CSMV Associate Ann O’Mahony sent us this wonderful report and photos from the Candlemas meeting of Associates in South Africa on 3rd February 2024.
Candlemas was held in Holy Cross Chapel at Irene Homes. Irene Homes staff laid out the tea things for us at the entrance hall of the Chapel and comfortable chairs were set out in a circle in the Chapel.
We started gathering at 9am to allow us time to chat and to prepare ourselves for the service at 9.30am. Many of us had not seen each other for a year so there was much to catch up on.
There were 9 Associates present, 2 Oblates and 3 friends. What strikes us each year is the warmth and caring that is present among us every time we meet. It was particularly strong this year.
Prue, an Oblate, led our service. She had put much prayer and thought into it and it was a great Blessing to us all. The emphasis was on the fact that we were there because of the CSMV Sisters and this is always a comfort to us. Further, It is Christ whom we seek and He is a Light in our lives and in the world. We had a lit candle on a table in the centre of our circle.
The reading was Luke 2: 22 – 40.
Our prayers started with a prayer for the Community of St Mary the Virgin and for Irene Homes. The prayers were free flowing and were said both openly and silently. After we had said the Community Memorial prayer together there was a time to relax in the presence of God before ending with a prayer and blessing for one another.
Refreshments were served and lots of chatting and time for photographs.
It was an uplifting and special morning.