestments will return to the group
form of quilting called Trapunto. Each later for additional decoration.
section of the design is separately
stuffed from the back, giving an effect Following the popular retreats based
of low relief sculpture. Helen worked on embroidery when the group
on the two panels, showing spring worked in the studio, another retreat
flowers for Easter and winter flowers is being organised using White Lodge
for Christmas. as the base. The Retreat Leader will
be the Revd Robert Teare, and it
This has been a busy year for the Kath is a very welcome newcomer is planned for the weekend of the
embroidery workshop at the Convent. to the group. For the last two years 22nd May 2020.
Helene completed the centre of the she’s been working at the Cathedral
Letcombe Regis altar frontal, and has Embroidery Centre at Christ Church, The year has been both challenging
made a green chasuble for the Con- Oxford. Kath is now working on the and rewarding, and the team are to be
vent chapel. She has also completed centre section of the Corpus Christi congratulated for their hard work, skill
the rays for the centre of the Childrey College frontal which is a Pelican in its and enthusiasm.
CSMV Annual News 2019-20 | 8
Sister Catherine Naomi Supporting education
1906-2019
Sr Catherine Naomi’s early life was Supporting high quality education of leaders, complementing ODST’s space
spent in Egypt. She was given a good children of all ages, and particularly in Church House Oxford.
deal of freedom as a child, and recalled young girls, has been a guiding principle
being allowed to go boating alone of CSMV since its foundation. Today, One of the challenges faced by local
in Alexandria harbour despite being the Community is involved in exciting schools is the high cost housing in
unable to swim. new ways of offering that support both Oxfordshire. This makes it difficult to
in Wantage and overseas. This section recruit young teachers in particular.
Catherine trained as a nurse at Adden- of our report focuses on these efforts. We are helping with this in a small
brookes’s Hospital, Cambridge. During way by offering six flats at affordable
World War 2 she drove an ambulance rents in St Mary’s Lodge. Now in its
in Europe and later spent some time in second year, this scheme is helping
India before coming to test her voca- newly-qualified teachers start out on
tion in 1952. She made her life Profes- their careers.
sion in 1955. A hub for education
We are also pleased to welcome
The highlight of her Community life Teaching was a vocation to which many to the Convent head teachers from
was the 24 years she spent at St Kath- of the Sisters were called and they Church of England schools across the
arine’s, a care home we ran in Wan- were instrumental in the creation and Diocese who come for briefing and
tage. Together she and Sr Mary Jennifer development of schools not only in training sessions organised by the
formed a richly nurturing partnership. the UK but also in India, South Africa Oxford Diocesan Board of Education.
During this time she set up and man- and Botswana. Over the last two years Once our new meeting and confer-
aged a second-hand dress shop called a number of initiatives at the Convent ence space is completed in 2020, we
‘Out of Town’, and also helped in the in Wantage have again made it a hub will be able to expand this sort of
local Oxfam shop. for education. activity.
Sister was a lovable person, kind, Many schools in the UK are now part Meanwhile, we continue to keep in
gentle and sociable. She always of multi-academy trusts. These trusts touch with schools set up by CSMV
retained a strong affection for her bring together a number of schools Sisters in Pune, India. Sister Stella,
family. We had a surprise when at as part of one organisation. At the accompanied by Alastair Hunter (chair
her centenary party four generations centre of each trust is a small team of the CSMV trustees), visited these
arrived to help her celebrate. She sat in providing leadership and support. We schools in November 2019 to see
the midst of them, thoroughly at ease. are delighted to be providing space on how the legacy of the Sisters in India
the Convent site for the central teams continues to help hundreds of poor
Her last months were not easy. of two multi-academy trusts. In 2018, children receive a good education. You
However, there is no doubt that in we refurbished our Studio building can read more about these schools
the last two to three years of her life for use by the Vale Academy Trust and the visit to see them later in
she much enjoyed Sisters dropping in which has eight schools in and around this review.
on her; she also appreciated the staff Wantage and Abingdon. These include
who cared for her, especially giving her the Church of England Primary School For many years, the Sisters went
the pleasure of listening to children’s in Wantage set up by our own founder, out from St Mary’s Convent to run
novels being read to her when she Revd William Butler. and teach in a network of different
could no longer read for herself. She schools. As a modern hub for educa-
also sang a lot very peaceably night More recently, in October 2019, the tion, the Convent now hosts organi-
and day. At her last time in Chapel for Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust sations teaching over 10,000 children
the Eucharist she was brought in by (ODST) has taken space in the refur- in Oxfordshire and Berkshire, with
wheelchair and quietly sang to herself bished North Wing of the Convent. almost 1,000 more in schools which
through the service and greeted her Since its creation in 2012, ODST has we support in India.
