Faithful Companions of Jesus: two Sisters honoured

This year as they celebrate 150 years since the death of their founder, Marie Madeleine d'Houet, the Faithful Companions of Jesus are delighted that two of their Sisters have been honoured by the Queen. In the recent Birthday Honours List, Sister Christine Frost FCJ was awarded the MBE in recognition of her voluntary services to older people and children in Poplar in the East End of London. In 1969, Sister Christine launched Neighbours in Poplar which is aimed at older adults from across the area and offers them a chance to meet other residents, enjoy social evenings, organise shopping trips and have a chance to go on holidays together. She is also and active member of SPLASH (South Poplar and Limehouse Action for Secure Housing), founded in 1988. Originally a federation of tenants, led by Sister Christine, to support tenants' rights, SPLASH as it has now developed, has a youth group of over 1,000 young people, who together with their families are based in the Workhouse in Poplar. Here, they too can meet new people, improve their education and share holidays together. Earlier, in the New Year Honours List, Sister Brigid Halligan FSJ was awarded the OBE in recognition of her contribution to Education. Bellerive Catholic College, of which she is headteacher, is a popular over-subscribed school with nationally recognised high academic standards together with high standards in the personal development of pupils. The school which has specialist status as a Science College and has recently been awarded Maths and Computing status, is classed as outstanding by the Archdiocese of Liverpool and by OFSTED As part of their International Year of Celebration of all that has been achieved through the inspiration of Marie Madeleine d'Houet in the 150 years since her death, a Mass of thanksgiving will be offered in Liverpool Cathedral on 13th September. For further information: www.fcjsisters.org