On Thursday 5th June we welcomed to St Mary’s a group of past pupils of the convent school and elementary school for our annual reunion. This is always a very happy and noisy day, with lots of catching up to do! This year was no different and had a joyful atmosphere of sharing memories.
After time for chatting, Sister Mary led a prayer and welcome with Archivist Jenny Smith and this was followed by an opportunity to explore the convent and take a guided tour. This opportunity is often relished as, when children, the past pupils would have seen the convent as somewhat of a mystery – being kept largely in the separate school buildings. Many enjoyed seeing the heritage material and archives on display, especially the old photographs.
Following a delicious lunch in the original convent refectory, we viewed a short film entitled ‘Being a Sister of Mercy’ made from archival images and film. This was particularly relevant for the group, containing as it did many references to, and images of, the Sisters of Mercy in schools. After a closing discussion and prayer in the Chapel, all left with a smile, happy to have spent a day at St Mary’s with people who share many similar childhood memories.
Jenny Smith
Archivist, Union of the Sisters of Mercy GB
