Photo: Sister Edmund (17), Rita (15), Teresa (5) and Berenice (4)
Sister Edmund has a Candlelight Fund in memory of her dear siblings Berenice, Faith and Francis.
When Sister Edmund rang me earlier this year to say she was going to take part in the Big Lent Walk and raise funds for her Candlelight Fund, I knew immediately that I would invite her to share her story with you!
“Over the years I have supported the fund with small donations whenever I can, however this year during Lent, I took part in CAFOD’s Big Lent Walk. I accepted the challenge while I was still young – I will be celebrating my 90th birthday next year. God has blessed with me with good health and two strong legs which enabled me to reach the target of 200km.
Maggie very kindly produced some sponsorship forms for me and the wonderful parishioners of Sacred Heart in Cheltenham, along with family and friends, generously supported my challenge and I raised the amazing amount of £1,660.00 which was added to my Candlelight Fund. I was overwhelmed by the support and am delighted that these funds can help CAFOD’s wonderful work of ending global poverty and a better world to live in.”
What an achievement for Sister Edmund in such a special year for her too, as in the summer she celebrated the 70th year of her profession as a religious sister with the Sisters of Nazareth.
“I was seventeen when I entered the convent in 1952. The day before, it was my sister Faith’s wedding day, and I was a bridesmaid along with my three sisters Rita, Teresa and Berenice. All our dresses were on loan and we made our own posies. Money was very scarce after the war."
Sr Edmund enjoys time in the Convent gardens. She often takes part in gardening sessions with the residents of the care home. “We have raised plots where we can grow tomatoes, beetroot and flowers and not have to bend very much.” I look forward to Sister Edmund’s letters as she always includes some news about the award-winning gardens.
“God has spoilt me all my life and I need to thank Him all the time. I come from a very loving family, the third of seven children to my parents Ellen and William. My life, like most people has had its up and downs, its sorrows and bereavements but God has seen me through and given me so much in grace and blessings.”
Would you like to set up a Candlelight Fund for someone special?
A Candlelight Fund is a special fund in memory of a loved one who has died, where all donations made in their memory are combined to create a beautifully lasting tribute to them.
There are no targets, deadlines or minimum amounts involved. This is your fund and you can grow it in whatever way feels comfortable.