Maryland Mercy Associates' visit to the Convent in Bermondsey

On Tuesday 9th June, we were delighted to set off for a day at the Convent. We were blessed with pleasant weather, and eight of us travelled by minibus while two went by train.

The visit started with tea, coffee and biscuits, alongside a very warm welcome from Srs Patricia, Jean, Frances and Sarah, a fellow Mercy Associate from Croydon.

We watched a DVD about Venerable Catherine and the ‘Circle of Mercy’ before the archivist, Daniel, guided us on a tour and spoke about the history of the Convent. It is another remarkable story of love, compassion and great fortitude. One remarkably interesting fact was the involvement of Mother Clare Moore and other Sisters in the Crimean War, when they went to nurse wounded and dying soldiers alongside Florence Nightingale.

Lunch was a veritable feast, and we were able to thank the chef afterwards. He is Portuguese, and our Associate, Maria, was able to converse with him in Portuguese, which was a treat to see.

Back in the beautiful Convent chapel, we watched two talks by David Wells on the wisdom of ageing. Our group is composed of older adults, and it was heartening to be reminded that many of the biblical figures we know and love, such as Moses, were all in their 80s. Old age brings with it the capacity to know what is important and what is worth worrying about – a wisdom we can share with others and the Church.

A final, welcome cup of tea and refreshments ended our day in Bermondsey.

We came away with a generous gift of booklets and leaflets from Sr Patricia.