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Recent Messages ... 2010

I am delighted to learn about the final vows of 3 new FCJs ! Hooray!
Jennie Abbate, CiM , Portsmouth, RI

Dear Sisters, I was a student at St Aloysius, Phoenix Rd, Sommers Town, London from 1951 to 1956. I loved every moment and realise now how deeply I was influenced by the talented teachers ably led by the Headmistress, Mother Patricia. It was devasting for me when my parents decided that I should leave school. However I have since realised that learning is not just for the young. A move to Australia led to new opportunities and in due time I attended university. This resulted in a BA Hons and the discovery of a talent for research and writing. Having celebrated my 70th birthday last month I realise that there are some things I still need to do. First of those is a big thank to the FCJ Sisters for their guidance, example and  encouragement during my formative years. They played a crucial role in my life and I am grateful to them. May the mission of the FCJ Sisters thrive and grow so that many others can benefit as I have. I would love to hear from any of my fellow pupils especially Doreen Keane and Marie Rose Powell they have given me very fond memories. Does anyone know of their whereabouts? Wishing success and happiness to all.
Eileen Teresa Bonnell (nee Brierley)

Does anyone have any photos for that celebration we had on that Saturday at the Metropolitan Cathedral.  I was the soprano soloist who travelled up from London in all adversity, an old St Victoire’s Convent School girl with Josephine Clayton as my head teacher, who died just after my Dad died just a few months before that Mass.  I was unable to attend Jo’s funeral as I’d only just buried my Dad, but came to sing and dedicate my solo to her.  Have been trying to get some photos of that occasion for more than a year and there was a photographer there, so I just wondered where they photos went? Many thanks, and a very happy New Year.
Una Barry

Recent Messages ... 2009

Dear Sisters, I was a student at St Joseph's FCJ Convent in West Hartlepool from 1956-1963. They were happy days of my life. I enjoyed every moment of it. Mother Cecilia was the headmistress in my first year and she was replaced by Mother Philomena who remained the headmistress for the rest of my time there. Mother Mary Agnes taught me Latin. I have happy memories of my time there. As well as the lessons and sport, the staff taught me to be polite, kind and thoughtful to all. I have enjoyed reading the history of the foundation of St Joseph's on the web site. Best wishes.
Angela Barnes nee McFarlane

sono massimiliano vercellino ho frequentato le elementari nell istituto fedeli compagne di gesu .....di torino in via lanfranchi  volevo salutare tutte le suore e la comunita in particolare suor bernardetta  della quale non ho piu avuto notizie ..........un saluto a tutti e grazie.........     
(Translation: I am Massimiliano Vercellino. I frequented the elementary classes in the Istituto Fedeli Compagne di Gesù, in Via Lanfranchi- Turin. I wish to say hello to the sistersof the community and in particular to Sister Bernardetta of whom I do not have any news.... A greeting to everyone and thanks. )
Max, Italy

sono un anziana "chassottienne" ho vissuto x 6 anni nel collegio di fribourg, ho uno splendido ricordo e mantengo ancora dei rapporti con le compagne di un tempo.... ringrazio mia madre per avermi concesso di vivere in un ambiente che mi ha formato culturalmente e soprattutto spiritualmente. stringo forte nel mio cuore i nomi di tutte, ma in particolare mére dolores, mére elisabeth, soeur claire,Mère odile, soeur jenne-marie,soeur raffaella, soeur irene, soeur emanuela et bien d'autres !!!!!! so che alcune di queste suore non ci sono più, ma vorrei testimoniare la mia gratitudine per gli anni che abbiamo insieme trascorso e per la loro abnegazione, anche di quei momenti di "cafard" che sono stati utili per forgiare il carattere.... un affettuoso saluto a tutte voi.
( Translation: I am an old “CHASSOTTIENNE”, I lived in the College in Fribourg for 6 years. I have wonderful memories and I still keep in touch with my school mates ‘d’antan’. I am grateful to my mother who allowed me to live in such a milieu which formed me culturally and above all spiritually. I keep close to my heart everybody’s names, but in particular mère Dolores, mère Elisabeth, soeur Claire, mère Odile, soeur Jeanne Marie, soeur Raffaella, soeur Irene, soeur Emanuela, and many others !!!!!! I know that some of these Sisters have passed away, but I would like to express my gratitude for the years we spent together, for their self-denial, also for those moments of “cafard” which have been helpful to forge my character ... Fond greetings to all of you.)
Annabella Labadessa, Italy

