MWOC Newsletter July 2016

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The artistic spirit of the MWOC Associates came to the fore in the beautiful displays made, inviting the parishioners to contribute towards the Christmas gifts for the Under His Wings’ children, as well as thanking them for their generosity as can be seen in the photos bellow, Under His Wings Christmas gift giving get-together 2015 Sweet Blessings - We shared the fruit of our needles with another association that feeds underprivileged children. Although not a MWOC official project, some members , their families and friends provided the Teddy Bears, other gifts and party fare for their Christmas party, as per photos below OVERSEAS VISITORS We had the pleasure of meeting Sr. Jacinta’s sister, Lucy, who came unexpectedly to South Africa for a few days, and in her short stay and tight touring schedule with Sr. Jacinta, she made time to visit the outreach, Under His Wings, and to attend our monthly meeting. Pearl, the children and the Associates were delighted to spend some time with her.
This is what Sr. Jacinta Bannon shared about this special visit: “I have just experienced ten magical days with my sister Lucy who came to South Africa on an unexpected visit. It was like a dream - and I still bask in the memory of that visit! Fortunately her time in South Africa coincided with several happenings. At our monthly MWOC meeting Lucy was our welcomed guest. She was delighted to be with us and experience how we were with each other and how we functioned as a group. She felt very much ‘at home’ and comfortable with us – she was surprised at our many and varied outreaches. In a recent phone call with Lucy she mentioned how dignified and respectful, as well as open and honest, we were with each other, how we listened to each other and how we spoke of our many outreaches. Lucy and I joined Debbie as she went to visit, and deliver food to one of our projects ‘Under His Wings’ and meet with Pearl Stryders, who manages and directs the project. Lucy was amazed at how much Pearl managed to fit in and accomplish in such a small place, and at Pearl’s unselfish generosity in ‘giving over her home to the needs of the children’ After our visit to the project, at the suggestion of Debbie, the three of us had a delicious snack at the coffee shop ‘Mountain Streams’. There we continued our animated chatting about Mary Ward, MWOC, projects, possibilities, difficulties, surprises --- dreaming into the future”. The other visitor, who in reality could never be anything other than a dear companion of the journey, the person who was the initiator and the driving force behind the foundation of the Mary Ward Open Circle, was our dear Sr. Marie Therese, who returned to Ireland on the 21 st of April, after a three months visit. She wrote the most moving letter about her visit which I transcribe here: Life today seems to be full of change and movement. More and more I began to feel the need to retire and prepare for the years ahead. This was a huge decision and I was faced with the question: “Where do I spend my retirement years?” It began to make sense to me that it would be good to move closer to my family and join my larger Loreto family in Ireland. This I did in August 2014. I settled down peacefully and enjoyed the company of family and friends. However, deep within my being I held my beloved country, friends and Sisters in South Africa. I lived with them all daily in my heart and mind and my desire grew more and more to come back and spend time in Strand. I travelled back in January 2016, on a three month ticket, as this enabled me to spend time with people. As soon as I entered Loreto House I felt at home, experiencing a deep joy to be right here. Each day is a gift from God and I feel overwhelmed with joy and peace at the wonderful friendship and love given to me from very precious people. We have had teas, lunches and breakfasts together and laughed and shared about many things. I have also been to the cinema with friends I will never forget, had meals with them and greeted their lovely cats. I also had the privilege of joining the Mary Ward Associates at their meetings and also the Mary Ward Centre Committee. I am amazed at the amount of good work they are doing and I pray for a blessing on all of them. I admire the Parish Priest too who has undertaken the huge work of updating the Church and making sure that everything is liturgically correct. May God bless each and every one for their dedication to God and love for each other as a community.
Page 1: ASSOCIATE NEWSLETTER Volume 1 No. 5
Page 5: INVOLVEMENT IN OTHER MINISTRIES NOT

MWOC Newsletter July 2016

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