A service of thanksgiving and farewell has been held to mark the end of 18 years of ministry of the Sisters of St Francis Community in Leicester.
The service, held on Sunday 26 October at the Church of the Resurrection, was conducted by vicar of the parish, the Revd Vijay Kumar, while Revd Rob Hensley, Assistant Area Dean, interviewed Sister Chris James and Sister Beverley Davies, reflecting on their 18 years of ministry in the parish and the city.
The Sisters spoke with both gratitude and hope - thankful for the years spent serving faithfully in the parish, and hopeful as they go forward, having witnessed signs of renewal and growth within the congregation.
A special highlight was a video message from Bishop Saju, also conveying greetings and blessings on behalf of Bishop Martyn, affirming how the Sisters have been a true blessing to the diocese and community.
Revd Vijay said: "The farewell service was a deeply moving and Spirit-filled occasion. The Sisters' ministry, commitment, and obedience to God’s call have been remarkable. Their life among us has been a source of great strength and inspiration, a living example of humility, prayer, and service to both church and community."
The ministry began in 2007, when the Sisters were invited to live in St Matthews House - a former pub - living and praying in the heart of St Matthews Estate with a community project on the ground floor and a chapel in the former beer cellar. One of a small number of similar houses across the country, the Sisters of St Francis commit to a shared life with a rhythm of prayer, community living and ministry.
The Franciscan approach to incarnational mission has shaped their last 18 years. “Our way of life and a rhythm of prayer is all about working with God’s spirit and seeing what opportunities emerge,” explained Sister Beverley. “St Matthews is a great place,” said Sister Chris, “some people only see the problems and look down on it, but it’s been really good living here.”
The Sisters are well known as people of faith in the community - a visible, praying presence. In the spirit of St Francis, they are also practically minded, and over the years have worked with local organisations, got to know the police, worked in schools, and supported many local initiatives like St Matthews Big Local.
Ten years ago, Sister Beverley had a dream to make the religious life more visible, so for four years the community owned a mobile monastery - a motorhome house of prayer which took them to cathedrals, Christian festivals and more, meeting and praying with people all over the country. (See them sharing breakfast with Bishop Martyn on YouTube.)
As well as working in St Matthews, Sister Beverley, in her role as Minister Provincial, visits the Franciscan sisters in Korea to offer them support, and she also represents religious communities on General Synod. “It is sad that this season of ministry has come to an end,” said Sister Beverley, “but I’ve loved living in St Matthews – and am grateful for how I’ve been changed by living here. It’s been amazing – often it’s felt like we’re running to keep up with God.
“We try to sit lightly wherever we are and at this point we’re following new wind of the Spirit. God doesn’t stop using and calling and challenging us to do new things in him and for him.”
Sister Chris is moving to a community house in Gloucester and Sister Beverley is joining a house in Southwark. Another member of the Community, Sister Liz, is remaining in the Diocese as Rector of the Upper Soar Benefice.