I have wonderful wonderful memories of both my primary and secondary education under the tutelage of the FCJ’s at St Margaret’s Convent Paisley Scotland. The school anthem still echoes in my head “Loyale je serais durant ma vie” Memorable FCJ Mothers and Sisters… Mother Mary Francis, Mother Veronica, Sister Cecilia, Mother Patricia, Sister Berchmans….
Carol Brannigan, Scotland

I was a student at the Hollies in Manchester, UK from 1952 to 1954, as was my mother  (Mary Josephine London)  from about 1915 to 1924.  I emigrated to Quebec, Canada in 1954 where I have lived ever since. The education I received at the Hollies, particularly in music, was a fine one.  I will never forget the formidable Mother Mechtilde.
Patricia O'Rourke

In 1976, Sr. Mary John was at St. John's, Waterloo, Belgium.  Our son, Robert (Bob), should have graduated that year, but he failed to turn in an English assignment. After meeting with the teacher, we decided he should suffer the consequences.  He bravely attended the graduation of his friends and Sr. Mary John told him to come by her office the next day.  When he arrived, he was given a Bible and a card with the quotation "I shall pass through this world but once..."  I would like for her to know that Robert, thanks to his young wife, got his GED.  He then attained an Associates Degree in Computer Science.  Several years ago, they went to help an evangelistic group, Blood 'n' Fire, and  he has been the head of a household where young men come who want to be free of their addictions.  Graduates of the program have gone on to college and a solid work history.  Robert and Debbie have two children and two grandchildren now.  I have wanted to express my appreciation for some time and only recently realized the computer might be the way.  I don't know what was said when he came to her office, but it had a strong influence.  We thank God for her ministry. 
Betty and Trebor Morris, 730 Wild Turkey Run, Canyon Lake, TX  78132

I attended the FCJ convent in Edmonton, Alberta for my grade 6 (maybe 1958 or 1959). Mother Theresa was the teacher for grades 6 to 9. Mother Mary Bernadette was in charge of my dorm.   In grade 12, Mother Xavier was my home room teacher at St Joe's in Edmonton. I often think of the Sisters of FCJ and my year at the convent.  .  God Bless.
Marion Nielson

My name is Diane Luckham and I was a boarder at Gumley House about 1949 or 1950.  I have great memories of my time at school.  I would like to hear from other boarder from my time – Francis, Barbara (Polish) ? Pugh and of course any of my class mates.  I am now living in Toronto.  Seeing the photos of the old part of original building brought back memories of playing Lord Gumley’s ghost and dressing up in a bed sheet and coming down the stairs into the wonderful black and white marble floor.  Looking forward to hearing from boarders and class mates.  
Diane Luckham, Canada.

Greetings to all staff and OGs of HHC Birkenhead, and those who came before us.  Have spent a nostalgic but spiritually uplifting hour re-living my very happy schooldays on the website.  I don't think that Miss Hayes would approve of my style, but it expresses what I am feeling!  The pictures of the Chapel and Red Corridor are as vivid as if I had been there yesterday. I will always remember being made a Child of Mary in the Chapel on 8 December 1954. I hope that the values that M.Monica and all the staff gave me have remained with me throughout my life,although the groundwork was laid by my parents.My mother and her sisters were OGs of the Hollies. A pity that there was no FCJ convent in Bristol for my daughter to attend, although there was La Retraite, where I was Head of History until it amalgamated with the boys' school, to form a VIth Form College.  I can see all the faces from Holt Hill as I write - M.Mary Clare Holland,who was Head in1949, dear M.Millicent and lively M. Pauline, serious Miss McKniff (later Smith),organised Miss Allanson and ironic Miss Hayes, to name but a few.  I have kept in touch with Patricia Elcock (Hearty), who has been my "best friend" for 60 years and a tower of strength when my mother died and then my brother, Peter, in 2006. At a 1999 Reunion I met up with Fioretta Lowry, Leslie Bailey,Ann O'Neil,Kathleen Short, Maureen Benfield and a host of other "girls" (always makes my grown up children laugh) and of course Maureen Lawson, another good friend over the years. Can it be 53 yrs. since Pat, Maureen, Helen McGrath and I stood in a 'phone box in pouring rain in Pwllheli whilst we got our AL results from school? No mobiles then, but the weather is the same! Enough. I think of you all and you are in my prayers. Perhaps another Re-union soon? As M.Mary-Clare would say "Have a happy and holy holiday" - or was it M.Monica ? Yours sincerely in JXt.  
Ann Green. (Williams)

