Middlesbrough: Living Joyfully exhibition at St Mary's Cathedral

Lining up for a group picture

A two-day exhibition of the often low-profile work of religious communities in Teesside and North Yorkshire was held at St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough, on September 24-25. The 'Living Joyfully' event, which is thought to be a first for the diocese, marked a Year of Consecrated Life called by Pope Francis. Hundreds of Catholic schoolchildren and members of the public attended.

A flower festival linked to the nuns and brothers from over a dozen orders and congregations involved continues until Monday September 28.

Organiser Father Paul Farrer, diocesan vocations director, told the congregation at a community Mass celebrated by Fr Terence Richardson OSB, of Ampleforth Abbey, the diocese owed a big debt to the 180 Sisters, Brothers and Priests in religious communities.

Many were present to hear him thank them for their work in parishes, schools and convents.

He joked that nuns were more commonly visable in their traditional habits of veils and long cloaks on "hen nights" before weddings in cities like York and Newcastle. Nuns present joined in the chuckles.

Bishop Terry Drainey, of Middlesbrough, wrote in a special commemorative publication: "We need your witness and dedicated ministry. Thank you for your witness and presence. They are precious gifts to us and to our world in which there is a dearth of such spiritual treasures. Poverty, chastity and obedience are not common commodities these days; but what a sign they give!"