Sisters with delight, waving to us as she grown to a family of 34 schools in the
left. 28 members of her family joined Diocese of Oxford. The Convent now
us for her funeral, which had a deep provides a second base for their cen-
sense of joy. tral team and for meetings of school
Sr Honor Margaret
9| CSMV Annual News 2019-20
Schools in India the management of a number of
schools and hostels, centred in the
In the autumn of 1877, the young city of Pune. Below is a snapshot of
CSMV community, responded to a another busy year for the charity and
request from the Bishop of Bombay, those it cares for.
Bp. Mylne, to come and help him in
Poona (today Pune). St. Mary’s Convent - Shanti Sadan
School, Lonavala The school had 240
Indian Head gains much from Wantage stay The Bishop had a bungalow in the city students in the academic year 2018-19.
which he offered for the Sisters’ use Its pupils are drawn from a number
Sangeeta Kadam is the Principal of Epiphany School in Pune, India. until they could find a suitable perma- of disadvantaged groups within the
During September 2019 the Sisters were delighted to welcome nent place to live and work. community.
her and her daughter, Sannaya, to the Covent. These are her
reflections on her stay, which included visits to schools run by the Mother Harriet decided after much A team of 23 teachers and support
Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust . prayerful consideration to send five staff work tirelessly for the holistic
Sisters, aged between 26 and 41 and all development and growth of the pupils,
I want to sincerely thank you for the young in their religious professian, to led by Head Mistress Mrs. Ruth Dussa.
wonderful and blessed time that Sannaya pioneer this expansion of the work of
and I had at CSMV, Wantage. This visit the Community. This year 20 students took the State
was truly an enriching and life-changing Board Secondary School Certificate
experience. Growing up in India, Sister On 9th November 1877, Sr. Elizabeth, (SSC) Exam and the school enjoyed a
Nora Lucienne and Sister Mary Ansylem, Sr. Emily, Sr. Annette, Sr. Sophie Ruth 70 percent pass rate.
had a great impact on my life. Being able and Sr. Beatrice, with Gertrude Tucker
to visit Wantage, meant so much to me. (a student bound for Poona), set sail Apart from the academic activities, the
from Liverpool. A letter sent by Sr. school conducted extracurricular activ-
I would also like to thank you and Anne Elizabeth graphically described their ities and participated in inter-school
Dellar (ODST) for the meticulously journey including their near shipwreck activities and competitions in Lonavala.
planned and arranged school visits. This off Aden. Eventually they arrived Students from St Mary’s won prizes
experience has helped me grow as an safely in Bombay, ten days overdue, on in Elocution, Drawing, Sports, and
educator. 10th December. They got to Poona a Science Exhibition. The school also
week later. organized a Scouts and Guides Camp.
I am taking back immense learning to
share with the teachers at Epiphany Letters written from India as well as The school buildings have had an
School. What stood out to me the most the daily log survive and give a vivid extensive programme of repairs this
was the more student-centric teach- picture of the first impressions. One year. Many of the leaky roofs have
ing style, facilitating learning through letter from Sr. Sophie Ruth is particu- been mended. The school boundaries
classroom discussions and activities and larly touching as she is clearly delighted were secured with a new wall for the
encouraging students to think and use in all that she sees, ‘lovely and beautiful, security of the children and property.
their own creativity. It was great that the strange and interesting’ is how she
teachers engaged with every student in describes things. Her letter brims with Epiphany School - Pune Epiphany
the class and catered to their individ- enthusiasm for their task, but sadly this School with its 720 students enjoyed
ual needs. was her only letter home. On Christ- a 79 percent pass rate in the SSC
mas Day she was taken ill with a fever examination.
I was able to identify two school to and died on 8th January 1878, only a
develop future ties with, St. Christopher’s month after arriving.
Primary School and Churchmead Sec-
ondary School. These have many children All the remaining Sisters became
from disadvantaged backgrounds, similar involved in teaching at St Mary’s
to Epiphany School. A particular attrib- School and caring for vulnerable chil-
ute of Churchmead Secondary School is dren and widows. They set a founda-
that, despite having children from diverse tion for other Sisters to build on.
backgrounds, it has been able to uphold
the Christian ethos in its daily functioning. The work of the Sisters in India is
I look forward to partnering with both carried on today by local Christians
these schools through the Society of St Mary the
Sangeeta Kadam Virgin in India (SSMVI). This oversees
CSMV Annual News 2019-20 | 10Science Day and Independence Day celebrations at the Epiphany School, Pune
But its work alongside other organisa- 12 football team won the State Cham-
tions sets it apart. This collaboration pionship and flew to Bangalore to
is focused on student and teacher play in the National Championships,
excellence. In the last academic year and the school’s Frisbee team played
the school has welcomed the Pi-Jam in national tournaments in Goa and
Foundation which sent representatives Mumbai and was recognised as the Get involved in India
to teach computer coding. The Indian team with the highest potential.
