On the radiant Saturday afternoon of May 4th, 2024, a group of parishioners from diverse churches embarked on a journey of enlightenment at the Mary Potter Heritage Centre in Nottingham. This auspicious day unfolded under a warm, sunny sky, echoing the brightness of Venerable Mary Potter’s enduring legacy.
As we traversed the halls of the Mary Potter Heritage Centre, each step carried us deeper into the rich tapestry of Venerable Mary Potter’s life and the founding of the Little Company of Mary Sisters in Nottingham in 1877. The gleaming displays and poignant artefacts served as windows into the past, allowing us to witness firsthand the genesis of her profound vocation.
Gratitude fills our hearts as we reflect on the generosity and warmth extended to us by the dedicated individuals Olimpia, Teresa, and Diane, particularly Sister Anita, whose unwavering dedication illuminated our path throughout the visit. Their passion for preserving and sharing the timeless story of Mary Potter’s life is a beacon of inspiration for us all.
Our visit left an indelible imprint on our souls, reaffirming the timeless relevance of Venerable Mary Potter’s message of compassion and service. Through her tireless devotion to the sick and dying, she exemplified the transformative power of love in action.
As we eagerly anticipate sharing our profound experience with the wider community, we do so with a sense of purpose and conviction. Through our words and actions, we seek to ignite curiosity and kindle a flame of interest in the Mary Potter Heritage Centre among all who yearn to uncover the hidden gems of history.
I am grateful to have joined this blissful visit and to have the opportunity to share my reflection in this write-up. We should extend and open invitation to all who wish to join us in honouring the remarkable life and legacy of Venerable Mary Potter. May her radiant spirit continue to guide and inspire us to walk the path of compassion and service, illuminating the world with the light of her enduring legacy.
Angeli Tsui, the key contact of Hong Kong Catholic Community (Derby & Nottingham), who organised this pilgrimage, felt it was a remarkable experience visiting the Mary Potter Heritage Centre. Sister Mary Potter was a resilient and determined woman. Despite suffering from illness since birth, she never wavered in her commitment to follow God’s will. Sister Anita from the centre provided us with insightful details about Mary Potter’s life. Angelina eagerly anticipates the day when Mary Potter is recognised as a saint and will continue to pray for her journey towards canonisation.
Cecilia Chan, who participated in this pilgrimage with her family, felt incredibly grateful to have visited the Mary Potter Heritage Centre. Sister Mary Potter’s life exemplifies the journey of faith, marked by numerous challenges and triumphs. What resonates with her the most is her courageous pursuit of God’s calling to serve the sick, the suffering, and the dying. Despite facing physical frailty, she persisted in carrying out the important work of God.
Background of Hong Kong Catholic Community (Derby & Nottingham): We are an informal group committed to serving Hong Kong parishioners in Derby and Nottingham. We endeavour to foster connections among HK parishioners offer support on our faith journeys, and integration into the local Catholic community through various events and activities. We organized this pilgrimage with the aim of experiencing and promoting awareness of Venerable Mary Potter within the Hong Kong Catholic community. Our goal is to introduce more people to Mary Potter’s remarkable life and inspire them to pray for her journey towards canonisation. If you wish to stay connected, we invite you to visit and like our Facebook Page.
Terence Ho, Parishioner of the Parish of The Annunciation, Rushcliffe, Holy Spirit West Bridgford.