“When there’s a big disappointment, we don’t know if that is the end of the story.  It may be just the beginning of a great adventure! Life is like that.”    (Peria Chodron – ‘When things fall apart.’)  It seemed to Euphrasie that things were indeed falling apart!  The thought of going back to school at the age of nineteen years ...

When charity and union of hearts reign in community, the Lord is there. Guard this precious treasure well. . .  (Euphrasie Barbier 1867) On December 18th Wealdstone welcomed Sr Gertrude Atua from Wewak, Papua New Guinea, to spend Christmas with us. Gertrude is presently studying at St Anselm’s, Cliftonville and during the holiday break had to find a place for ...

We all know that God is a God of surprises, but I never expected to experience something so ordinary, and yet, paradoxically so extraordinary! Last Saturday afternoon, I decided to cook frozen, green, garden, peas for our midday meal.  While I was engaged in other activities, I could hear them bubbling happily in the pot.  As I rarely cook this ...

“Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal.  Prepare yourself in every way you can by increasing your knowledge and adding to your experience so that you can make the most of opportunity when it occurs.” [Mario Andretti – Racing Driver] It was October 1848.  After a long, tiring and  eventful journey, Euphrasie had finally arrived ...

New Year! New Resolutions! They go together like hand and glove. As I throw last year’s calendar into the bin and hang up a new one, I am as compelled as the Wise Men drawn by the shining star, to set out on a new spiritual journey of discovery; to make a brand new start. Of course, there are times ...