We are an international community of four sisters. Each of us is involved in the activities of our house in some way: through the different events and opportunities we offer (Spiritual Direction, Individually Guided Retreats, leading our day and evening programmes…) and/or in other tasks required to run our centre (admin, cleaning and gardening…).
We are also involved in activities outside our spiritual centre: counselling, commitments within our local parishes and with Churches Together.
Below is a short introduction to each of our Sisters in Lewisham.
Sister Christiane
Sister Christiane was part of the London community in Vauxhall (1996 to 2004) and then in Tooting (2004 -2008). She worked on a volunteer basis in Trinity Hospice for 3 months and then as a nurse for 2 months in a nursing home. During that time, she did voluntary work with the Methodist Vauxhall Youth Club (5 to 11 years of age) and worked at the Day Centre of the Refugee Council. She worked at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust for 12 years as a Palliative and Supportive Care Senior Chaplain. She was part of the Edenbridge community from 2008 until 2013 when it closed. During this time she trained as a psychosynthesis counsellor. She now runs a small private counselling
Sister Regula
Sr. Regula arrived in England from one of the communities of the Sisters of St Andrew in France in 1998. She was part of the community in London (Vauxhall and then Tooting) for 10 years until she moved to Edenbridge in September 2008. There she worked as a Prison Chaplain until 2004 and as a Mental Health Chaplain with the South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust until her retirement in September 2013. In Lewisham, she is involved in the administration and management of the retreat house, retreat work and spiritual accompaniment.
Sister Fiona
Sister Fiona Maguire spent over 20 years in our communities in France and Belgium. During that time, she worked with the Taizé community in France, giving retreats and spiritual accompaniment to visitors, and working with biblical theatre. She also spent several years working at the Ignatian Retreat Centre La Pairelle in Belgium. She moved to the community in London in 2020, where she works as part of the welcome and administration team, and with the creative arts.
Sister Marie-Christine
Sister Marie-Christine lived in the community of Ameugny (France) taking part in the ministry of our sisters who collaborate with the Taizé Community. She then worked with Jesuits in Lyon (France) in walking alongside students studying medicine. Since 2010, she has been involved full time at St Andrew’s (Edenbridge and Lewisham), giving spiritual direction and supervision, leading retreats and quiet days. Currently, she is part of the administration team and welcomes guests in the house. She is also involved in Weeks of Accompanied Prayer.