Dear FCJ Sisters. We are Gracie and Millie writing from Genazzano FCJ College Kew, Melbourne, Australia. Lately we have been discussing about the FCJ Sisters and our leader, Marie Madeline D’houet. We are all very interested in the FCJ society and how important it is. Genazzano is celebrating 120 years this year. We have celebrated this accomplishment by having a whole school mass towards the work of the school and taking whole school photos shaped as 120. As a school community we have talked about the history of the school and the way the FCJ sisters have impacted on other people’s lives. You are an inspiration to all of us, and you are our role models. We respect you and the way that God is always first in your lives. You do so much to help other people and put your lives on the tight rope, and we value the way you do your work. Marie Madeleine D’houet our founder of the school has inspired us to take the steps that God takes. Our theme for this year is ‘Tread gently upon this earth’ and we are trying to do so. Together we are doing a project on Marie Madeline D’houet and we want to know about the life of the FCJ sisters.  Our RE teacher Ms Rennie has encouraged us to be people with courage, persistence, faithful and God’s supporters just like you. You brought dimensions to our lives and make us think about other people’s needs and we have you to thank-you for that, for you have led poverty to lower level because your courageous acts of kindness towards others. How is life being who you are and what you represent? How different is it for you being close to God? We want to know how you connect with God and why you chose to be a sister.
Be worthy of your beautiful name by your love for Jesus-
        a love shown not by mere words or barren desires,
                     but by courage in God's service
Gracie and Millie (Melbourne, Australia)

Hi All ... I was at St Aloysius in Phoenx Road, London, from 1951 to 1958 and went on to became a trainee secretary at Pirelli Limited. We had wonderful teachers, including Mother Patricia (the Head), Ms Russell and Ms Swan the sports mistress who coached those of us in the netball teams with great success. I have reunited with several old gels in recent years, and it would be great to hear from others who might remember me, or who were at the school around the same time. My folks still live in Hampstead and I visit them frequently.
Pat Leech (Stephen) in Wokingham

Hi everybody! I am currently at Genazzano FCJ College and will be until 2014. I find it so interesting, how many other FCJ schools there are around the world, and how they all started with Marie Madeleine d’houet and her order of sisters. My school, Genazzano, was founded in 1889, and we recently had a celebratory mass marking 120 years of our college in Kew. It was held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, which was designed by William Wardell, just like Genazzano ‘s Wardell building was. Both of these buildings designed by Wardell have huge, luminous stained glass windows and detailed carvings and patterns on the roof, walls and doors;I thought it was in a sense symbolic to have the mass there because it almost feels like a part our school because of all its similarities in design and structure. I really enjoy school at Genazzano, and I think it’s amazing how many people the FCJ sisters are helping and where they are travelling, they are really fulfilling Marie Madeleine’s dream.
Caitlin

Dearest FCJ Sisters, We attend school at Genazzano FCJ College in Kew and we are in Year 7 this year. As a part of celebrating the glorious 120th year of our College, we held a lovely mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday 28th of June. We have also been learning about you and all your missionary work in our past Religious Education lessons. Marie Madeline D’Houet is indeed a true inspiration to us all. Being at an FCJ school is a great honour and also for us to say that we have communicated with you, the FCJ sisters from around the world. At our School we have many opportunities, catering for all tastes and interests, such as sporting activities, musical instruments, great library resources and stunning grounds. Being an FCJ school, we deeply appreciate your great contribution to our planet, so thank-you. Genazzano is a superb school, and with us following in your FCJ footsteps, all of the girls and staff have become much closer to God and his wise ways. With all our love,
Julia and Caitlin

Hi Everybody, Our names are Ella and Elisa and we attend Genazzano FCJ College in Kew. This is our first year at this wonderful school and already we feel like a part of the Genazzano community. This year is the 120th year of Genazzano and as a result of that, we are learning about the history of our school and the founders of our school in religion. Just recently we have read about Marie Madeleine d’Houet, who as you would know is the foundress  of the Faithful Companions of Jesus. We admire the unique qualities of Marie Madeleine d’Houet and how she became a leader for the society of FCJ.  Last weekend we celebrated the 120 years of our school. We celebrated this by gathering for mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in the City. The St Patrick’s Cathedral was designed by William Wardell the designer of the main building at our school. The mass celebrated all of the things that have happened in the past history at our school, and by being at this mass, we were able to realise that being part of Genazzano is more than just pretty uniforms and hundreds of computers, it means that we belong, to be loved and cared for, and we all know it is a great feeling.
Ella and Elisa

