Sister Philomena gives an account of some visitors to St Michael’s Care Home during the summer:

On the opposite corner of Victoria Road in Clacton is Crossley View, a modern block of flats.  The original house, Crossley House, was the one-time home of Catherine Booth who, with her husband William, founded the Salvation Army.  The Lord Lieutenant of Essex aims to inspire young people by highlighting the achievements of women, especially Essex Women, who have been overlooked by history.  In liaison with the Clacton and District History Society, a blue plaque, honouring Catherine Booth, was erected on Crossley View on 15 July 2025.

The event organiser was looking for a venue for refreshments following the unveiling and noticed St Michael’s.  The manager and her team were happy to support the event.  The gathering of 68 people adjourned to St Michael’s and I was asked to say a few words of welcome:

Lord Lieutenant, Deputy Lord Lieutenant and Guests, on behalf of the Sisters of Mercy and the manager and staff, I welcome you to St Michael’s.

Catherine Booth was born just two years before the Sisters of Mercy were founded.  Dublin at that time was a dangerous place for poor women and girls; no schools, no health care, no social services.  Always the shadow of the workhouse.  Catherine McAuley was a wealthy heiress whose heart was moved by what she saw.  With other women who joined her, and using her inheritance, she set out to make a difference.

At another time and in another place, Catherine Booth also set out to make a difference.  She too was appalled by the treatment of women and girls, the working-class women working in factories, and she became a voice for justice.  She did not believe women were inferior and her great legacy, which you have continued, is that God does speak to and through women.  Therefore, women can speak for and about God.

To date, Catherine McAuley is the only woman to feature on an Irish Bank Note. With the present conversation about seeking new iconic British symbols and  images on our bank notes, who would be more appropriate than Catherine Booth, described by the Clacton Gazette as “a fearless voice for justice”?

Catherine McAuley moved in very ecumenical circles.  She left us the instruction, “We should rejoice when good is done no matter by whom it is accomplished.”  I think she would have worked happily with Catherine Booth and be very happy about this gathering.  Thank you for including us in your celebration and giving us the opportunity to welcome you here as we aim to fulfil the visions of our respective Catherines,– two faith-filled women of God.  Welcome and thank you.

 While the guests enjoyed afternoon tea and conversation, and, while many availed of the opportunity to visit the Chapel, members of the Salvation Army Band and the local Brass Band took up their position in the front hall and filled the air with music.

This is not our first contact with Crossley House.  Following the death of Catherine Booth, the house was donated as a residence for women with learning difficulties and some of them volunteered   at St Michael’s and worked alongside the Sisters.