LOCAL NEWS FROM CLEVEDON FRIARY

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THE FEAST OF SAINT FRANCIS WITH THE BLESSING OF ANIMALS

Below are some of the photos of the Transitus on the eve of the feast, the Parish Mass for the Feast of St Francis, and the Blessing of Animals in the afternoon of the feast. The picture of the upside down tree was taken from the Troubadour. During the Mass youngsters brought up poster strips of the characteristics of the Order while others brought up a cord and a pair of sandals. The cakes, the larger of which is being blessed and cut by Fr Reg, were then sliced and people were invited into Greyfriars Hall afterwards to share the cakes and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.

: The celebration of the Transitus or passing of St Francis

: The upside-down tree represents the development of the Franciscan Order

: Children bring up poster strips showing characteristics of the Order

: A large congregation joined in the celebration

: Fr Reg blesses and cuts the cake

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FAREWELL TO THE SISTERS OF MERCY IN CLEVEDON

: The remaining three Sisters: Srs Frances, Bernadette and Ann Dolores

The Sister of Mercy are leaving Clevedon after a presence of 73 years, during which time they have run a school and given sterling service to the parish and surrounding district.

On Saturday, 23rd May 2009, the Bishop of Clifton, the Rt Rev Declan Lang, celebrated a Mass with the Sisters. A good number of the Sisters who had served at Clevedon over the years were able to return for this celebration, although fourteen others who would have liked to attend were unable to do so.

On the following day, Sunday 24th May 2009, at the Sunday Mass of the parish a welcome was given to the Sisters' Provincial and members of her Council, the visiting Sisters who had served here, and the present three Sisters in the convent: Sisters Frances, Bernadette and Ann Dolores. After the Mass there was a farewell party in the Greyfriars Centre.

On Tuesday, 9th June 2009, the Vicar for Religious in Clifton Diocese, Dom Peter Alexander George, O.S.B., of Downside Abbey, celebrated a Mass for the Sisters in the convent with the friars and other diocesan priests.

: The Bishop with the visiting Sisters

: Dom Peter Alexander George, O.S.B., celebrates in the convent with the friars and other priests

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