I'd like to add to the FCJs Visitors' Book: We are Emma and Kristina. We're in year seven from Genazzano FCJ College in Kew, Melbourne. This year we are celebrating the 120th year of the founding of Genazzano FCJ College. We have been learning so much about our foundress Marie Madeliene d'Houet, as she is a big part of our lives at school. We have been reading books about her life and it has intrigued us. I never knew how important Genazzano was to the FCJ Sisters, and how the school originated from a group of French Nuns having a vision to build an incredible school. We have learnt about the type of work that you do around the world and how this sisterhood has changed the lives of many unfortunate people.  We are very proud to be known as an "FCJ" school and we acknowledge that regulary. Our religion teacher Mrs. Rennie told us about the order and I was amazed that this school was opened by a small order of nuns who didn't even have the money to pay for it.  In conclusion we would just like to say Thanks, for all the work you do and thank you for our school. Kind Regards,
Kristina and Emma

Hi my name is Kailah, and I am at Genazzano FCJ College in year 7. This year we are celebrating the 120th year at Gen and at the moment we are learning about Marie Madeleine D'Houet and the history of the FCJ Sisters. We have been reading books about Marie Madeleine's life and it has intrigued me. I never knew how important Genazzano was to the FCJ Sisters, and how the school originated from a group of French Nuns having a vision to build an incredible school. We have learnt about the type of work that you do around the world and how this sisterhood has changed the lives of many unfortunate people. We are very proud to be known as an "FCJ" school and we acknowledge that regularly. As it has been my first year at the college I didn't know what the "FCJ" order was and how it impacted Genazzano's history. But then my Religion teacher Mrs. Rennie told me about the order and I was amazed that this school was opened by a small order of nuns who didn't even have the money to pay for it. In conclusion I would just like to say Thanks, for all the work you do and thank you for our school. Kind Regards,
Kailah

Hello FCJ Sisters! My name is Katie. It is wonderful to write to you. I am currently in year seven at Genazzano FCJ College, Kew, Melbourne, Australia. Our school, Genazzano FCJ College of Kew was built by William Wilkinson Wardell. He was a born in 1824 to 1899. He was a famous English/Australian Architect. He also built other beautiful buildings in Australia, such as the Saint Patrick's Cathedral, in Melbourne and Saint Mary's Cathedral in Sydney. This year, here at Genazzano, we are all celebrating one-hundred-and-twenty years since we were founded by the FCJ Sisters and began educating young ladies. We had a large mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral, another grand, old building built by William Wilkinson Wardell. As many know, Marie Madeline D'Houet is our foundress and a massive part of our Secondary School. She was a wonderful, strong, independent woman and we reflect on her life's work, characteristics and faith as a picture of what we want to be more like. It was lovely chatting to you. I love Genazzano and I hope that you now love the great things you hear of us. Goodbye.
Katie

Hello. My name is Miriam and I am a 7 at Genazzano FCJ college. This year We are celebrating 120 years. We had a 120 year mass at ST Patricks cathedral, we looked at the banners of our 6 houses and we learnt about their role that they had to do at Genazzano, we learnt about our history and how the Wardell building (one of our main buildings,) was built. We are learning all about Marie Madeline D’houet, her life and how she grew up and about all of her qualities. This year we are also treading gently upon the earth. I am really enjoying my time here at Genazzano and I have learnt so much. Goodbye.
Miriam

Dear FCJ sisters, this year, we are attending Genazzano FCJ college and we’re in year 7. Ms. Rennie our religion teacher has taught us the history of Marie Madeline D’houet. We have enjoyed this experience very much and it has inspired us to look up to her as a role model and tread gently on the earth. Since the day we started learning at Genazzano, we’ve been inspired by the stories of our school. In Genazzano, we have a prayer time where we pray to God. This time allows us to thank God and talk about our sad experiences, we also get some meditating time that relaxes us from a day of hard work! We all are very thankful for God’s  help for our school and the people that have difficulties in their lives.  Kind regards.
Moorina and Jennifer

Dear F.C.J. sisters, I am Monica in 7A at Genazzano in Australia. I have just begun my time at Genazzano and I feel as though I have learnt so much. Here at Genazzano in religion we have been learning about how from the first day we step into the grounds as students of such an amazing school that we belong to Genazzano. i was thinking with my dad about how everywhere there is a place for you; you just have to find it. I thought and thought about what this really means and about how we take nearly everything for granted… A few weeks later my dad and I got talking about how even though we take everything for granted we never actually do something about it. Then I thought about you, the sisters F.C.J. You saw your goal of educating people all around the world and achieved it with flying colours. I really do admire your work and contribution to the public as this is one of the many things you should be so proud of. Marie Madeleine d’Houet stood her ground and inspired so many women and girls around the world and even though her time came to an end nearly 151 years ago, her passion, determination and strength has lived on to see her wonderful order succeeding around the world. Thank you deeply for all of the work you have done… Sincerely.
Monica

