Goodbye to Nympsfield after 90 years

List News

27/10/2019 - United Kingdom

Goodbye to Nympsfield

On 22nd October 2019 beautiful Autumn weather dawned as various roads led to Nympsfield for the celebration Eucharist as the sisters prepared to say “Goodbye” after 90 years of faithful service in education, child care, retreat work, parish and community.

Main celebrant, Father Gary Brassington (Rural Dean), was assisted by Frs. Barnabas Page, Philip Beisly, Tom Gunning and Deacon Domenic Bucci.

Fr Gary spoke of love, joy and gratitude, tinged with a little sadness. The words of the Gospel: ‘Make your home in me as I make mine in you’ took on great significance as these 90 years were remembered and celebrated by Marist Sisters, parishioners, priests, teachers and pupils of St Joseph’s School and a number of adults who ‘had made their home’ - as children - in Our Lady’s Homestead.

He reminded us of how, over the years, Nympsfield had transformed itself from residential child care centre to a place of retreat and renewal for various adult, student and young people’s groups. On a personal note he added that he has been coming for around 20 years – first as a seminarian and latterly as an ordained priest – as part of the Ministry to Priests Groups!

He finished his homily by saying “Here seeds have been sown, love shown and great work done” There really could be no greater epithet to the last ninety years!

Barbara (a parishioner) who read the bidding prayers prayed for all who had ministered and contributed to the life of the village, the sisters who gave so much, some of whom are laid to rest in St Joseph’s Churchyard, and also for those, as yet unknown, who would take the Nympsfield mission along the next phase of its journey.

St Joseph’s Primary School was represented by the Head Teacher, Assistant Head, two Teaching Assistants and three wonderful Altar Servers. And Bishop Declan sent a word of gratitude, through Fr. Gary, for all the Sisters had contributed to the life of the diocese.

Sr Beate, Community Leader, spoke beautifully at the end of the Mass, reminding everyone present that the Marist Spirit has made its home in them and they have to continue to share that spirit through acts of kindness and love.