The English Province
THE HISTORY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF PROVIDENCE IN ENGLAND
INTRODUCTION
In order to trace the history of the Foundation in England, we must return briefly to the source and origins of the Congregation.
THE FOUNDER
The Venerable Jean-Marie de la Mennais was born in St Malo, France, in 1780, just nine years before the outbreak of the French Revolution. From childhood he had felt called to the priesthood and was ordained in 1804 in the diocese of Rennes, with which St Malo had been amalgamated. After ordination he taught in the College in St Malo, part of it being reserved for seminary students.
A few years later, in 1814, the Bishop of St Brieuc, Bishop Caffarelli, invited him to be his private secretary and he accepted. When the Bishop died in the following year, the Canons of the Cathedral elected Father de la Mennais as Vicar Capitular, to help run the diocese until the appointment of another Bishop.
The See remained vacant for a few years and during that time, Fr de la Mennais worked hard to revive the Faith and religious practices in the diocese. He engaged Jesuits and Montfort Fathers to preach Missions in all the towns and villages with great success.
Father de la Mennais was, however, very concerned to see so many children neglected, roaming the streets and falling into all kinds of vice. No education was provided for the poor and these children were also completely ignorant of the Christian Faith.
As a result of the mission to St Brieuc, Father de la Mennais decided to set up three Confraternities dedicated to Our Lady, one for men, one for boys and one for ladies. Apart from their spiritual exercises, the members carried out works of charity. Father de la Mennais seized the opportunity and asked some of the ladies if they would teach the neglected children. Four agreed to do so, Mademoiselle Anne-Marie Cartel, Mademoiselle Marie Conan, Mademoiselle Fanny Chaplain and Mademoiselle Julie Bagot. Father de la Mennais found a house where they could hold their classes. Soon, however, Mademoiselle Bagot separated from the others as she believed they should accept orphans only from St Brieuc, whereas the others thought they should accept any who asked. Father de la Mennais agreed with both sides and Mademoiselle Bagot founded her own orphanage.
The number of pupils in the classes went on increasing and Father de la Mennais had to find other accommodation for them. After two moves, he eventually found a residence that had belonged to the Ursulines before the Revolution, called "La Providence'.
Meanwhile, the young ladies, whose numbers had grown, felt called to some form of religious life and spoke to Father de la Mennais about it. Mademoiselle Cartel and Mademoiselle Chaplain were not free to leave home as they had to care for members of their family.
Father de la Mennais was at that time a priest of the Sacred Heart, a Society founded by Father de Cloriviere S.J. to replace the Jesuits when they were forbidden in France. At the same time, Father de Cloriviere and Mademoiselle Cice founded a secret Congregation for women, called the "Society of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary'. The members wore secular dress and carried on their own work, unrecognised as religious.
CHAPTER I
FOUNDATION
In 1818, Father de la Mennais was Superior of the district of St Brieuc and considered it fitting to admit the young ladies into that Society. They made their Consecration on Christmas night 1818 and their profession in March 1820.
The new Bishop of St Brieuc had now been appointed and was not too happy to have Father de la Mennais in his diocese. He took a dislike to the branch of the “Daughters of the Heart of Mary' at 'La Providence' and threatened to close it. As Father de la Mennais was leaving to take up a position in Paris, the Sisters asked him to set them up as a recognised Congregation with legal
status. Although this was not Father de la Mennais' original plan, he saw in it the hand of Providence and in 1821 founded a new Congregation which he called “The Daughters of Providence' and gave them a rule and a habit.
THE BROTHERS
Seeing the plight of the village children and their lack of schooling as well as their lack of knowledge of the Faith, Father de la Mennais founded another Congregation, the 'Brothers of Christian Instruction to teach them. When he returned from Paris in 1824 he went to live with them in a property at Ploermel which he had secured for them. In 1860 he died a holy death there.
DEVELOPMENT
In the intervening years both Brothers and Sisters had opened other houses and schools. In Combourg, in 1856, Father de la Mennais was asked to send Sisters to visit and nurse the sick in their own homes in the town and this he agreed to.
In 1897, a French agent from Saskatchewan, came to France looking for Sisters to look after the French families who had emigrated to Canada, and to teach their children.
As his daughters had been educated by the Daughters of Providence in France, he naturally thought of them. The General Council agreed to the idea and asked for volunteers. A group of Sisters arrived in Saskatchewan and laid the foundation of what was to become a flourishing Province.
In the last quarter of the nineteenth century a religious persecution had broken out in France when an atheistic Government got into power. Priests and religious were forbidden to
teach and in many cases, their schools were taken from them and their houses closed.
The General Council of the Congregation of the Daughters of Providence was worried by the continuing persecution of teaching religious in France, and by the closure of so many religious establishments. The Sisters, therefore, considered starting a foundation outside France, in case they had to transfer the Generalate and Novitiate elsewhere. Canada was too far away. In fact, one of the Superiors in Canada had already written suggesting a house
should be opened in England.
CHAPTER II
THE ENGLISH FOUNDATION
In 1903, Sister Aloysia was asked to give French lessons in St Malo, to two English girls from Tottenham, a suburb in North London. These girls greatly appreciated their teacher and told her they would love to have Sisters like her in their parish. Knowing that the Superiors were thinking of opening a house abroad, Sister Aloysia went to tell the Superior General, Mother Anthony of Padua, who immediately summoned her Council to tell them what she had learned. She also spoke to the Chaplain at St Brieuc — Fr Norbert Martin, who spoke English and was well versed in all that concerned education.
Although there is no proof in our archives, it would seem that these two girls must have written to their mother, who in turn would have spoken to the parish priest in Tottenham (also a Father Martin). For it was he who asked the Bishop to send the Sisters to his parish.
Another Sister in France, Sister Mary Leonie Thoreau, was bilingual, speaking both French and English, as her father was an English doctor in Jersey. Her mother's brother had been a bishop, Mgr Bellouino, and so it was decided to ask her to write, as his niece, to Cardinal Richard, Archbishop of Paris, requesting him to write to Cardinal Vaughan, Archbishop of Westminster, and ask him to allow the Daughters of Providence to open a house in his diocese. The reply received was in the affirmative. In May a circular was sent by the Superior General to all the houses asking for money and volunteers for the new foundation.
The Superior General then planned to travel to London with Sister Mary Leonie and Father Martin, the Chaplain. Unfortunately, Cardinal Vaughan died just before their departure from France, on June 19th 1903. However, Bishop P. Fenton had been appointed Vicar Capitular and received them in Archbishop's House, Westminster, in the last week of June.
As Father Martin, the parish priest, had asked for the Sisters for his parish, permission was granted for them to open a house in Tottenham, but on certain conditions laid down by the diocese. These were very hard for our Sisters as can be seen from the following:
1. They were never to teach English pupils in Tottenham as there were already two Congregations there - (the Marists who had a boarding and day school; the Sacred Heart Sisters of Versailles - later to break off from France and become the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary at Chigwell, Essex - who had an orphanage).