I attended the Hollies Convent FCJ from 1955 to 1960 and was taught by Mother Mechtilde and Mother Victoire - just thought I would drop in on your lovely site - God Bless.
Jean Skitt (nee Gay)

En Cafayate, noroeste argentino, hicimos una Asamblea de Religiosos (CONFAR) en mayo del año 2009. Allí tuve la alegría de trabajar en la Secretaría con la eficiente Dra. Alicia Pérez (FCJ)...
Mañana - 14 de junio - nos reuniremos en Salta, el equipo de CRIMPO (Comunidades Religiosas Incertas en Medios Populares). ¿Qué hogar me recibirá? ¡¡¡ El de Alicia, Margarita y Rosita (FCJ)!!!
Somos Hermanos de la Sagrada Familia (HSF) y nuestro espíritu es "el de familia".
¡Sin duda, a la Fieles Compañeras de Jesús las impulsa el mismo Espíritu de Amor que nos impulsa a los Hermanos!
¡ ÉL NOS GUÍE COMO COMPAÑEROS DE RUTA HACIA EL REINO ANUNCIADO A LOS POBRES !
¡ GRACIAS COMPAÑERAS...! (sin connotación política alguna)
Alejandro FERRER (HSF), Argentina

(Translation: We had an Assembly of Religious (CONFAR) in Cafayate in Northeast Argentina in May 2009. There, I had the pleasure of working in the Secretariat with the efficient Doctor Alicia Perez, fcJ. Tomorrow, June 14, we will meet again in Salta, the team of CRIMPO ) Religious Communities inserted in the midst of the people. What home will receive me? That of Alicia, Margarita y Rosita! We are Brothers of the Holy Family and our spirit is that 'of the family'. Without doubt, the same spirit animates the Faithful Companions of Jesus as animates the Brothers. The Spirit guides us as companions on the journey towards announcing the reign of God to the poor. Thank you Companions!)

I was so happy to discover this site. I was a student at Adelphi from 1955-1960 and have very fond memories of my time there. I remember Mother Anna swishing down the corridors and my sewing lessons with Mother Margaret Mary when I always seemed to break the thread on the treadle machine! I remember Miss Davis who gave me a lasting love of history and Miss Mulrooney our English teacher who helped me discover the beauty of language. Some of my friends were Pat Bradshaw, Joan Greaves, Elizabeth Fay, Maureen Tetlow, Kathleen Threllfall. I am a retired teacher of English and I live in Istanbul, Turkey. I'd like to hear from anyone who remembers me. My email is
Joan Gural (née Sullivan), Istanbul, Turkey

Can anyone remember all the words of the School Anthem that we sang with so much vigour and gusto at Newlands Middlesborough - I would much appreciate it. My email is .
Sally Rochford (Power) 1942-46

Know of my thoughts and prayer for all of you. God Bless, Sharyn.
Sharon M. Seymour, Australia

Thanks for posting my message. You may add my e-mail address: . Que Dios le bendiga.
Nadine Ann Carr-Parr

Recent Messages ... 2008

I have just got a computer and would like to send my love and best wishes for the chapter. God bless you all,
Margaret Feely

Agli esercizi spirituali a San Mauro Torinese, ho trovato il bel libro di P. Grogan su Marie Madeleine Victoire de Bengy, donna che mi ha molto colpito sotto tanti aspetti. Soprattutto, ho trovato un'immaginetta in cui si invita a pregare per ottenere una grazia di guarigione, cosa che ho subito iniziato a fare. Grazie per questo nuovo ascensore per il Cielo. ["At the Spiritual Exercises at San Mauro, I found the lovely book by P. Grogan on Marie Madeleine Victoire de Bengy, a woman who impressed me in several ways. Above all, I found a little  image  in which one is invited to prayer to obtain the grace of healing and I immediately began to do this. Thank you for this new lift towards heaven.}
Vittoria Vassalo

I'd like to add to the FCJ's Visitors' Book: I was a student at The Montjoie Institute in Brussels, Belgium, from September 1958 until I graduated in June 1967, where I spent the most wonderful years because of the spirit and ambiance of the school. I cannot but still admire the charisma of the many nuns I got to know over the years and still have the greatest admiration for them and the work they did. I remember our Mother Superior Mother Mary Gerard as an outstanding religious person, was fortunate to have Mother Mary John as both English language and religious education teacher, remember well Mother  Fidelis, Mère Marie Jeanne, Mère Marie Thérèse, and many others who I may not remember the name of but who I thank for making me the person I am today: their faith and prayers were inspirational and certainly have born many fruit. I have been living in Costa Rica for years now after bringing up my family in Canada and have started getting involved with the Mexican Missionaries Servants of the World, MSP, who have recently taken over the administration of our parish. It is certainly thanks to the good work of all involved in my education during the nine years I was a student with the FCJ that I have now gone back to my old habits of prayer and of listening to and meditating the Word of God. I am presently taking Bible courses and am starting to get trained as lay preacher. It is nice to read through your visitors' book and read through the nice comments people have to say about fcj. May your Order continue to flourish.
Yours sincerely
Nadine Ann Carr (formerly Parr), Sta. Teresita de Nosara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Dear FCJs -- I have such joyful memories of doing my initial teaching practice at St Victoire in the early '70's. Many happy returns and prayers on your anniversary. (teaching at Mary Mother of God School in Toronto)
Tom Sherrard, Toronto