School Leadership Institute and ‘Udaan’ For a number of years CSMV has encour-
conducted training and workshops St. Hilda’s School - Pune The school aged volunteers, of all ages, to consider
aimed at improving school perfor- welcomes girls from the poorest areas travelling to India to offer time and talents
mance, and the Open Links Founda- of Pune city. It has a pre-primary sec- in the mission at Panch Howd, Pune.
tion ran an exciting workshop to teach tion catering for 25 children aged 4-6
students the craft of making videos years old. The Primary School has 109 This was where our Sisters lived, worked
and developing their communications pupils and the High School an addi- and prayed for nearly 150 years and
and leadership skills. tional 400 students. their work is now carried on in SSMVI’s
schools and hostels.
The school celebrated Science Day This year 70 girls took the SSC exam.
with a session on anti-addiction The school achieved a 68 percent pass A number of people have taken up the
and abuse. rate. Across the schools, teachers are challenge over the years and have found
working hard to improve academic the experience challenging but immensely
Students from 7th to 9th grades pro- achievement and the staff attended rewarding.
duced a thought provoking campaign several training workshops on new
to raise awareness around the exces- ways of teaching and learning. A Students on a gap year would be really
sive use of plastic. It aimed to sensitise new E-learning system has also been welcome working in the schools, and the
both students and stakeholders at the installed in seven classrooms. experience would enhance any future CV.
school to the various ways in which
human activity has degraded the eco- The school enjoyed special school days For further information email Sister Stella
system we live in. The campaign saw to mark Republic Day, Independence at srstella@csmv.co.uk
students collecting all plastic waste at Day, Yoga Day, Teachers Day and Chil-
the school and rallied more people to dren’s Day. Alternatively, you might want to donate
donate plastic that could be recycled. to the work of SSMVI – see the inside
All this waste was sorted and sent to back cover for more information on
an organization which creates usable how your contribution could make a
poly-fuel out of plastic waste. The real difference to the lives of disadvan-
campaign was a big success as students taged children.
and staff now see a visible change in
how the school collects and disposes
of the plastic it uses.
Away from the classroom, the Under Under 12 football team and supporters
11| CSMV Annual News 2019-20Caring for the vulnerable
In the late 19th and early 20th century,
the Sisters of the Community were
called to work with the poor and dis-
advantaged in Southern Africa as well
as in India. Today CSMV continues to
support this work at Irene Homes in
Pretoria, through community projects
in Botswana, and at SSMVI projects at
Panch Howd in Pune, India.
Irene Homes Annual Garden Fête
South Africa
Irene Homes in Pretoria cares for vul- Participation in structured sport plays
nerable adults and offers them training an important role in the development
in various craft skills. of residents and day workers. On a
weekly basis they practice golf and
During September each year Irene swimming. Residents are also active
Homes holds a Thanksgiving Day to in athletics; they participate in the
celebrate all the good and great things Down Syndrome Athletics day annually
that they have received and achieved and a day worker and two residents
over the past year; it is also a day won golf gold and bronze medals at
when the needs of the Homes are the Special Olympics tournament in
prayed for. Abu Dhabi.
One of the highlights of the year is the The management of Irene Homes has
Annual Garden Fête. The day is not undertaken a comprehensive assess-
only about raising money, but also an ment to determine the Homes’ pre-
opportunity for us to make commu- paredness and ability to care and sup-
nities aware of intellectual disability, port residents over a long-term period
to sensitise them to the needs of the especially when they became frail.
residents and day workers and to have
lots of fun and laughter. The residents Some of the findings were striking.
and day workers never miss the Almost 50 percent of the residents
opportunity to sing and dance. are already aged 50 or more, increas-
ing the risks of age related diseases,
Sadly some of the residents do not chronic medical conditions, possible
have family or friends to take them on dementia and physical vulnerability.
holiday. But each year the management Almost 65 percent have one or more
of Forever Resorts invite residents to high risk conditions requiring chronic
spend a week at the resort in Bela- medical intervention. Every resident
Bela (Warmbaths). It is pure enjoyment has one or more physical impairment
and laughter. and perhaps most startling two thirds
of the residents are dependent on
Birthdays are special events at Irene government health care.