2. The Daughters of Providence were allowed to teach French girls only who came as boarders. Father Martin also asked the Sisters to visit the poor and the sick.
3. They were to help the priest on the mission, by visiting the poor and helping with any other good works in the parish.
4. As long as no special service was required of them by the priest, they were to contribute £20 per year to help the mission. (This condition was never required).
5. They were to pay one guinea (£1.1 shilling) per year for each seat occupied in the Church by them and their pupils.
6. These conditions could be revised according to the wishes of the Parish priest and the Community, with the permission of the Archbishop or his Vicar General.
The little party of three who had come over to get permission Tottenham, stayed until July 3rd with a family called Stephens. Was this the family of the two girls who had been instrumental in their coming? The Archives do not say. Certainly the Sisters had a great friend in Mrs Mary Stephens Of Tottenham, who helped them to find a house, 8 Ruskin Road, (almost opposite the Spurs Football ground!) - through her son, Robert, an estate agent. This house could accommodate 10 people and the rent Was £40 per annum.
At the end of the Annual Retreat at St Brieuc, three Sisters were given obediences for England - Sister Mary Leonie, Superior, Sister St Germain Rabaux and Sister Victoire Honneur. In September, they were joined by Sister Magdalen Of the Cross Rouaud. The first three Sisters sailed from St Malo on August 22nd 1903. On the boat, Father Sole, a priest from Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, who had been on holiday in Brittany, went up to the Sisters and asked them where they were going. He told them that he also required Sisters for his parish. They told him that he would have to contact their Superior General. Evidently, Fr Sole must have returned to St Brieuc fairly soon, for he obtained permission from the Mother General for some Sisters to teach in his parish, which was in the Archdiocese of Birmingham and very near Oxford where the Sisters could study. The Foundation was authorised in the October and in November, Sr Aloysia was sent as Superior with Sr St Germain and Sr Peter Alcantara as companions. Unfortunately, Sr. Aloysia, who was devoted to the work in England, suffered from homesickness and was unable to stay. She was therefore recalled to France.
To replace her, Sr. Vincent de Paul Lehuche, a newly professed Sister, was sent to Chipping Norton on January 14th 1904, accompanied by the second Assistant General, Sr Madeleine de Pazzi, who was to act as Superior of the little Community for a few months until she returned to France in the following. May. Sr Mary Leonie was then sent to replace her as Superior at Chipping Norton and Sr St Dominic Gauttier du Parc came to Tottenham as Superior.
In August 1904, Fr Sole again went to St Brieuc to plead for teachers for his school, which opened on August 21st 1904 with 7 pupils. A property known as “Hillside" in Chipping Norton had been bought for £875, the money having been lent by a Mr Toy at 4% interest. In the following September, Sr Mary of the Redeemer Legrand was sent to Chipping Norton. Both she and Sr Vincent de Paul were able to study for the English examinations at Oxford which both passed brilliantly.
As the number of pupils grew, more Sisters were required and Fr Sole was constantly writing to the Superior General asking for help. In 1905, Sr St Alphonso Rodriguez was sent to the little Community, but for some time was handicapped by her lack of knowledge of the English language. However, three years later Sr. Osmane Loguivy came to help with the school. She was a great asset as she had a very good knowledge of English and was very gifted as a teacher. In 1910 she was joined by Sr Peter Claver Neyrolles, who had spent two years in England at school and some years in Canada, thus possessing English perfectly as well as possessing her British teaching diplomas. In the same year, two other Sisters also joined the group, Sr Martin Richeux and Sr. Brigitte Maylin - the first recruit from the English foundation.
However, it was in 1911 that the mainstay arrived in the person of Sr Cecilia Potter. She was a fully qualified teacher who felt drawn to the Catholic Church and asked the Sisters in Wood Green for instruction in the Faith. After her reception into the Church, she asked to enter the Congregation and after completing her novitiate in France she returned to England.
She was a precious asset, both as a religious and as a teacher. Possessing her English teaching diplomas, she was able to take charge of the school in Chipping Norton, where she was greatly loved and respected. Unfortunately, in March 1916 she had to undergo an operation for appendicitis and died soon after as a result of complications. She made her Final Vows on her deathbed and promised to pray for the Congregation. Her loss was keenly felt by all and as there was no one able to replace her, the Sisters had to withdraw from that town and were replaced by another Community.
CHAPTER III
THE FOUNDATION AT WOOD GREEN
In February 1905, the Sisters in Tottenham decided to take their boarders for a walk to Wood Green to see the recently built church of St Paul, which replaced the temporary one put up at the beginning of the mission there. When they arrived at the Church, they were greeted by the Curate who asked them who they were and where they had come from. The Sisters told him that they were in Tottenham but were not allowed to open a school there and that is what they wanted to do.
On February 27th 1905, the Rector of St Paul's Wood Green, Fr John Nicholson, called on the Sisters in Tottenham and asked if they could cone into his parish as he was anxious to have Sisters and a convent school there.
A request was made to the Superior General and also to the ecclesiastical authorities who gave permission for the move. On June 14th 1905 the Sisters left Tottenham and moved into no 10 Broseley Villas, Bounds Green Road, Wood Green – to which no 9 was added later. On September 4th, classes were opened in the house, which had formerly been “The Ladies College”. Twelve pupils attended on the first day and twenty-five a month later. Among them was Alma Holliwell, who later became Sr Mary Teresa and who loved to relate those early days and especially the fact that her mother had earnestly prayed that Sisters would open a school in the parish.
In spite of opposition – a former teacher, Miss Mills, having opened another school near the Church in Wood Green - Providence Convent School continued to prosper and the number of pupils increased, so that extra teachers were required. In September 1905, Sr St John of the Cross Ernouland Sr Martin Richeux were sent to Wood Green from France and in 1906, Sr St Vincent de Paul, having completed her studies at Oxford, was sent to take charge of the school in Wood Green.
By 1907, the school had become so popular that it was necessary to find larger premises. The Superior General was contacted and with the support of the parish priest, it was decided to rent two large houses off the main road - numbers 19 and 20 Stuart Crescent - formerly a school for girls called “Queens College". The school and convent were transferred there and the
number of pupils increased to such an extent that lay teachers had to be engaged to help the Sisters. One of these was a former pupil of Chipping Norton, a young Irish lady called ‘Miss Kit’. She was a very lively person and was a great help to the school especially for the production of plays and concerts. She stayed for five years and was greatly missed when she returned to her native land to marry Mr Cusack.
Two more Sisters were sent from France in 1908: Sr Jeanne de Chantal Perrot, who stayed until 1910 and Sr Mary Gabriel L’hotellier who remained in England for the rest of her long life, much loved and greatly appreciated by all. Many are the tales told of her activities to raise money for the struggling foundation – home-made ice-cream being one of them!
In 1909, Sr Peter Damian joined the Community for two years and the following year Sr St Bernadette came to swell the ranks until 1923.
