Sister Constance Victoria Neame
Many in the area will know Victoria Neame. Her parents, Chris and Liz live in our parish and are pleased that their daughter made her Solemn Profession as a Benedictine nun at Saint Cecilia Abbey, Ryde on Friday, 30th November 2007. Rt. Rev. Crispian Hollis, Bishop of Portsmouth, presided at the Mass.
Wilfrid McGreal, O.Carm. writes,
I remember her fondly from my time as chaplain to London University in the 1980s. Victoria lived at More House, the West London chaplaincy centre and was a wonderful addition to the student community. I remember the vibrancy of her personality and that warm reasoning smile. I am delighted she has made her Solemn Profession. She brings the wonderful gift of her personality to the community.
Mark de Pulford writes,
We associate so many gifts with Victoria: her fantastic gift of infectious enthusiasm, not just for music, but for life and all its blessings; the gift of her friendship, the rare experience of 100% attention - being listened to as if nothing else in the world mattered; the gift of her service in the work context – a model of “the good servant” and a fabulous and still-enduring example of what difference the Christian faith can make.
Although she has withdrawn from the world, she has done this to give even greater value for us and for others. We must learn what she already knows: that the depth of her prayer-life makes even more bountiful and abundant her capacity to share God’s mercy and love with everyone.
There is pride and joy because our community has produced a hero, who will gaze with us - and in an especially concentrated way, for us - at God who is all beauty, truth and goodness. In her prayer and especially in the psalms of the Divine Office she will express to God the joy and hope, fear and sorrow of us all
So, thanks be to God for giving us Victoria in this new way.
To God be all glory and praise and blessings.
To find out more about the vocation of a Benedictine nun and the history and life of the community at St. Cecilia's Abbey, Ryde, on the Isle of Wight, follow the link below.
