Sisters' silver anniversary

Two sisters with the IVBM (Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary) celebrated 25 years in the order at a special Mass and party at Our Lady Help of Christians in Kentish Town, North London on 29 April. Srs Gemma Simmonds and Jane Livesey joined the order together at St Mary's Ascot. They then both went to Newnham College, Cambridge, where Gemma studied modern languages and Jane took Modern History. Both sisters then went into teaching - Gemma at St Mary's in Ascot and Jane at St Mary's in Shaftsbury where she became head at the age of just 29. Both sisters have travelled the world and gained further degrees. Jane has worked with Aboriginal people in Australia and Gemma lived with street children in Mexico. Jane is now Assistant to the Provincial of the IVBMs. Gemma in chaplain at Heythrop College as well as working as as a volunteer with inmates at Holloway Prison.