CHAPTER IV
PALMERS GREEN: 1910-1913
In that same year, 1910, a change took place. The parish of Palmers Green was cut out of the parish of Wood Green and the parish priest of St Monica's, Fr Heditch, who knew the Sisters in Wood Green, asked them to come and teach in the new parish.
A suitable house had to be found and some time elapsed before the necessary permission was received from the General Council and the Ecclesiastical authority. When it arrived a school was opened in a house in Devonshire Road, Palmers Green. Sr St John of the Cross was the first to teach there and she was soon joined by Sr St Osmane and Sr Peter Claver. The Sisters stayed at the convent in Wood Green and travelled each day to Palmers Green.
Apart from the lessons given to the few pupils who attended the school, the Sisters also prepared the children of the parish for their first Holy Communion. Soon however, the parishioners began asking for a proper school building and a Convent in the parish. Letter after letter was sent to the General Council begging for help, but owing to the persecution in France, this was not forthcoming. To add to their difficulties, Fr Heditch fell ill in 1912 and was no longer able to continue as parish priest. He was then replaced by Fr P. Gallagher, a much younger man.
In spite of Fr Heditch's prophecy to the Sisters: “This is the small beginning of a great work” – a prophecy that was to be fullfilled only many years later - there seemed no prospect for the future and no hope of help regarding personnel or finance. It was therefore decided to close the school and withdraw from the parish in 1913. The Sisters were not to return until 1932 when they replaced the Ursulines who had opened a school there in 1916.
CHAPTER V
DEVELOPMENTS IN WOOD GREEN: 1911-1939
Meanwhile changes were taking place in Wood Green. In 1911, Sr St Dominic was recalled to France to become Novice Mistress and Sr Francis Borgia was sent to replace her as Superior until 1916 when she too was recalled.
During this period quite a few Sisters were sent to Wood Green either on loan or permanently. Among the latter was Sr Rogatien who came to England in 1916 and devoted herself to the English Mission until 1967 when it was felt that she merited a more restful retirement. However, she continued working at Cesson until her last year. She died in 1980 at the age of 89. She was greatly appreciated and loved by all who knew her.
In 1916, Sr Francis de Borgia was replaced as Superior by Sr Alphonse Rodriquez until 1923. During that time the first recruits from Wood Green, having made their novitiate in France (even crossing the Channel in war-time!), returned to the Community which had fostered their vocation. Some of those were familiar to us - Sr Clotilde, Sr Winifred, Sr Cecilia Taylor, Sr St Hilda, Sr Imelda, Sr Mary Teresa.
Sr Vincent de Paul was appointed Superior in 1923 when Sr Alphonse was recalled to France. She was replaced as Headmistress of the school by Sr Mary of the Redeemer, who had acquired her university degree and teaching diploma. In the following years, more Sisters joined the Community as a result of their contact with some of the members.
In March 1929, the Sisters had the great Sorrow of losing one of their foundresses in England, Sr Magdalen of the Cross, at the relatively young age of 48. As a result of influenza, she developed pneumonia and died on March 22nd. She had a tremendous devotion to St Joseph which she inculcated into her pupils. Every year on his Feast day, March 19th, she would lead the pupils in procession to the grotto containing his statue in the middle of the playground, singing hymns to St Joseph. She was also most patriotic - England being her adopted country. Every year on Empire Day she would give out Union Jack flags to the Kindergarten pupils who would then march in procession round the playground singing "Rule Britannia'.
When the Superior General paid her annual visit to the convent, she had decided, in 1921, that the Sisters should buy a large house called “La Brabanconne' which stood in an acre of ground in Earlham Grove, Wood Green, just off the main road. The Senior school was transferred there until a purpose-built school could be erected on the orchard at the back. The foundation stone of this new school was blessed by His Grace, Archbishop du Bois de la Villerabel of Rouen, and the school was opened and blessed by Cardinal Bourne, Archbishop of Westminster in October 1926. Extensions to the school were added in 1931 and 1939. When the school was built the Sisters left Stuart Crescent and moved to "La Brabanconne” which became the Convent.
The building of the new school had been made possible by the generous help of a group of Catholic business men living near the Church in Wood Green. The chief of these was Mr Barrett; a heating engineer. He was assisted by Mr Craigen, Solicitor; Mr Reynolds, accountant; Mr Tidy, auditor, Mr Gower, accountant. Together, they decided to set up a Limited Company with three of the Sisters as Directors. The public were invited to take out £10 shares which would be repayable in 20 years - and this was done.
Unfortunately, in September 1934, the Sisters suffered the loss of their devoted benefactor and adviser, Mr Joseph Barrett, who had been ill for some time. He was a most holy and generous man and his loss was keenly felt by the Church and the Convent alike.
In the same year, Sr Martin, one of the early members of the foundation was taken ill with an incurable disease and returned to St Brieuc where she died in 1935.
CHAPTER VI
RYE AND SOMPTING
Since the closure of the house in Chipping Norton, the Congregation had only one foundation in England. It was therefore decided in 1929 to open another house nearer the sea. “Bank House' was acquired in Rye, Sussex, a former Cinque port, and a small school was opened there for boarders and day pupils. Sr John of the Cross was appointed Superior and two other Sisters were sent to assist her. The school opened in January 1930 with four pupils, but by November 1932 there were forty. This little school struggled for survival in a town of mostly retired people until 1936 when a larger house was rented at Sompting, near Worthing, Sussex, where there seemed to be more prospect for the future than Rye. Sr Clotilde was named Superior and Sr Cecilia Taylor and Sr Remi were sent to help her.
For the next three years the school gradually built up its numbers until it reached about 80. Then came the outbreak of war and as the property was so near the coast, there was great danger from enemy action and the numbers fell as families moved further inland. After the end of the war in 1945, many did not return to the little town, which then became more like Rye, a place for retired people.
CHAPTER VIII
PALMERS GREEN
To the great surprise of the Community in Wood Green, it was discovered in 1932 that the Ursuline Sisters were considering selling their Convent and School at “Oakthorpe', Palmers Green. With the advice and backing of the Directors of the Limited
Company, the Provincial of the Ursulines was approached and decisions were made regarding the financial and professional arrangements. The Daughters of Providence then took possession of the Convent in Oakthorpe Road on December 22nd 1932. Four Sisters took up residence there and in the following January the School opened with 430 pupils between Palmers Green and Wood Green. Sr Mary of the Redeemer was appointed Headmistress. The rest of the Sisters left the Convent in Wood Green and moved to the one in Palmers Green in October 1933.
The Seniors of both schools were amalgamated in September 1934 and went to the purpose-built, school at Wood Green, which assumed the title of "St Angela's Providence Convent School'. Since 1929, the school at Palmers Green had been grant-aided and this was then transferred to the school at Wood Green which was a tremendous help to the Sisters.
The Juniors of both schools were amalgamated at Palmers Green with the same title, and also some seniors who preferred to remain at Palmers Green and join the Commercial Course there,
under the care of Sr Imelda. Sr St Hilda was appointed the Head mistress of this school.
