2024 has been a special year for one of the English Daughters of Jesus. Not only did she celebrate her 100th birthday in May, but she also celebrated 80 years of religious profession on the 4th of August. As you will discover, this second celebration marked a moment in the history of the Congregation!
Congratulations to Veronica
In May 2024, Sister Veronica Howell celebrated her centenary along with the four other Sisters and lay residents at St Michael’s Care Home, Westgate-on-Sea in the south of England. Look carefully at the photograph and you will see the birthday card that she received from King Charles III and Queen Camilla in the time-honoured tradition of all centenarians in England. Since her birthday the card has been on display in her room and shown to everyone who visits!
A touch of history
August the 4th saw her happily surrounded again by Sisters, residents, and family as she celebrated 80 years of Religious Profession. An 80th anniversary is symbolized by an oak, a symbol of enduring commitment, so it is already significant in itself. Sister’s Veronica’s anniversary however had a particular historical significance for what was the English Province in that she was the last of the eight or nine English and Irish Sisters to make their novitiate at St Jospeh’s Convent, Abbey Wood, during the Second World War.
The English “war novitiate”
When the Second World War broke out in 1939 travel to France was no longer possible but there still were young women who wanted to become Daughters of Jesus. The General Council therefore allowed a Novitiate to be opened in England in 1941 and St Joseph’s Convent in Abbey Wood, where the Congregation had a school for girls, was considered the most suitable community.
During these war years, the novices followed as closely as possible the pattern of formation followed in Kermaria. Exceptions had to be made as the convent was on the edge of the capital London, with Woolwich Arsenal close by. Air raids in that area were a common feature and the novice often had to quickly take refuge in the cellar night and day, to avoid the bombing.
A day of thanksgiving
August the 4th saw a second celebration, this time to mark her 80th year of religious profession. It was a blessed day of thanksgiving for Veronica as she renewed her vows and received communion from the parish priest. The morning was made extra special again by a visit from family members that she had not seen for over four years.
The celebrations continued in the afternoon with a tea party for all the Sisters and residents.
Along with all our Sisters
Along with all our Sisters, in England and throughout the Congregation, who would celebrate the anniversary of their vows on that day, Veronica could say :
For all that has been, “Thanks”,
For all that shall be, “Thanks”
For our part, we can say special thanks to the staff of St Michael’s Care for taking such good care of our Sisters and for allowing us to publish their lovely photos of these two special occasions.
Srs Mary Clare Mason, Teresa McMenamin, Rhona Burns
District England
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