In the providence of God, all things have their season. “There is a time for planting, and time for building” (Eccls. 3: 2-3). For St. Clare, 1212 was the time to be planted at San Damiano. Assisi and build her form of life, for herself and all her followers. Before her birth, her mother, Ortolana, was promised a child, whose light would illuminate the whole world–hence the name Clare. Almost seven centuries later, her light was lit in another San Damiano, perhaps better known as St. Damian’s. Here her daughters have loved, prayed and laboured until this day, carrying the light lit by Clare in far away Assisi, a light which reaches out and embraces all.
REMOTE PREPARATION
In the 19th century, the Protestant owner of Simmonscourt Castle decided to have the wall separating his residence from Saint Mary’s Lodge raised several feet. He did this with the intention of ensuring his privacy from the tenants in the lodge. In this action, he thought he was making safe provision for his own future, but little did he realize that he was but an instrument in the hands of Him who had planned that the name “Saint Mary’s Lodge” given by protestant owners, indicates that Our Blessed Mother had taken it under her wing from the start. The Building is now our novitiate.
Monday to Saturday, inclusive; 7.30 a.m.
First Saturday of each month, in honour of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; 3.00 p.m.
Sundays and Bank holidays 9. a.m.
Daily, from 9 a.m. until 12 noon and from 1 p.m. until closing time for the chapel, unless there is afternoon mass (First Saturday ), or cleaning ( usually Thursday afternoon ) in progress.
Sundays, from 10.30 a.m. until 12 noon and from 1 p.m. until closing time for the chapel, The Rosary is at 4 p.m. followed by Evening Prayer and Benediction –(texts are provided).
On First Fridays Exposition is from 8.00 a.m. until closing time for the chapel, Evening Prayer and Benediction is at 4.30 p.m. (texts are provided).
Registered Charity Number: 20013646