THE VICARIATE
On January 17th 1936, a great event took place in England. The General Council had decided to raise the status of the English foundation to that of Vicariate. On that day, Sr Vincent de Paul was appointed the first Mother Vicar, with authority over the houses of the Daughters of Providence in England. Mother St Rosalie, the newly-elected Superior General, made her first visit to England in May 1938. As a result, approval was given for a Novitiate to be opened at Palmers Green, and when possible, a foundation to be made in Ireland.
CHAPTER VIII
THE WAR YEARS: 1939-1945
Unfortunately, before either of the above projects could be realised, there came the threat of war with Germany. Preparations were made for evacuation, if necessary, and arrangements were made with our Brothers to share their premises at Pell Wall, Market Drayton. Some of the Sisters followed courses on Nursing and First Aid and Sr St Hilda was appointed Warden for the Civil Defence. However, war was averted for a year and it was on September 3rd 1939, that the Allies declared war on Germany when Hitler invaded Poland after Czechoslovakia and threatened the whole of Europe.
The School at Wood Green was considered to be in a danger zone and had to be closed, the army, medical corps and other Services taking it over. The pupils were evacuated to a village in Essex - Halstead, with one of the lay teachers - Miss Roberts. The Sisters took it in turns to stay there, lessons being given in the local school and the pupils housed in families.
After the fall of France in May 1940, all communication with Our Sisters there was virtually cut off. Very rarely, censored letters were received through the Red Cross.
All was fairly quiet that year until August when the air raids began, completely disrupting life in London and the main towns. As soon as the warning sounded, every one made for the nearest air-raid shelter and tried to stifle the deafening noise of the bombs. Only when the 'All Clear sounded - often several hours later - could one emerge from the relative safety of the underground shelters. Many a night was spent in such shelters or on the platforms of the Underground, which became dormitories at night.
It was on September 15th 1940 that the Battle of Britain took place, when all day and all night, the few British fighter planes kept the many German bombers and fighters at bay. In Winston Churchill's words “Never was so much owed by so many to so few.’ It was on that day that Mother Vincent de Paul made a promise to St Joseph, asking him to preserve the Sisters, their families and the pupils from all harm, promising him a Special mark of thanksgiving when hostilities ended. St Joseph heard her prayer and that is the reason for the gold band round the base of his statue at the main entrance at Palmers Green, with the words: “Ex voto 1939-45”, to show him our gratitude.
The raids continued for the next four years, day and night. The basement of the Convent had been shored up and was used as a shelter by day and a dormitory for the Sisters at night, when the warning sounded. A shelter was also provided for the pupils in the school grounds and many days were spent in it, the teachers giving lessons as best they could.
In November 1941 the Sisters were delighted to welcome Fr Robert Bradley as a permanent Chaplain. The Sisters were able to have Mass in the Convent every morning and many were the times when they had Mass round about 4 a.m. in the shelter after the "All Clear” had sounded and then were able to return to their beds to catch up on their sleep.
By 1942 many of the pupils had returned to their homes in the suburbs of North London. Each reopening of the school then saw an increase in the number of pupils, so that it became necessary to build a temporary annex for the Secondary School pupils at Palmers Green. By 1943 the number of pupils had increased to such an extent that permission was obtained to use three classrooms on the top floor of the School at Wood Green, the army having gone abroad. The year had been fairly quiet and is known in history as “The end of the beginning'. However, hardly had 1944 begun than the air-raids began worse than ever. Many buildings around the Convent were completely destroyed and the numbers of civilians killed rose considerably.
On June 6th 1944 came the great news that this was D Day (Deliverance) the invasion of the coast of Normandy by the Allies - “the beginning of the end.' Gradually came the liberation of France, but new robot planes with bombs the “V Ones' were sent over to England by the enemy from coasts not yet liberated. More than 150 per day fell on London, so most of the time was
spent in shelters.
In August, there was great rejoicing at the return of those of our Sisters who had been interned in Vittel all during the war. They were given a great welcome and we made sure they had a good rest after their tiring journey by train through the South of France, Spain and Portugal and finally boat to England.
In that same month, through the good offices of Fr B. Leeming S.J. the Sisters had the good fortune of having a holiday and rest at St Mary's College, Stonyhurst, which all appreciated very much as they were well away from planes and bombs.
However, on their return to London, a new type of missile was being aimed at England from Holland - the V2 Rocket. It was a sinister weapon, as being launched from the continent, no warning was given and tremendous damage was done and many lives lost.
As the Allies advanced towards Germany, the raids gradually ceased. With what joy was the end of hostilities in Europe celebrated on May 8th 1945 and later, on August 15th the end of the war with Japan.
It was then felt that life could return to normal. The School at Wood Green was handed back to the Community and the term began in September 1945 with double the number of pupils, The same was the case at Palmers Green.
CHAPTER IX
THE NOVITIATE
Although over the years there had been a steady flow of Postulants, they had had to go to France for their novitiate. It was thought that now was the time to open a novitiate in England, following the permission granted before the war. On September 8th the first two Postulants arrived - Kathleen O'Connor and Ruth Vaughan-Shepheard, later to take the names
of Sr Mary Aquinas and Sr Mary Angela. Other Postulants arrived each year, although not all persevered.
The Novice Mistress promised by the General Council, Sr Thomas Aquinas, arrived from France in September 1946 and immediately took charge of the little group. She was fluent in
English as she had spent some time in Wood Green before entering the Convent.
During the next few years, several ceremonies of Profession and Clothing took place in the Convent Chapel. When Sr Thomas Aquinas was recalled to France in 1949 she was replaced as Novice Mistress by Sr St Hilda and Sr Mary Bernard took over the Headship of the School at Palmers Green.
When the flow of Postulants seemed to have stopped for a time, it was decided to obtain permission from the Local Ordinaries to quest for vocations in their dioceses. For this purpose, Sr St Hilda and Sr Mary Aquinas travelled to Liverpool to speak to parish groups and to pupils in schools. As a result, the decision was taken to open a Juvenate in Woking and Sr Mary Aquinas was put in charge. The following year, 1956, a house was found near the Convent and four girls between the ages of 13 and 15 were the pioneers. They were to be followed by several others.
These young people were able to continue their education at the Convent School.
When Sr St Hilda had finished her term of office as Novice Mistress, she was replaced by Sr Cecilia and she in turn by Sr Marie du Crucifix - from Canada. Then in 1961 it was decided to send the Postulants to the Novitiate in France. The first Juvenists were ready to enter and each year after that there was a steady trickle until 1967 when the Novitiate in England was reopened, a candidate from Ireland having entered at Palmers Green.
When the Sisters finished their Novitiate, they continued their religious formation in a Centre, set up for this purpose, and then continued their studies and professional training.
CHAPTER X
WOKING
For some time there had been a question of the future of Our Apostolic work in Sompting.
