Diocese_Of_Sandhurst_YearInReview_2021

50 FAREWELL After 55 years of prayerful presence in the Diocese of Sandhurst the Poor Clare Colettines have reluctantly left Victoria to join communities in Sydney and Roswell, New Mexico. On 14 March 2021, Laetare Sunday, people from across the Diocese gathered to farewell the three remaining sisters, Mother Anthony, Sister Christopher and Sister Clare. Graveside prayers for the five sisters who had gone to God, were followed by Mass and then afternoon t T e h a e . Farewell Mass was celebrated by Bishop Shane MackinlayandconcelebratedbyBishopEmeritusLeslie Tomlinson and several priests. Fr Andrew Fewings, who was an altar server at the consecration Mass in 1966, also concelebrated the Farewell Mass. Eight Poor Clare Colettine Sisters arrived in Victoria in June 1965. They had been invited to establish a community in Sandhurst by Bishop Stewart, who was seeking a community of contemplation and prayer. The Sisters moved into the purpose-built Monastery of the Holy Ghost in Kennington on 7 December 1966. Bishop Stewart concelebrated the consecration of the chapel, and the blessing and formal enclosure of the Monastery, the following day. “ ... We will always be with you. As we pray for you, we ask you to pray for us.” Mother Anthony Abbess Monastery of the Holy Ghost Kennington A new Chapter for Poor Clare Colettines Sister Clare, Sister Christopher, Mother Anthony and Fr Andrew Fewings at graveside prayers on 14 March 2021.