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The habit of a lifetime, Sister Anne reflects

Sister Anne today retired from being a volunteer at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals after 24 years of loyal uninterrupted service.

Presented with flowers from the Chaplaincy team and volunteers, Sister Anne between her many media interviews, reflected on her time here.

Well, it's the end of an era isn't for me, because I've worked here for 24 years and they have been the happiest 24 years of my working life. 

I've worked with some wonderful people. I've met some wonderful patients.  I have seen quite a few Chaplains, she adds with a twinkle in her eye,  looking at Martin.

I've tried to do my best to be represent this department as a friend. To help our patients and colleagues who both wanted and needed to talk. Many at a time when they were possibly addressing their own mortality.

I have been a nun all my life and have made my oath of obedience, that dictates that I now retire to our retirement home , the Wisdom Centre in  Romsey that continues the ministry of the Daughters of Wisdom, on the site of La Sagasse Convent.

I hope I have made a difference to the department.

Many many years ago, Louis de Montfort assembled some pious young women into a small community, and gave them a rule to live by.

Its main points have been retained in the Rule of the Daughters of Wisdom, the order of whom I have  belonged all my adult life

The congregation strives to acquire heavenly wisdom by imitating the Incarnate Wisdom

Today the Daughters of Wisdom, UK and Ireland form part of a global congregation numbering over 1,700 members.

Sisters presently serve in Great Britain, Europe, throughout the United States and areas of North and South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

Faith means you listen and guide. It's why I came to do this job because all my life I've been a teacher.

A teacher of wisdom, a teacher of kindness.

A teacher stands in front of 30, children and pontificates. Whereas, here we need to listen and be friendly.

I come from the Northeast, and in the Northeast. you are either a very strong Catholic or you are nothing at all. So I came from a very strong Catholic family. Probably of Irish descent, to be honest.

Faith has changed so much but mine has never wavered and I feel fulfilled.

How many can say that I wonder?

They feel fulfilled.

Convent life is all I have known, to begin with you have to do as you're told.

Usually, if there's a gap in staff, you have to learn to fill that gap and so there was a gap in involves Speech and Drama.

They sent me to the Speech and Drama School in the middle of Liverpool in my free time and so I got my diplomas and degree in speech and drama. Thereafter, I taught speech and drama.

I actually taught Martin's mother in my convent school in Liverpool. She was a lovely pupil and I am so proud that Martin has many of the traits and values that his mother showed when she was at school.

The next step in my life Is a massive change in my life.

I recognise Baptismal Commitment as a call to radical Christian discipleship and stewardship of all created reality.

Wisdom spirituality involves profound contemplation of Divine Wisdom

That strength, that commitment that order of obedience that has guided me throughout my life and I am sure that  my unwavering faith will see me through my next stage of life.

Strangely enough, I'm going to our order’s retirement home and the last one to join that community was my headmistress in Liverpool

It is a new chapter in the my life devoted to the service of the Lord. 

Get in touch

Chorley and South Ribble Hospital

Preston Road

Chorley

PR7 1PP

01257 261222

Royal Preston Hospital

Sharoe Green Lane

Fulwood

Preston

PR2 9HT

01772 716565

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