Since the war, the number of pupils had decreased. In May 1949 it was learnt that the Sisters of the Holy Cross at Woking, in Surrey intended moving and selling their property to another religious congregation. The Mother Vicar applied for particulars to the Provincial of the Holy Cross Congregation who offered her the possibility of buying the property and furniture for a reasonable price. By the following July, the deal was concluded and on August 6th, Sr Cecilia and the other Sisters from Sompting moved in. They were soon joined by Sr Imelda and Sr Mary Angela who was appointed Headmistress of the School. The work flourished for twenty years, but because of changes in the Education Act, the General and Vicarial Councils decided to close the Convent and School in Woking. The school was taken over by the diocese of Arundel and Brighton and the Convent property was sold for development. The Juvenate had moved to Palmers Green in 1967.
In that same year, it was discovered that Sr Mary Angela, the Headmistress, was suffering from an incurable disease of which she died in 1972. Her death was followed by that of Sr Marie and Sr Colette in 1973.
CHAPTER XI
BEREAVEMENTS
Apart from the decease of the Sisters mentioned above, the Sisters had the sorrow of losing several members of the early foundation, in the years following the war. In 1952, they were shocked by the sudden death of Sr Mary of the Redeemer. She had been for many years a popular Headmistress Of the Grammar School in Wood Green until her retirement in 1949.
In 1954, Mother Vincent de Paul had come to third mandate as Vicar, and was replaced by Sr Mary of the Presentation. In 1955 she retired to Woking. Three years later she came for a holiday to Palmers Green and unfortunately during that time, was taken seriously ill. She died on Palm Sunday - March 30th 1958 - surrounded by the Community. A sung
Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Monica's church at which numerous clergy and friends were present. She was a great person who had done so much for England and was greatly loved and appreciated by all. The following December, our “little” Sr Imelda, as shw was affectionately called because of her short sature, died suddenly after suffering for some time with heart trouble.
Sr Cecilia Taylor was among the first English past pupils to enter the Congregation. She was a lively person, very gifted in English and music, and loved by all the pupils. She had been Superior at Sompting, and Woking and, at one time, Novice Mistress. She died in February 1965 after a short, but incurable illness, which she bore courageously and without ever complaining.
The following year she was followed by Sr Mary Elizabeth whose sister, Sr Winifred had predeceased her. This Sister was also among the first English entrants and was renowned for her welcoming attitude as portress.
CHAPTER XII
CELEBRATIONS
Great celebrations took place in October 1950 for the centenary of the Restoration of the Hierarchy in England and Wales, in Westminster Cathedral and Wembley Stadium. Many dignitaries from abroad attended and we were pleased to welcome Bishop Perrin of Arras and Fr Carré from Rennes, at the Convent.
At the end of 1951, it was decided to start the building of a Junior School in the grounds at Palmers Green, owing to the increased number of pupils. Money was raised through the generosity of the parents who organised various activities. The Foundation stone was laid by Monsignor Canon F. Bickford in October 1952. The following year the school was blessed and opened by His Eminence Cardinal Griffin, Archbishop of Westminster. Numerous clergy and Sisters attended, including the new Superior General - Mother Mary of Carmel - and some of her Assistants.
In the morning of that day, the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters in England, a Pontifical sung High Mass was celebrated in St Paul's Church, Wood Green, by Archbishop Roberts SJ. Fr J.A. Barrett SJ and Fr Eldridge (son and nephew of Mr J. Barrett) were deacons and many clergy were present in the sanctuary. The Mass - “Cum Jubilo" - and the Proper were sung in plainsong by a choir composed of pupils, staff and Sisters, accompanied by Miss Symondson, the music mistress, and conducted by Fr Gilliard of Battersea.
Great was the joy of the Sisters to receive a telegram through the Apostolic Delegation, conveying congratulations from the Holy Father.
During her visit, the Superior General announced that, as Sr. uncent de Paul had completed her mandate as Vicar, she would be replaced by Sr. Mary of the Presentation. She also reminded the Sisters of the change of habit decided on by the Chapter and that it would be adopted in 1954.
In the course of the Marian Year in 1954, the Sisters undertook pilgrimages to Lourdes and to the various Marian shrines in England. It was with great pleasure that we learnt that Cardianl Roques of Rennes had solemnly consecrated our Congreagation to Our Lady, at St Brieuc on August 1st.
Another event of importance for our Congreagation was the granting of the Final Decree of Approbation by Rome in 1958, by which we then became a Pontificial Congregation.
Mass to commemorate the Centenary of the death of Ven J M de la Mennais. Pupils of the Sisters and Brothers, in Westminster Cathedral
In 1960, celebrations took place throughout our Congregation for the Centenary of the death Of Our Founder Jean-Marie de la Mennais. In May a special Mass for all our schools and our Brothers' schools in England was celebrated by Bishop Craven in Westminster Cathedral. A former pupil of the Brothers - Fr Donnelly - preached on Fr de la Mennais. The whole nave of the great Cathedral was filled with pupils, who had come by coaches from the different parts of England.
CHAPTER XIII
CHANGES IN THE CONGREGATION AND IN ENGLAND
In 1966 Mother Mary of the Presentation completed her second mandate as Vicar in England and returned to France. She was replaced by Mother Thérèse de Lisieux Benoit (later known as Sr Cecilia), from Canada. During her term of office, many changes took place.
The Chapter of Renewal
Since 1968 preparations had been made for a Chapter of Renewal, as was required of every religious congregation since the Council of Vatican II.
.
This chapter took place in two parts in 1969 and 1970. Four delegates from England were present in St Brieuc where the Chapter was held. One of the decisions taken was to divide the Congregation into four Provinces – France, West Canada, England and East Canada. The ‘Vicars’ were to become ‘Provincials’
A change of costume was authorised and Sisters were given permission to revert to their baptismal names if they wished. It was also decided that Sisters could undertake other forms of
Apostolate than teaching or nursing provided they were in line with the charism of the Congregation.
During the second part of the Chapter, elections for the Superior General were held and Sr Agnes Saillard was elected, thereby replacing Sr Thomas Aquinas who had been in office for six years.
Previously in May 1970, the Superior General and her Assistant travelled to Chorley, together with the Sisters from Palmers Green, to attend the ceremony of Sr Mary Peter's (Sr Ann-Marie Frearson) Final Profession which took place in her Parish Church. This was the first time such a ceremony had been held outside the Convent.
In the following October, Sr Thomas More (Sr Bernadette Larkin) made her Final vows in St Monica's Church, Palmers Green.
For some years the house at Palmers Green had been deteriorating and was also too small for the growing Community. It was therefore decided to build a new one around the existing house, with the money obtained from the sale of the Convent at Woking. The building was begun in January 1970 and was finished in July 1971. When the Sisters moved in they were delighted to have their own rooms and appreciated all the amenities, especially the beautiful Chapel. The old house was pulled down, the cellars filled in and grass laid on top.
Fr Geraerts, the parish priest of St Monica's said the first Mass in the Chapel on October 25th. The Convent and Chapel were blessed by Bishop Mahon MHM. Several priests, Sisters and friends were present and many gifts were offered for the Chapel and house.
