Pilgrimage to Aylesford
Led by the Chaplain, Fr. Digby Samuels, the Little Sisters, Residents and members of the Association Jeanne Jugan from St. Anne’s were happy to take part in a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady and St. Simon Stock at Aylesford, Kent, on Wednesday 20th August. Mother Provincial and a group of Little Sisters, Residents and Associates from St. Peter’s were pleased to join them for the day. On arrival tea and biscuits were provided and this was followed by a short talk by the Prior, newly appointed the week previous. His introduction, beginning with the history of the shrine, and St. Simon Stock, was appreciated by all. We learned that next year will be the 750th anniversary of the brown scapular which will be celebrated by various events. The Sacrament of the Sick was administered by Fr. Digby and two of the Resident Priests, in the Chapel of St. Joseph, which was very appropriate, St. Joseph being the Patron and Provider of the Congregation and to whom every Little Sister has a deep devotion. This was followed by Mass in the Choir Chapel our Chaplain being the main celebrant with our resident Priests con-celebrating. After our devotions all appreciated the picnic lunch that had been provided by the two Homes, taken in St. Simon Stock room or al fresco, as some preferred. At 3.30 p.m. all assembled at the Rosary Walk where the decades of the Rosary were recited as we reflected on the mysteries assisted visually by the plaques dedicated to each one. It was then time for another cuppa before making our way homewards thanking God for such a lovely day.