What a truly beautiful and informative website. thank you for the great work you do in spreading God's word and love.
May God continue to bless your community with dedicated women. Sincerely,
Sr. Blanche, CND

A wonderful celebration of Marie Madeleine Victoire's anniversary in Middlesbrough. Many thanks.
Denis Couhig, Middlesbrough, UK

Hola soy Abigail Carnicel soy de Tarija Bolivia hoy visistamos alas hermanas FCJ conocimos mas acerca de la vida de la fundadora y la vocacón de cada una de ellas, nos acogieron muy a gusto tuvimos un momento de Oración y compartimos la vocación que tenía cada una de nosotras, todas las que visitamos somos del colegio Maria Laura Justiniano Abigail, Lesdy,Andrea, Marcela, y nuestra querida profesora Silvi , yo doy catequesis en una capilla que se llama san Juan de Dios , me despido con un cordial saludo a todas las hermanas desirles que el trabajo que realizan es muy importante sigan adelante chauuuuuuuu
Abigail Carnicel, Tarija, Bolivia

Soy Andrea vivo en Bolivia en el departamento de Tarija hoy tuve el gusto de conocer a las hermanas FCJ son muy divertidas esto es una muy Buena experiencia en mi vida soy catequista de primera comunión estoy cursando el cuarto curso de secundaria estoy muy contenta por estar con ellas y conocer un poco de sus vidas y tambien de su congregación bueno hasta la proxima chauuuuuuuuuuuu
Andrea, Tarija, Bolivia

I am a 'one time' pupil of St Joseph's School in Benalla, Victoria, Australia. I am aproaching the venerable age of 80 years, but thank God am still active, alert and well. I was a class mate and close friend of Sr Shirley Kimball, and we still have close contact with each other. I have never lost my love for the FCJ's. They brought a dimension to my life from Gr Prep to Gr 8 (Merit Certificate in those days!) that I did not find in the last years of my education. I seemed to have a bit of talent in the music and drama departments, and to this day I am still involved in those areas. Thank you for this. During my life my husband and I have had a close association with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, who provided the later years of our children's educations. We also have so much to thank them for. I did not know until we had been to Issoudin and thereabouts, that there was such a close tie with the FCJs. A friend who was a member of the Genazzano community at the time gave me a book on the life of the Foundress, and I felt so at home with it when I read it, that I nearly missed my tram stop. Sometimes in life we don't appreciate our history until we are much older. I hope the charism of the FCJ order continues for a long, long time. Best wishes and prayers,
Stephanie Kent

Dear Sisters, Much love and prayers to each of you for this wonderful occasion (April 5 2008). Remembering you all as you join to celebrate  the journey to 'Faithful companionship' that was started so many years ago. Loving the new site...
Sharon ( CASEY)

Sister, I am sending this message in the hope that it can be placed in your message page on your wonderful web site. I wish to extend warm and loving greetings to all FCJ Sisters and especially those who have had such a powerful influence in my life. I want to take this opportunity to say hello to old friends and to let you all know that I am living in Monroe, Louisiana (Northeast Louisiana). I work at St. Francis Medical Center and my ministry is focused on the mission, vision and values of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System who are the sponsors of this health care ministry. The religious community of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady was formally known as the Franciscan Sister of Calais, France.
       I feel my ministry here is shaped, fashioned and influenced by my own FCJ formation. I often think that Marie Madeleine would have loved the work and challenges present in this part of the world. The poor are numerous and the needs are great. So, I hope it is not too bold on my part to believe that my ministry here is experienced by me as a continuation of not only the mission of the Franciscans, but also of the FCJ's. It is in my blood since I have been with the FCJ's since elementary school and my mother was also taught and influenced by FCJ's.
       I have a sense of great pride for the FCJ community who were able to send two FCJ's to assist with the poorest of the poor when the area of Monroe was so overwhelmed with Katrina evacuees over two years ago. They made such a positive impact on the people they encountered and in the midst of great turmoil were able to bring comfort, help and joy. They were a blessing to these people of God – many people still speaking and smile about the two FCJ's who came to Monroe. Thank you for sending them this way.
Yvonne Boudreau, Louisiana, USA

