Platinum Jubilee of Sr Catherine Pennyfather

On March 12th  I celebrated my Platinum Jubilee, that is 70 years since making my first vows. Originally we were seven but now only three of us have celebrated this milestone; Sr Mary Peter in her native Guyana, Sr Ellen Mary in Taiwan and myself in London.

The celebration began with my opening all the cards that had arrived. One was from the Mother General and her counsellors. Others were mass cards, telling me of masses that were to be said for me, some in Walsingham, our national shrine.

Later I received messages from Sr Anne Marie who works in Rome and Sr Armida who works in Desenzano (the place where our foundress, St Angela Merici grew up).  I also received messages from my companion Sr Mary Peter from Guyana.

Then the flowers came! A huge bunch of colourful tulips from Maria, our helper. Beautiful roses from my soon to be 100 year old brother and my niece. Sr Kathleen sent me Fresia’s and Irises  and the Forest Gate community sent a truly wonderful orchid plant. Some of those sisters and the Ilford community then arrived to greet and congratulate me; they had come especially to be with me for mass. Those sisters left at lunch time, to be followed by other sisters in time for a tea party. The centre of the party was a magnificent cake made by our chef here in Chestnut Manor Care Home.

All in all I had a wonderful happy day, to be remembered for the rest of my life.

Thank you so much to everyone.