A British Patchwork

Helpers in Great Britain

This small tapestry of the British Isles symbolises the many occupations and industries which have helped develop British life and culture over the past 150 years.

There are various colours and textures used to highlight the regional differences.

In the north: fishing, forestry and agriculture.

In the west and central belt: the heavy industries of shipbuilding, coal mining, steel production, cotton mills and potteries.

In the east: rivers and seashore so integral to means of livelihood and transportation.

To the south: shipping ports and naval installations point to the many activities of a seafaring nation.

Potters, artists, musicians have all taken inspiration from the landscapes and seascapes of rural and industrial Britain.

The roots of our northern Celtic spirituality are expressed through the inclusion of Ireland, and Christianity in England is represented by the Canterbury Cross, also a symbol of ecumenism

Our Institute has been present here, working alongside people in all these endeavours for more than a century.  Our sisters have come from families which have been engaged in many of these industries and whose Christian roots run deep.

As Helpers we continue to journey with people in their search for a more human and spiritual life in the ever growing multi-cultural population of our islands.

Sr. Frances McCarthy

___________________

Sr. Anne de Sousberghe, now 103, is a very gifted potter as well as a pioneer in the British catechetical movement of the sixties.  She was then well known under her religious name of Sr. Romaine and touched the lives of countless teachers of religion and their children.