Fifty years agrowing

That bright Sunday in March was a happily nostalgic day for those of us who could be in Milford to celebrate with Sr Frances on the golden jubilee of her profession. She herself radiated joy and spoke of her contentment and vhappiness throughout her years in the Little Company of Mary.  And the readings she had chosen also reflected this joy:  “…I prayed and understanding was given me..”

The celebrant gave a brief overview of Frances religious life and the many places in which she had ministered from Central Africa to the West Coast of America.  Indeed she does not look much different from the beautiful young woman who came to Milford all those years ago, wearing the pretty drindle skirt fashionable at the time.

In the big chapel where we had all made profession, the midday sun poured down through the beautiful, high’ stained glass windows, well-remembered from our early attempts at meditation.  And Mary herself must have smiled as her -and Frances’s- Magnificat was sung so enthusiastically.  Long after lunch we sat and enjoyed more music and memories, before leaving Milford reluctantly in dribs and drabs.

Above: Frances (2nd from left) with her companions: Breda, Una and Mary