In order to introduce you to our Sisters, we are reflecting briefly on the choices each of us has made in relation to her name; in some cases the Sister’s religious name, in others the name she chose at her reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church. These latter names are recited every year in the Martyrology at the Easter Vigil Mass.
The Sisters may be contacted on sistersofthebvm@gmail.com
Mother Winsome has a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Hence, she chose St Margaret Mary Alacoque, Apostle of the Sacred Heart, as her guide in this new journey of faith.
Sr Barbara Claire chose the name ‘Benedicta’. This brought together three saints: Our Lady, St Benedict, and Sr Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein). Each of these has had a profound influence on her spiritual journey over the years.
Sr Carolyne Joseph: ‘Miriam’ is the Hebrew form of the name ‘Mary’, and was Sr Carolyne Joseph’s choice on entering the Church. She already had a devotion to St Joseph, having added his name to her baptismal name, so she now has both ‘Mary’ and ‘Joseph’.
Sr Jean Mary chose St Raphael, Archangel of healing and of journeys, for her confirmation name.
Sr Patricia Ann: As fitting companions for her monastic journey within the Church, Sr Patricia Ann chose Sts Robert, Alberic and Stephen, Founders of Cîteaux in the year 1098, to watch over her and guide her path.
Sr Rosemary Clare took the name ‘Clare’, for St Clare of Assisi, at her clothing. She was professed on the Feast of St Martin of Tours, fourth century Bishop and Founder of the great Abbey of Ligugé in France. It was therefore natural for her to choose him as her patron in moving forward as a Catholic and a monastic.
Sr Sheila Mary took St Margaret Clitherow, Reformation saint of York, as her confirmation saint. Sr Sheila Mary has Yorkshire connections and choosing this name enabled her to regain one of her baptismal names.