Our annual holiday on the spot took place during the "wettest week of the year" we could have guessed! A highlight was a surprise gift of a Bouncy Castle ( adult size! ) for one of the days.

Many of us had no idea what such a thing was, but when it was erected the young man and a little girl gave demonstrations. We soon got the hang of it and enjoyed a very energetic and entertaining time on it, despite the fine persistent rain ..... My happiest personal memory of 2002 was a wholly unexpected stay in Springhill, on the Isle of Wight, with the Sisters of Christ.

This was arranged without my knowing by my Prioress contacting SISTER MARGUERITE and a date was fixed late August to mid September... It was decided that the sun and sea of my earlier life would be helpful to me ....Briefly, I have a spinal problem which is painful and cannot be treated surgically.

You may probably know that l began my teaching career in Springhill & was there for 3 years. It felt just like coming home again! The same beautiful house and grounds in a perfect setting overlooking Cowes Bay, and, most of all, Sisters I'd known for so very many years: especially SISTERS MAY and Marguerite. Ninety - two year old SISTER HILDEGARDE recognised me as a Boscombe pupil!

SISTER JOAN came for a short stay, and on 14th September there was the wonderful occasion of the Golden Jubilees of SISTER RUTH and SISTER HELEN (now Nell and once Brigid). Sister Joyce came over for the day from Bedhampton with Sister Ruth so I had a talk with her too.

I had the pleasure of meeting a past pupil ITA HANCOCK, there for a few days. It was great to renew old memories. I must end now with renewed thanks, much love and prayers that there may be peace for you all in this troubled world throughout the coming year.

Sister Patricia."

SISTER RUTH MARY BROWN is sorry that she will be unable to attend the Reunion this year, she will be in Rome as a representative of the Sisters of Christ at the International General Chapter. Many past pupils know her from her days as a pupil and then as a member of staff, there are always so many wanting to talk to her. She will be missed. Congratulations to SISTER HILDEGARDE, now 92,who celebrates 70 years as a religious, on May 16th.

We are sure that the occasion will be marked with rejoicing and thanksgiving at Springhill Convent. The Association has sent a card from all of us. Sister Hildegarde will be remembered in the Canteen for the Juniors, with SISTER THECLA. SISTER MARGUERITE COWERD and SISTER MAY, also at Springhill on the Isle of Wight, both celebrate their Golden Jubilees on 8th September.

We send them our congratulations and sincere thanks for all their years of dedication. There must be so many people all over the world who have benefited from their influence and expertise. I received a letter from SISTER MARY AGNES (NORAH LOFTUS) in Cameroon; I am sure that you will find the contents interesting. "

How time has flown since the Reunion. I enjoyed some happy times meeting up with our Sisters from each o f our four Communities in England and also some wonderful family reunions, especially on the occasion of my eldest sister's Diamond Jubilee of Religious Profession as a Poor Clare at Lynton, North Devon. This took place on 12th August. Bishop Christopher Budd was the chief celebrant at the Mass and all five of us brothers and sisters were present, and also some extended family members. On August 27th I returned to Cameroon to be in time for 2 big events taking place here.

The first was on 31st August when the Creation of the Cameroon Region of the Sisters of Christ took place, uniting our four Communities under one Regional Superior. SISTER CATHERINE MORTON was appointed to take on this responsibility. Each of our four Communities is International, comprising Sisters from Madagascar, Chile, Italy, France and England, and since September 2002 from Cameroon too. Yes, that was the 2nd great event. In the last few years young Cameroonian women have been aspiring to join our Congregation. They begin their training as postulants at Bambui ( Bamenda Diocese ) and come here to Nkongsamba for their Novitiate formation.

How happy we all were last September when Rillindis reached the stage of making her First Profession of vows as our first Cameroonian Sister of Christ. Deo Gratias ! At present we have two young women in the Novitiate here and trust, God willing, that they will have the grace to persevere. Rillindas' celebration took place in our Parish Church, with our Bishop as chief celebrant, being assisted by our Parish Priest and Father Pascal, who is Riflandas' elder brother.

The celebration was truly African with song and dancing, accompanied by balafong and drums, as the iectionary was carried to the altar, and again at the Offertory Procession. At the latter Rillandis carried a cockerel, which in her culture is the gift to be offered to a Chief. For her it symbolised the offering o f herself to Christ, the King of Kings. Both her parents spoke and performed a little rite with water and expressed their happiness that God had chosen their daughter, and they urged her in their own language to remain faithful . ..... Please extend my good wishes to Jean, Robin and all past pupils.

"Hail Boscombe, Hail ......
The years roll swiftly by"

God bless us one and all.

Affectionately,

Sister Mary Agnes ( Norah Loftus)

The Sisters of Christ have sold their house in Doughty Street, London and are pleased with their new Convent in Wimbledon; it is in a conservation area and has a garden. They are in the Jesuit parish of the Church of The Sacred Heart but are actually nearer the church of St. Winifred.

From September all the provinces of The Sisters of Christ in Europe will be united: England, France, Belgium and Italy.