Canonization of MOTHER marie eugenie

England Celebrates the Canonization of Marie Eugenie, October 21, 2007

The 13th October - a day to remember

A lovely Autumn day brought more friends of the Assumption together at one time than we have ever seen in England. The Carmelite Church was packed and there was a happy buzz of conversation as old friends recognised each other and new ones were welcomed. All branches of the Assumption in England were represented: Fathers, Little Sisters and Oblates - as well of course as the Religious. There were priests and religious representing many Congregations and from many different parts of the country. The oldest participant was in her nineties and the youngest under the age of ten. You could trace the history of the Province from the groups of friends, family, colleagues and Old Girls who were there. The family spirit was palpable - an atmosphere of joy, simplicity and friendship.

Fr. Matthew Blake, Provincial of the Carmelites, welcomed everybody, saying how happy the Carmelites always were to offer hospitality to the Assumption as they always remembered how the Assumption offered them hospitality when they first came to Kensington nearly 150 years ago. At that time they had occupied a house in Kensington Square now used by Heythrop College.

The Liturgy, presided over by Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor, was prayerful and beautiful. Sr. Mary Ann Tyler had brought together a talented group of musicians: singers, instrumentalists and a wonderful organist with music that was accessible while at the same time creating a sense of occasion. And everybody joined in - the congregational singing was just wonderful.

The homily of Fr Robin Gibbons was a masterpiece. His years of friendship with the Assumption bore fruit in a sermon which was inspiring and relevant to everyone who was there. He spoke of Marie Eugenie's gift of "informed and intelligent faith that seeks to dialogue with the world and its culture". He saw her bringing a gift for today's world, concluding with the words of Pope Benedict XVI at the canonisation: "May the example of Saint Marie Eugénie invite men and women of today to transmit to the young the values that will help them become strong adults…".

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The Mass begins at the Carmelite Church

Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor and Sr. Christine

Celebrating with friends