Page 12 - LOTN Spring Issue 49 2022

DIOCESE
The Apostolic Sisters of St John

The Diocese of Aberdeen is truly fortunate in having a each of us as Christians is called to be above and beyond
number of communities of consecrated life and [communities] anything we do. We do not have one specific mission (that
of apostolic life, each with their own particular charism, is, we do not work with just one specific group of people or
who have chosen to make their home here with us. In this have one specific type of work that we do). Overall, we seek
new series of articles we are extending an invitation to these to help each person discover this personal relationship with
religious communities to share with us something of their life Christ that is the foundation of our identity and mission
and spirituality and the amazing work they do in the Diocese. as Christians.
In this issue it's the turn of the Apostolic Sisters of St John who
are based in Old Aberdeen. Sr Francesca Thérèse takes up their Here in Aberdeen:
story: We arrived here in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Aberdeen
on the 13 of September, 2019 in response to Bishop Hugh
th
+ Gilbert’s invitation. Our main mission is working for the
AMDG Catholic chaplaincy of the Universities of Aberdeen. Working
alongside Fr Emmet O’Dowd and the Student Catholic Society,
In the footsteps of the Apostle Saint John, also known as we help organise various events in the chaplaincy, from student
the Beloved Disciple, the Sisters seek to bear witness in dinners after the Sunday evening Mass to discussion series and
today’s world, to the Love of Jesus for the Father and for retreat days. We are also available for the students to meet with
all men. (cf. Constitutions #1). them and walk alongside them on their faith journey during
these pivotal years.
----------------------------------------- Taking advantage of the fact that our Community is based in
France, Sr Claire and Sr Rosario are involved with the French
ou might be wondering…who are those nuns in Catholic Community here in Aberdeen. Aside from the monthly
grey walking down the streets of Aberdeen? The French Masses, the Sisters help with catechesis for the children,
Apostolic Sisters of St John were founded in especially sacramental preparation.
Y 1984 in France. We seek to live in the spirit of the Sr Rosario was also appointed by Bishop Hugh to serve as
Apostle John and help others to have this same friendship chaplain to the Filipino community here in Aberdeen. She has
with Christ. Each one of us is called to be a beloved disciple been working to develop the network among the Filipinos and
of Christ, just like St John, and to let this love permeate organise a monthly Filipino Mass.
every aspect of our lives and transform us. Several doors have also opened for us to serve in local parishes,
Our charism has four dimensions: prayer life, fraternal life, particularly offering faith formation to both children and adults.
studies, and apostolic life. The first parish to open its doors to us was St. Francis of
Assisi Catholic Church in Mannofield, especially since we were
• Prayer Life: At the centre of our life is our life of prayer. living in Mannofield in a temporary house for about one year
Our common life of prayer includes daily Eucharistic while waiting for our permanent convent in Old Aberdeen to
adoration, Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, the rosary be refurbished. Sr Claire and Sr Rosario lead a weekly Bible
and Lectio Divina (praying with Scripture). sharing on the Sunday Gospel, and all three Sisters help with
sacramental preparation for children.
• Fraternal Life: Our prayer life bears fruit in our community At the end of 2020, St. Mary’s Cathedral invited our
life. We strive to live out Christ’s commandment of love Community to help start a Young Adult Group. Sr Francesca
“…as I have loved you, you should also love one another” helps lead the group, which started in February 2021. The
(Jn 13:34). In each of our convents we trust that the love group offers the experience of a vibrant Catholic community
of Christ and our desire to follow Him unite us together for anyone who is 18-35 years old, and has explored various
more deeply than the differences that we may have.
subjects in the faith such as living as a Christian in different
states of life; Pope St John Paul II’s Theology of the Body; and a
• Studies: The goal of our life of studies is a greater series on the basics of the Catholic faith.
understanding and love for the Word of God. For this, our We are grateful for other parishes that have also opened doors
formation includes philosophical and theological studies for us to help, especially St Peter’s Catholic Church, where we
following the tradition of the Church with a focus on were invited to lead weekly reflections during the Lenten season.
Aristotle and St Thomas Aquinas. It is also necessary to We are open to helping in the diocese in any other way that the
know and understand the questions we face in the world Spirit may lead!
today in order to dialogue with people wherever they are.
• Apostolic Life: Our apostolic life is the overflow of the With our prayers,
other dimensions of our life, especially our life of prayer. St Sr Claire, Sr Rosario and Sr Francesca
John knew himself as the beloved disciple, and this is what

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