We had all been looking forward to the annual Province Day since notice of it was circulated. It is always a day of gathering: of Sisters, of memories and of hope.
Since there are 15 Sisters celebrating jubilees during the year the focus was on these Jubilarians.
As we entered the hall in Matlock we were met with complete transformation. The hall had been decorated and prepared by the Livesey Street Sisters and what a welcome it provided:
Tables were laid for coffee encouraging us to sit around and chat, there were various points for the Jubilarians gifts, and little corners where we could relax after our varied journeys to Matlock.
There was a great feeling of welcome, hospitality and warmth.

At 11 oclock we were invited to the Chapel for the celebration of the Eucharist.
Fr Gerard Byrne, a native of Manchester, who as he said himself, was “raised and educated in Livesey Street, and they (Sisters) trained me well” celebrated with us.  The two resident priests of the Care Home concelebrated.
On entering the Chapel the Jubilarians were presented with a sprig of roses corsage -it was a beautiful touch.
The Mass booklet was beautifully presented with Bob White's “Story of a Journey” being read as we assembled.
In full voice “Tell out my Soul” rang through the chapel setting the tone of rejoicing and thanksgiving for the day.
The Liturgy of the Word, fittingly chosen, culminated with the proclamation of the Annunciation.

Then Fr Gerard broke open the Word addressing the Jubilarians as
“a bevy of beautiful maidens with 710 years of Ministry stored behind you”.
He continued by recalling the early days of the Sisters, when “full of expectation, full of the unknown, with a vision of life in Christ and for his Mission” they gave their all.
He compared the Religious life with that of Mary's Annunciation - the present, the future-sowing seed, picking fruit, sharing fruit.  What these young women may have thought to be impossible has been achieved, with God's grace, over the years.
“Jubilee celebration” he went on, is not the end, rather a “Yes” again to the invitation and the opportunity to address the question “what is going on now for me, for us?”  There is no answer for the future - ”the angel left Mary”, the angel leaves us so that we can say“yes” again to continue the journey:   “Let what you have said be done to me”.
Having being called forward by Sr Joan, the Jubilarians renewed their Vows and then placed their lighted candles on the altar as a symbol of their commitment.

We then had the Missioning of three Sisters to new Ministries:
• Dolores Cooney to Hospital Chaplaincy at Trafford General Hospital
• Bernadette Healy to the Travelling People of the Nottingham Diocese
• Teresa Kennedy as the Union IPA worker at the United Nations New York

Raphael Consedine's “Trasna” was read, after which each Sister was presented with a lighted lamp, as we sang:”Who will light the lantern?”
Following the celebration of the Eucharist, we continued our “Being in Communion” by returning to the hall where there was a time for remembering.
Stories were told, gifts were exchanged, and tales were related amid much laughter.
The Care Home Catering staff had laid on a delicious lunch for us. This was much appreciated.
As so many said “it was a great day” a day of rejoicing, of thanksgiving and of hope. We were all truly blessed.

June 5th was not just the Celebration Day of the English Province; it was also World Environment Day. The following reflection from Thich Nhat Hanh very fittingly sums up all that this writer has been trying to say