Homes. Staff make sure that the
ladies enjoy their birthdays with other The implications for the continuing
residents, family members and friends. support of the residents and their
This year the residents marked two medical needs are pressing and the
It’s Gold in Abu Dhabi! milestones: Marie Collinet turned 80 subject of management time and
and Karien Blom turned 21. efforts in 2020.
CSMV Annual News 2019-20 | 12Margaret Taylor joins staff of the Holy Cross Hospice, Gabone Marie and Karien celebrate their birthdays
at Irene Homes
Botswana India
CSMV Associate Margaret Taylor con- St. John’s Home for Women all kinds of abuse and tries to provide
tinues to manage donations from Wan- and Children them an opportunity to live happy
tage to development projects in the The Home offers a comprehensive lives. The staff work hard to offer a
southern African country of Botswana. care package on very limited funds variety of different activities aimed at
These projects at the Gabane Commu- for 16 female residents in Pune. The physical, mental, emotional, academic
nity Care Centre and the Holy Cross residents benefit from free health and spiritual growth.
Hospice in Gaborone have historic ties checks through the work of one regu-
to the Sisters. lar sponsor, while another offers some In addition to marking special occa-
of the Home’s residents additional sions like Independence Day and a fun
The management and staff of the financial support. Many local donors packed sports day, this year the hostel
Hospice went through a very difficult and businesses provide items for the staff arranged a workshop where
time recently. Funding from a signifi- day-to-day needs. ex-students returned to St Michael’s.
cant donor stopped and the Hospice The former students brought back
was left unable to pay its professional The Home also offers day care facili- memories, but also news of what they
staff their full salaries for some months. ties for a small number of children of had gone on to do once they left the
The appointment of a new Board working mothers. The opportunity to hostel. It was an emotional day, with
Chairman and a Diocesan-appointed have a job to support families is vital. students new and old happily sharing
manager alleviated the situation and their experiences.
the Hospice is serving its community St. Michael’s Hostel
once again. The new manager is a St Michael’s Hostel is a long-estab- Life skills are among the most impor-
doctor and about to be ordained as a lished service operated by SSMVI. Its tant things taught at St Michael’s. This
priest. He has made a marked differ- offers residential care for 150 girls at year a variety of workshops were
ence to the running of the facility. risk. This includes children who are organised, including sessions on sex
orphans or from single parent house- education, leadership, puberty and
The day centre in Gabane continues holds, children affected by HIV-AIDS, hygiene during menstruation.
to provide early education and (almost children of prostitutes or from broken
as importantly) regular meals to pre- and poor families.
school and primary school children
in a community outside the coun- High quality education for girls is one
try’s capital. of the biggest challenges facing India.
The hostel facilitates the education of
the girls in its care at the adjacent St
Hilda’s and Epiphany Schools, along
with providing a safe and healthy living
environment. It protects the girls from
13| CSMV Annual News 2019-20Bishop Olivia consecrated
Olivia, a trustee of CSMV, is the she said, “but lay people and clergy
first female Bishop in the Diocese of from all over Berkshire were there.”
Oxford, one of the largest dioceses She was delighted that members of
in the Church of England. With 170 the Jewish, Sikh, Muslim and Hindu
churches in the Reading Episcopal communities attended, as well as other
Area, she will now oversee an area Christian denominations. “We are part
larger than many other dioceses. of one big faith family, and that is so
important, particularly in this day and
Following the service, the Archbishop age where we have got quite a divided
of Canterbury hosted a reception for society and world.” Bishop Olivia,
the family and friends of the two new asked by BBC Berkshire how she felt
The Rt Revd Olivia Graham was bishops. A group from the Convent in about being called Bishop said, “It’s
consecrated as the Bishop of Reading Wantage were delighted to be invited taken a little bit of getting used to, but
at a special service at St Paul’s Cathe- to both events. it’s such an honour to be stepping into
dral in London in November. She was this role that it feels like a huge affir-
consecrated alongside the Rt Revd Bishop Olivia then enjoyed a Service of mation every time I hear it.”
