On the eve of the CSN Sisters’ move from Tuam Street to a new home in Aidanfield, Philip and Adrienne Robinson and Pamela McKenzie reminisce:
Pamela wrote: “Not nuns but Sisters. An Anglican Sisterhood. When (my husband) Alan was Vicar of St Matthew’s, St Albans, he had the help of Sr Christine who was a Tongan sister and much loved in the parish. She was a great pastoral visitor of the young, the old and the unwell. We stayed twice at St Christopher’s (Children’s) Home in Fiji which was then managed by CSN Sisters. The first time was when Sr Claire Masina was still with them. A special warm atmosphere of caring and love. “
Philip: On 1 December 1969 I was ordained deacon by Bishop Pyatt in Christchurch Cathedral because Dunedin Diocese had no bishop at the time. The Sisters were present and gave me a small bookmark with a greeting on the back. I became an Associate at that time and have been ever since. When I was appointed Vicar of St Peter’s, Church Corner and after Archdeacon Malcom May went to an appointment in Dunedin, I was invited to replace him as Chaplain to the Community, a position I held for seven years. The Chaplain’s role involves conducting a weekly early morning communion service, followed by breakfast in what was a very small dark library. Sisters could come and have a chat privately if they wished. On many occasions they have offered prayer for me also in my times of need. From time to time I led spiritual retreats for The Sisters and at times for Friends of the Community. Chaplains were also required to attend special and business meetings. During my time discussions and plans were approved for the building of the new Retreat House and its completion. Mother Zoe kept beehives in the orchard at St. Peter’s during those years and our eldest son Aaron mowed lawns for the sisters on their hillside property at Clifton. Confidentiality in all my dealings with CSN remains. However I can say that it has been a privilege to get to know many of the sisters and to share their life as Chaplain.”
Adrienne: “I was aware of the CSN through the Anglican parish of St Luke’s Oamaru where my parents and grandmother were faithful parishioners. In 1964 I came with Philip to Christchurch where I attended a silent retreat at the community. Retreatants were required to wear white veils, had a tiny room each with a cross and small vase of flowers and dined together with the nuns, all but one in silence as the Bible was read. The simplicity and devotion was a feature which influenced my future endeavours. I have been an Associate of the CSN since then.”
Grateful thanks to Philip, Adrienne and Pamela for these fascinating insights.
By Jo Cotton