CHAPTER XIV
THE NEW EDUCATION ACT
In the 1960s many changes took place in England. With the ‘Greater London Bill' in 1965, new divisions in the County of Middlesex were made, so that Palmers Green then came under the Local Authority of the Borough of Enfield and Wood Green Cane under Haringey, each Borough being autonomous.
In 1966 a New Education Act was passed, whereby Comprehensive (all-ability) schools were to replace the former selective Grammar Schools and the Modern Schools (for those pupils who did not qualify for entrance to a Grammar School). As a result, meeting was held with the Mother Vicar and her Council, the diocesan officer for schools, the Local Education officer and the Borough planning officer to discuss the future of our schools.
As the Grammar school at Wood Green was on half an acre site it could be enlarged to accommodate a Comprehensive school. It was therefore decided to close the private school at Palmers Green, add an extension to the building, and amalgamate the senior pupils with those from Wood Green.
However, as the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth already had a small Comprehensive school in the Borough of Enfield the diocese decided that for the first few Years the Holy Family school would be the feeder school for St Angela's, the girls starting at eleven at Enfield and moving at fourteen to Palmers Green. Each school would cater for a six-form entry and have about 500 to 600 pupils. Later, each school would take in pupils from 11 to 18 years old, and become two separate all-through schools. This plan, however, has not been able to take effect owing to the falling birth rate.
On September 12th 1974, the new top-tier Comprehensive School, known as ‘St Angela's R.C. School for Girls', was open at Palmers Green with Sr Mary-Agnes as Headmistress. The pupils included those from the Grammar School at Wood Green, those from the private school at Palmers Green and those from the fourth year of the Holy Family School. As all the building at Palmers Green was not yet ready, some of the pupils had to continue in the school at Wood Green.
On February 25th 1975, the building at Palmers Green was finished and all the pupils moved in under the same roof. The School at Wood Green was cleared, but St Joseph's statue remained firmly fixed over the front door. He was certainly looking after us for, that week, fire had broken out in one of the Schools and the Borough needed somewhere to house two years of pupils. The Convent was approached and through the good offices of our agent, the school was sold to the Borough of Haringey for a sum which covered our 20% of the cost of the new school at Palmers Green, so that we could start without a debt.
The first Mass for the school was celebrated on St P day 1975 in the spacious school hall.
In July, His Eminence Cardinal Heenan blessed and opened the new school in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of Enfield, the Chief Education officer, the Chairman of the Education. Committee, the representative of the Diocesan Schools Commission and many other guests and parents. Altogether 712 people were present. During the ceremony, crucifixes, classroom Staff and Prefects, were blessed for the Hall and classrooms. Afterwards, everyone was invited to refreshments in the Sixth Form Complex.
After his visit to the school, the Cardinal came over to the Convent and prayed in the Chapel which he greatly admired. He also spoke to Sr Gabriel and gave her his blessing. Little did they know that they would soon meet again in heaven. For this was to be the Cardinal’s last visit and his last school blessing as he died rather suddenly a few months later.
His entry into heaven was preceded by that of our dear Sr Gabriel at the age of 91. She had come to Wood Green in 1908 and had devoted herself to the apostolate in England. She was greatly loved and appreciated and her loss was keenly felt. Her requiem Mass was celebrated in St Monica's Church by our Chaplain, Fr Hutchinson, and was attended by many priests and friends.
CHAPTER XV
JOYS AND SORROWS
In November 1976, another joyful ceremony took place when Sr Mary Patricia Dowling made her Final vows in St Paul’s Church, Wood Green, where she had been working in the parish. Fr Campbell, the rector, presided, assisted by several priests. A large congregation was present and a reception was held in the parish hall afterwards.
Having been requested by the Provincial of the Sisters of Christ to rent rooms in the Convent, until a suitable house in London could be found, the Community agreed and two Sisters
came to live at the Convent in February 1977 and stayed for three years.
At the 1970 Chapter, the delegates had voted to shorten the length of the mandate of the Superior General and the Provincials. This meant that there was a more frequent change of Major Superiors.
In October 1977, Sr Cecilia Benoit came to the end of her Second term of office as Provincial of the English Province and returned to Canada in the following December. Sr Mary-Agnes Grindley was elected to replace her, but as she was Headmistress of St Angela's, this meant that she had to leave the school and in the following September she was replaced by a lay Headmistress.
At Christmas, we learnt with sorrow, of the sudden death of our previous Vicar, Sr Mary of the Presentation, at Cesson. She had spent thirteen years in England, to which she was greatly attached. She had done a great deal for the English Province and was deeply committed to the work of Ecumenism. The Province was represented at her funeral by Sr Mary-Agnes.
The Community suffered another great loss in February 1979 when Sr St Hilda died suddenly of a heart attack. She was 85 and had been one of the first pupils and converts to enter the Congregation. She had given great service to the Community, both as a teacher and Headmistress: She had also been Novice Mistress and several times Superior. She was an accomplished pianist, and even in her retirement continued to give private music lessons. She was an exemplary religious who was much appreciated by all. Her funeral took place in the Convent Chapel and Requiem Mass was celebrated by the Chaplain, Fr Hutchinson.
CHAPTER XVI
THE RETURN TO WOOD GREEN
Since 1934, the Sisters had not lived at Wood Green, but they had continued working in the parish and they were teaching in the school until 1975. So, after much thought and prayer, it was decided to open a house again in Wood Green, the cradle of the Congregation in England.
Much house-hunting took place and there were many setbacks and disappointments. However, in July 1979, it was possible to take possession of 82 Sylvan Avenue. Two years later, the adjoining house was acquired. Sr Mary Patricia was asked to take charge with Sr Bernadette to assist her. Unfortunately, the redecoration of the house was not ready until the following November.
82 and 84 Sylvan Avenue, Wood Green
As the first Postulant, for some years, had entered in September, permission was requested and obtained from the General Council for the house to become a house of Formation, with Sr Mary Patricia as Novice Mistress.
The first Mass was celebrated there at the end of November and in the following January, Bishop Harvey blessed the house after celebrating Mass for the Sisters.
Other Postulants entered during the next few years and receptions into the Novitiate and Profession Ceremonies were held in the Convent Chapel at Palmers Green, with families and friends present.
Various means of ‘recruiting’ had been, and still are, used: advertising, ‘Come and See' days, Vocations Exhibitions and visits to groups of young people. In 1989, there were two Novices to make profession and this was considered to be a good occasion to have a public ceremony in St Paul's Church, Wood Green. Mass was concelebrated by
Fr Emile Frische MHM, assisted by twelve priests. Our Superior General and Sisters from France, East and West Canada were present. The Church was filled with relatives and friends. A reception was held in the Parish Hall afterwards.
CHAPTER XVII
REJOICING AND MOURNING
As Sr Cecilia was celebrating the Golden Jubilee of her profession in 1980, the English Province invited her and her Sister Sr Bernadette Benoit, to come and celebrate in England. These celebrations took place on September 21st with Mass in the Chapel followed by a special meal.
