Last week, the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes in Wanstead celebrated a farewell mass followed by a reception giving thanks for the presence of our sisters in the parish over the last 17 years. These are fr Martin's words:

"I suppose we could say our farewell today in a pub or with a party – but instead we do it at the Eucharist. The Eucharist is a pattern for so many things. ‘Our thinking”, said St Irenaeus, “is in harmony with the Eucharist and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking’. 

We want to do today in relation to our much loved Sisters what we do every day in relation to Christ in the Eucharist. We’re here to remember and give thanks, and to look forward prayerfully in hope.

So, eucharistically, we first remember and give thanks for all that the Sisters of the Assumption have contributed to this parish, to Wanstead and Leytonstone and, indeed, beyond, over the last seventeen years. It has been much. Their apostolate was varied and rich. 

There were those visible things, such as, assisting with catechesis, leading retreats, being a beating heart of prayer, offering a listening ear, garden parties, tending the garden of the parish priest, proclaiming the word of God, singing a new song to the Lord in Mass. The list could go on. So many forms of discreet, intelligent and gracious presence. And then there were the many things that go beyond human notice….but not beyond God’s notice.

It is, of course, sad that this long association with our parish is coming to an end. But there is this other aspect of the Eucharist; we look to the future in prayer. Trusting in God’s will for the Sisters and for our parish. 

This is a moment of change and transition, for you, the Assumption sisters, and, indeed, for the parish. At the human level, this can be unsettling, even disturbing but it is then, more than ever, that we trust that the Lord will continue to set his heart on us and give us life. 

And when we do, we keep our eyes open to the distant horizons, our minds listening to seize every indication that can enlighten us and to acquire any knowledge that can aid our mission.

So, in this Eucharist, yes, we give thanks for all that the Religious of the Assumption have brought to this parish. Farewells are sad affairs, but today we remember those beautiful words of your foundress, St Marie-Eugenie who said "My gaze is all on Jesus Christ and on the extension of his Kingdom" and so for us today and in the future…Our gaze is all on Jesus."

Fr Martin