While my sister and I attended Sacred Heart School, run by the FCJ Nuns in Kew Victoria. Australia, we both had pen pals from Salford. It was between 1940-1948; we use to send food parcels over to our pen pals. My sister was cleaning her cupboards and found this box, and in it was a photo of her pen pal and her sister, it was very clear, the girl's name was Maureen Atherton. It had Salford, Lancashire. We would love to get in touch with Maureen and talk about old times. We do not know what school Maureen went to, but we feel it was a school that had FCJ Nuns as teachers. as they found our school in Australia. My sister's name is Joan Marshall, Kew, Victoria, Australia. We would be grateful to hear from anybody, who can help. Thanks.
Betty Walters.

Hello, I'm an old St Victoire's girl from East London and ended up as a classically trained singer. I was very pleased to have come across the advert in the Universe last weekend – a paper I don't normally buy - regarding Marie Madeleine's 150th anniversary. What wonderful occasions in Paris and Liverpool. I would very much like to be part of the celebrations. Please do send me details of what is happening. St Victoire's closed down in 1973 but I am still in touch with Sr Christine and Sr Helen in the East End, as well as having met Mother Josephine Clayton who was my headteacher and who I believe is now in Salford. Also Theresa Sterling aka Watson who was Mother Mary at the time, and taught me Geography. I saw her last year with Sr Helen. They are both wonderful ladies and were at Gumley together all those years ago. I owe a lot to the FCJs and now live back in East London again, having been in Manchester, Glasgow, Colchester and other parts of London.
Una M Barry

Hi. It is some time since I last wrote to the visitors page. It seems that there are very few messages from past Scottish educated FCJ girls. We must have been a very rare breed indeed. Can I ask if Sister Agnes Convery is still alive and if so where is she situated. She was my primary school teacher in the 1940's. I know that the last time I enquired she was in the Salford Area - I think. Are there any more Paisley girls, we did have English boarders and I thought they might have been adding to the visitors page. God Bless.
Margaret McDowall (MacKay)

I was in La Chassotte in 1950-51,57-58 and remember quite clearly these excellent years. thank you, Sisters!. I am a grandmother now, and would like to have news from the Sisters and also from some of the "girls" of that time. thank you. Happy Easter!
Maria Luisa Cannavina Marioni

Hi everyone - I found this website by chance and was mesmerized.  It brought back so many memories to me - from decorating our bedrooms for December 8 to learning many many lines of Shakespeare!! Would love to hear from anyone who might remember me.... I attended St. Georges, Broadstairs and then Poles Convent, Ware, from 1957 - 1967. 
Christine Rozalla

Hello I have just visited your site and enjoyed reading. My name was Sylvia Porritt and some of my class mates (Newlands convent Middlesbrough) were Helen McLintock, Pat Duffy Ann McPartland. I am in my 70s now but would love to hear from any of the old class.I have lived in New Zealand and Australia since I was 26 but been lucky to visit UK many times.
Sylvia Pluck (née Porritt), New Zealand

I'd  like to add my bit to this website!  I attended Newlands in Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, from 1951-8, and have been pleased to find overlaps between my time there and that of other posters in this Visitors' Book.  I now have a very happy correspondence with Maureen Hodgson, who preceded me at the school, but we have found many areas of interest and have exchanged updates about all the decades since we were there! I'd be happy to hear from other students from that school, whether during my years there or not!   People who remember Marion Smith, brilliant English teacher, or Elise Berry, who taught Latin and Greek, Sister Gertrude, wonderful young nun,  Hilda Cassidy, French teacher who entered during my time at Newlands, and whom I missed very much once she became a Carmelite, Miss Carolan who ploughed a lone furrow in the art room at the top of the school.  and other memories you might have, I'd love to hear.  ( )
Liz Adams (then Elizabeth Ryder)

On a whim I searched to see if there was an Old Girls of Adelphi House website and was delighted to find your website and to read messages from a number of ex Adelphi House pupils.  Unfortunately none from my time.  After leaving school, I attended one Old Girls Reunion and soon after married  and came to live in New Zealand. I always intended to make contact with my friends from those formative years at Adelphi.  On my frequent trips home  I found the time was taken up visiting with my extensive family.  One year I determined to contact some of my old friends and was devastated to find the school had closed.  I would love to hear from anyone who was in my class.  I was there about 1950 - 1955.  The names that spring to mind are Olga Loram, Sheila Coughlin , Kathleen Reid, Margaret Richmond.  I vividly remember Mother Anna,  Mother Benedict and Mother Margaret Mary who had the unlikely job of teaching me to sew.  Miss Davis who gave me my love of history.  My name was Margaret Potter.  Today I am known as Margo Tamati.  To contact me by or . Kind regards,
Margo Tamati (née Potter)