She was to come back once more for a celebration, but by the end of 1983 she had become seriously ill and in April 1985 an urgent call was received from Montreal saying that she was dying in hospital. Sr Mary-Agnes, as Provincial, went at once and was able to be with her until she died peacefully on April 13th. Her requiem and interment took place at St Luc, in the Province of Quebec.
We owed a great deal to Sr Cecilia who had been Vicar and then Provincial of the English Communities for 11 years, during which time she had carried out many improvements, including a new house and school at Palmers Green. She had also seen that the decrees of our Chapters during that period were put into practice.
In the following June, Sr. Irma, who had been with us since 1929, and was the only Belgian member of the Congregation, died suddenly, aged 90, in St Joseph's Home. She had been a devoted member of the Community at Wood Green, Palmers Green and Woking. Her requiem Mass was celebrated in the Convent Chapel.
Earlier, in March 1982, we had the sadness of losing Sr Mary Teresa, who had been in hospital for a month following a fall. She had been a greatly appreciated member of the Province, not only because of her intelligence, good judgment and wit, but especially for her deep spirituality. She was an excellent teacher, a wise Headmistress of the Grammar School for 16 years and an admirable religious. Her requiem Mass was celebrated in St Monica's Church and was attended by numerous pupils, past and present as well as many friends.
In 1980, the Bicentenary of the birth of our Founder, Ven. Jean-Marie de la Mennais, was celebrated throughout our Congregation and that of the Brothers. At St Angela's School in Palmers Green a plaque commemorating the event was unveiled and blessed in the School entrance by Bishop Harvey, in the presence of the Sisters, Staff, Pupils and friends.
Great was the joy and excitement at the end of May 1982 when Pope John Paul II arrived in London. There had been great uncertainty about his coming owing to the attempt on his life the previous year. When he landed at Gatwick Airport and then arrived at Victoria Station, he was given a tremendous welcome. His first engagement was to celebrate Mass in Westminster Cathedral before proceeding with the rest of his heavy schedule which included a visit to the Queen at Buckingham Palace and to the Archbishop at Canterbury where they prayed together in the great Cathedral there. On May 29th His Holiness addressed a very large gathering of religious from 7.30 to 8.30 in the morning, in the grounds of Digby Stuart Training College in London. Twelve of the Sisters were able to go to that memorable meeting. His other visits were followed closely on television. Everyone we met was full of enthusiasm for the Pope. Even strangers came up to us and asked if we had seen him. This visit did a great deal for Ecumenism in England.
1982-83 was a special year for our Province. As the Sisters had been 50 years in Palmers Green in December 1982, they chose to celebrate that anniversary on January 8th 1983 with a Mass of thanksgiving in St Monica's Church. Bishop Harvey was the chief celebrant and was assisted by about 20 priests. The Church was filled with friends, including Sisters from the various Ursuline Convents. Some of these Sisters had actually lived in or visited the former Ursuline Convent at Palmers Green. A reception was held afterwards in the School Hall.
In July, a special session on vocations and formation was held in the Convent at Palmers Green. The Superior General, Sr Juliette Bonneau and the General Council and representatives from all our Provinces attended. Fr Alain de la Blanchardiere WF conducted the meetings and Brother John Fisher acted as interpreter and translator. It was a very worthwhile session and it was great for those with the same purpose to get together.
To our delight, the new Constitutions of our Congregation were approved by Rome on October 7th 1983. They were published in French soon after. For our English Province, it was necessary to have them translated into English and then printed in book form. This was done the following year, after the draft translation had been approved by an English Canonist.
On March 30th of the following year, our Chaplain, Fr D.Hutchinson died after a short time in hospital. He had been our devoted chaplain since 1966 and his death was keenly felt by us as by his many friends.
In October 1984, the Bishop appointed another chaplain and Fr Mintern moved into the bungalow in the Convent grounds and began his ministry to the Community.
During her visit to the English Province in October 1985 Sr Jean, our Superior General, announced that, as Sr. Mary-Agnes had completed her second term of office as Provincial, Sr Mary Patricia had been appointed to replace her, after consultation of all the Sisters.
Since 1980, the Congregation had been considering the question of Associate Members. These would be lay people interested in the Congregation and Willing to take part in its spirituality and apostolate. Each Province was free to start such a group when they wished. By September 1986, a group had been formed in England and they held their first meeting with Fr Dominic Arnauld WF their chaplain, who said Mass for them in the chapel at Palmers Green. Such meetings have been taking place three or four times a year.
In October 1986, we learnt of the death of Sr Clotilde at the age of 92, at Cesson where she had been since 1967. Sr Clotilde was among the first Sisters who had found their vocation in England when they came to board at the school. After her novitiate, she returned to England in 1917 and devoted many years to teaching. She was Superior at Sompting from 1936 to 1947. The Province was represented at her funeral by Sr Mary Patricia.
Two years later, Sr Marie Louise Thomas (Sr Thomas Aquinas) died at Cesson. She had been a childhood friend of Sr Clotilde and, like her, had been a boarder at Wood Green, where she, too, had found her vocation. After her novitiate she had stayed in France until 1946 when she was appointed Novice Mistress at Palmers Green until 1949. She was elected Superior General in 1964 and had to undertake the organisation of the Chapter of Renewal in 1969. Two Sisters from Palmers Green attended her funeral as representatives of the English Province.
CHAPTER XVIII
THE ENGLISH PROVINCE IN 1990
In England we always like an occasion to celebrate and so over the years, we had Diamond Jubilees, Golden Jubilees, Ruby Jubilees and Silver Jubilees, too many to relate in detail. In each case Mass was said for the Jubilarians and a special meal was provided for the Sisters and for the family and friends. These Jubilees are always great moments for rejoicing.
In November 1989 a great event took place. The Vicar for Religious in this diocese had organised a reunion for all the religious in the Northern Area of the Westminster Diocese. The meeting took place in St Angela's School Hall at Palmers Green and about 200 religious were present. In the morning, Bishop Harvey gave a talk and some of the Sisters spoke afterwards.
In the afternoon, Cardinal Hume came to address the assembly and said Mass. Before he left, His Eminence Visited the Convent Chapel and admired its simplicity and prayerful atmosphere then after a few words to the Sisters, he left for Westminster.
As the General Chapter was due to be held in 1990, the General Council suggested that it should be held in England. A suitable centre was found at the Emmaus Centre West Wickham, the former Coloma Training College. The Chapter is due to open at the beginning of August there.
Could our Foundresses in England ever have foreseen this or imagined such a thing possible? or did they? They certainly had vision and great desires for the English Mission to which they had dedicated their lives. Unfortunately, owing to circumstances, it was not always possible to realise them. Thanks to those Sisters, however, the English Province has developed and many people, adults as well as children, have derived great benefit from the Sisters' ministry.
As a result of Vatican II and our Chapter of Renewal, we considered what our Founder would have done if he had been alive today. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we decided that, not only should we continue “to make Jesus Christ known and loved' by teaching and nursing, but we should undertake any work that implies ‘education in the Faith', according to the needs of the Church and the times.