Rose Hudson-Wilkin, who was made Welcome at Reading Minster. “It was
Bishop of Dover. very different (to the consecration),” Photo: Graham Lacdao/St Paul’s Cathedral
An Act Of Folly - An Act Of Love
A Wantage Extinction Rebel- “People of the World’s” Some may say, that the world, sharing each others
lion activist, a good friend representative at the Inter- disruption caused by Extinc- grief and joys. People ask,
of the Sisters, offers these national Committee for tion Rebellion is wrong and ‘why do you in XR seem to
thoughts about its campaign. Climate Change in Poland, have little faith that it will be having fun, over some-
said that the voice of Greta influence international cor- thing that it so serious?’ The
For over 12 years I have Thunberg and the Extinc- porations which hold such answer is that we absolutely
been distressed about the tion Rebellion movement power in our world and have to try to stay cheer-
catastrophic harm and mass represented the first glim- continue to promote the ful and positive and not be
loss of life that has been mer of hope he’d seen. His use of fossil fuels - despite overwhelmed.
unfolding due to climate words energised me and the terrible and irreversible
breakdown resulting from gave me hope. So I joined consequences. It would be easy to be
the use of fossil fuels. Extinction Rebellion to take discouraged, as the scientists
non-violent direct action, to But the fact that XR won’t tell us that effects of what
As long as I can remember get Government to tell the shut up and may very well happens over the next 5
I have gained great spiritual truth about climate change be awkward with a particu- years or so will be felt for
sustenance from the beauty and to act urgently! lar company, does open the 10,000 years to come. So we
of the natural world and doors for dialogue. From my believe that this is a chance
the amazing creatures with Non-violent action does put own experience, directors to make a change that we
which we share it. It is an a great strain on the police, and executives have listened just cannot let pass.
integral part of who I am as but many of them “get attentively to my heart-
a man and as a priest. The climate change,” are con- felt concerns when I have As a Christian, I believe in
death of fauna and flora, on cerned for their own families called on them without an equality, justice and peace
land and in the deep oceans, and behind the scenes are appointment, purely because and in radical change when
had left me hopeless with very supportive. While I was I am involved in XR. I have it is necessary, and now is
prefiguring grief. in custody an officer asked no idea if these charged time. I had never imagined
me how he should address and impromptu meetings myself as being a law
I have written letters to me - we agreed on first will have any effect, but I breaker and “It is horrifying
Government minsters, polit- names - asked if I had eaten have to try. that we have to fight our
ical leaders, media platforms and enthusiastically offered own government to save
and corporations. I have me a wide range of hot food Extinction Rebellion has the environment” (Ansel
met and written several and drink! Twelve hours hundreds of local groups Adams). But if that’s what it
times to my MP. later as I left the police cells, throughout the country. In takes - that is what I and we
several officers shook my Wantage, we support each in XR, here in the UK and
In November 2018, Sir hand conveying a friendship other in our efforts to bring across the world, will do.
David Attenborough, as the that I value. about “climate justice” in the
CSMV Annual News 2019-20 | 14Supporting our work overseas
About Us
The Community of St Mary the Virgin
at Wantage is a registered charity (no.
1181510).
Sr Stella and Alastair Originally set up as a charitable trust in
Hunter amid the the nineteenth century, the charity is now
girls and staff constituted as a Charitable Incorporated
at St Michael’s Organisation (CIO). During 2019, all the
Hostel, Pune, in activities and assets of the original trust
November 2019 (registered no. 240513) were transferred
into the new CIO.
Will you support our work with some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged
children and adults in India, South Africa and Botswana? The CIO’s affairs are managed by a board
of trustees who collaborate with the
You can give now by completing a donation form available either with Sisters to sustain CSMV, to support the
this review or from our website at https://csmv.co.uk/donate/ Sisters in their ministry, and to ensure
that the organisation meets its charita-
CSMV will match every donation made – so each £1 you give will mean £2 going ble objects.
directly to support this vital work.
At December 2019, the Trustees were:
The projects we help all have their origins in the work of the Sisters in these Christine Allsopp
countries over many decades. We keep in close touch with what is going on Sandie Capel
today and visit to see first-hand how money is being spent. Michele Foot
Olivia Graham
In November 2019, Sister Stella and Alastair Hunter (chair of the CSMV trustees) Alastair Hunter
spent a week in India, seeing for themselves how the schools and hostels run by Alison Jestico
the Society of St Mary the Virgin in India are helping to give hope and opportu- Teresa Morgan
nity to hundreds of children from the poorest parts of the city of Pune. Sr Stella, CSMV
Toby Wright
As a direct result of this visit, we will be launching in 2020 a sponsorship scheme
so that individuals and churches in the UK can support the care and education of Address:
a particular child, receiving regular reports on how they are and their progress St Mary’s Convent, Denchworth Road,
at school. Wantage OX12 9AU
If you are interested in finding out more about this sponsorship scheme, please General email:
email us at sisters@csmv.co.uk. sisters@csmv.co.uk
Website:
https://csmv.co.uk
In August Sister Stella was re-elected as Sister in Charge of the Community.
The Sisters, staff and friends marked the occasion.
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