When I lived near your part of the world I occasionally passed by the school knowing that my aunts Vera and Doris attended there sometime around and following the First World War. They had five brothers and their father Charles had his own building firm in Twickenham. Sadly Charles died in 1918 leaving his 16 year old son Arthur to go to sea and supply an income to the family. I never saw much of Vera, always a happy and positive lady, a genuine presence. There was a certain worldliness about her despite the convent upbringing. On the other hand, it was probably because of that experience because she always had compassion for people: an excuse for them and a helping hand whenever things went wrong. Vera married Charles and lived in Devon for a long while in poor circumstances but she was never diminished by that. One of her brothers, Percy, became a policeman and during World War II got promoted very rapidly ending up in charge of the Rome police and then doing the same for Milan. He had the bizarre distinction of retrieving and burying Benito Mussolini a couple of times. The Pope gave this protestant a Catholic knighthood for the social work he did around Anzio. Children were starving and dying, so he had begged, borrowed and stolen from the Americans. Policemen were good at doing that sort of thing. With the proceeds and the connivance of the Church he set up orphanages. Not bad for an ex-fairground boxer and a helping hand from Cardinal Gaspari. Percy's wife Dorothy was blown up during the blitz and became permanently hospitalised later in life, being totally disabled. Doris remained a spinster living with her bachelor brothers. For almost 16 years she took trains and buses from Petts Wood in Kent to Putney, visiting Dorothy in the RHHI each weekend. We nicknamed her "old faithful". She, like Vera, never rose very much in life career-wise, but for us they had very great value. Of course, Percy and Dorothy were my parents.
No need for a reply to this vignette. I am doing a bit of family genealogy at the moment and felt like thanking you for giving me two marvellous aunts. Wishing you all fruitful lives.
John Coxhead

I was a pupil at Gumley House from 1942 to approximately 1947 together with my Brother who is two years younger.  We both have vivid memories of being at the school and the kindness of the nuns.   Things remembered such as not being allowed to walk on the white squares on the black and white marble hall when we had to pass through on our way to lunch.   I particularly remember names such as Mother Agnes, Sister Francesca and how we had to take flowers to Reverend Mother on her Saints Day.  Miss Stead was our teacher in Kindergarten and sat at a very high desk.   We were terrified of her!  We then went up to Transition and the teacher there was a Miss Parsons - she was even more frightening to a small girl and boy.  I am still in contact with another ex pupil who married a friend of mine.  His name is Tony Crist and his daughter Henrietta Crist has been a more recent pupil.   My name in those days was Sonia Barnes and my Brother Richard. Sincerely,
Sonia McLaren

How lovely to come across your site. It brought back so many memories to me of my very early childhood. I attended the FCJ  Convent in Richmond Victoria known to us as Vaucluse Convent. It was my first school and where I learned the ABC & to write on a slate. I commenced there in 1939 & although I spent just a few years there, before war time evacuation to a country school, the memories are still strong.The names of my teachers have dimmed with the years but I remember their beautifully pleated bonnets & the painfully starched collars of our uniforms, the fun of the egg & spoon races & the uniform inspection days.  I wish you well in all of your endeavours & thank you for brushing away the cobwebs on a long gone childhood.
Maureen Lum (nee O'Rourke), Burwood, Victoria, Australia 

Hi from New Zealand. I have just discovered the FCJ web-site and have enjoyed reading the messages posted there. I was a pupil from 1955-1960 and really enjoyed my time there. I remember Elizabeth Wright and her descriptions of the teachers were as I remember them. Newlands was a great school with dedicated staff who really educated us. Each one of the women who taught me there have left a very clear impression on me, even today. I would be delighted to hear from any one who was at school with me and would love to know what happened to the teachers who taught me. Best wishes. ( )
Mary Cook ( nee Terry) New Zealand

I must be one of the real 'oldies'. A pupil at Adelphi  1940-45 and at Sedgley 1945-48. Lived in Salford, married and travelled, now living in New Zealand. As each year passes I become more grateful for the splendid education we had. Oh! For the wisdom of age when we were young, or at least when I was young. Still going strong. I often wonder if I am the only ex-pupil who made it so far away as this far flung corner?  Would be pleased to hear from any ex. pupils.   Best regards. ( )
Kath. Bengree  (nee Marchant) New Zealand

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