In our English Province, some of the Sisters continue to teach; others undertake pastoral work and catechetics in various parishes. Some work with the handicapped and several visit the sick, the lonely, the bereaved and the housebound. Some are involved in Ecumenism and others belong to various organisations in parishes and the Archdiocese.
The Daughters of Providence are called to follow their Founder's example by living an active life enriched by a spirit of contemplation.
For this reason, the Communities of the English Province decided to base their mission on Prayer and Sharing. They chose to have an open house so that anyone who wanted to pray or relax, to be comforted or to rest, would be welcome.
In the Decree of Approbation of Our Constitutions, Cardinal Pironio wrote in 1983: “The Sisters desire to live their religious consecration in a spirit of deep faith, absolute trust in Providence, love Of the Church and fidelity to her teaching. Living together in fraternal Communities, they devote themselves to the education of young people and adults, to the service of the sick, the handicapped and the poor.”
It is indeed in this way that we hope to carry out Fr de la Mennais' plan for his Daughters of Providence.
THE ENGLISH PROVINCE 1990 -1997
During these years several interesting events and developments took place in the English Province.
In October 1990.Sister Mary Theresa Creamer made her Final Profession in the Parish Church of her home town, Paisley, in Scotland. Bishop Mone presided and several of the Sisters were able to be present, thanks to the kind hospitality of relatives and parishioners.
In October,1992,our Chaplain, Father Mintern retired to Ireland where he died in the following January. He was replaced as our Chaplain by Father, Godfrey Wilson.
We had great celebrations on May 29th 1993 in thanksgiving for our 90 years of presence in England. Mass was celebrated in St Paul's Wood Green by Bishop O'Brien of Hertfordshire, a former parishioner of Wood Green assisted by 27 priests. in the presence of a very big Congregation which included our Superior General, Sisters from France and Canada and some of our Brothers.
Early in 1993,a request was received from the Archdiocese of Birmingham asking if we could send Sisters to help in the parish of Thame in Oxfordshire. After due consultation and reflection, the Province decided to accept. Sr Anne-Marie and Sr Bernadette volunteered to go to Thame where there was already a house belonging to the Archdiocese. The Sisters help in the parishes of Thame and Aylesbury assist with the liturgy and catechetics and visit the sick.
In 1994, it was decided to amalgamate the two schools of the Holy Family, Enfield and St Angela's Palmers Green to become one comprehensive school on two sites. A new name had to be found for the school and so it was decided to call it "St Anne's",as St Anne was the mother of Our Lady (the Holy Family) and also the patroness of Brittany where the Daughters of Providence were founded, (St Angela's). A new Headteacher, Mr Patrick McDermott was appointed and the School opened on September 7th 1994. Cardinal Hume blessed the buildings on both sites on September 21st and unveiled a commemorative plaque.
From the beginning the school has been very successful. Since 1996 the question of transferring all the pupils onto one site had been discussed and the Archdiocese of Westminster had been asked to take over the trusteeship of the School and this was accepted.
In January 1995, Sr Mary-Agnes finished her mandate as local Superior at Palmers Green. Sr Joyce Dionne was appointed to replace her.
Our 5-yearly General Chapter took place in August 1995 in Saskatchewan, Canada. During that time Sr Georgina Patenaude from Canada was elected Superior General.
On January 16th 1996,our dear Sr Veronica died in hospital at the age of 88.She had been interned at Vittel during the war and had written her experiences. She was also an artist and took advantage of her time in camp to improve her skills. Her paintings were greatly appreciated. On August 23rd 1996,we lost another dear Sister,Mary Brendan who ,as Secretary and Bursar had greatly helped in the administration of the School and Province. She had also been clerk to the Governors of St Angela's for many years.
We are pleased that our group of Associate Members continues to increase, and flourish. A good number attend the Masses and talks that take place peiodically and we also appreciate the help they give the Sisters when necessary.
In October 1997, Sr Mary Patricia finished her mandate as Provincial Superior of the English Province. Sr Anne-Marie Frearson was appointed to replace her. The following year, Sr Mary Patricia came to Palmers Green as Superior and Sr Joyce went to Wood Green.
THE ENGLISH PROVINCE 1998 - 2006
In July 1998, Mrs Cheryl Byamukama was appointed Headmistress of St Anne's School to replace Mr McDermott.
The Chaplain of the: Community at Palmers Green, Fr Godfrey Wilson, died in September 1998.He was replaced by Fr Bernard Lang.
At the General Chapter in August 2000, Sr Louise Touchette from Canada.was elected Superior General and Sr Mary Patricia was elected her Assistant.
In August 2000 Sister Mary Bernard died. Her funeral took place in St Monica's Church. On September 15th 2000, Sr Joan Mary (Mary Francis), died in hospital. Her funeral also took place in St Monica's and the Requiem Mass was celebrated by six priests. The Church was full as Sister had been Parish Sister and had done so much work for the Parish and for ecumenism. She was very well known and loved.
On November 8th 2000, a house was opened in Aylesbury and Sr Bernadette and Sr Mary Aquinas went to live there.
In 2001 it was decided to combine France and England to become the European Region instead of the two Provinces. Three Sisters were elected as Leaders of the Region. Sr Anne-Marie was elected for England.
The Centenary of the arrival of the first Sisters from France to England was celebrated on May 31st 2003. Bishop James O'Brien celebrated Mass assisted by several priests, in St Paul's Wood Green. Sisters had come from France, Canada, the Ivory Coast and England as they had been attending a conference.
On Saturday June 14th 2003, the Associate Members celebrated the centenary at the Convent Palmers Green with Mass said by Bishop O'Brien. Refreshments were served in the Common Room afterwards.
In 2004,Sister Mary Patricia,and the Sisters at Palmers Green decided to have a Prayer Phone Line installed in the house.
This was inaugurated on November 30th 2004 and has been very successful. It has proved that it answers a need by the number of requests for prayer that are received on Tuesday and Thursday evenings when the Prayer Phone Line is open. We are grateful to Mary Landucci who has greatly helped us with this project.
In June 2005, Sr Mary Patricia and some other Sisters and Associate Members made a pilgrimage to Banneux in Belgium,led by Fr.Denis Labartette IC.
The General Chapter of the Congregation took place in Canada in August 2005. Sr Louise was reelected as Superior General and Sr Mary Patricia as her Assistant.
For some time Sr Mary Patricia had been considering opening a' House of Prayer' at the Convent,Palmers Green. This dream was realised during 2005,when the Nigerian Sisters left the wing of the Convent that had been let out to them. This part of the Convent was converted into the 'House of Prayer.' The Chapel and some rooms on the ground floor were included.
The official opening took place on January 1st 2006 by Fr Denis Labartette IC, our parish priest, Fr Roger Taylor and three other priests, all of whom concelebrated Mass. Some of our Sisters from France had come to join us and a large congregation.
Priests have been contacted and a preached Retreat has been arranged for each month of the year. Apart from these retreats, people are invited to come and pray or to make a private retreat. Again, we are pleased to be able to answer a need.
