Two Poor Clare Colettine Sisters, who were a quiet and prayerful presence in the Diocese of Sandhurst for over fifty years, died within hours of each other on Thursday, 21 May (Friday AEST). Sr Anthony, in Roswell, New Mexico and Sr Christopher in Sydney.
In a recent letter, Bishop Emeritus Leslie Tomlinson, who knew the Sisters well and assisted with their relocation after the inevitable closure of their Monastery, invites us to “remember these two nuns who have been such an important part of the Church of Sandhurst, in our prayers ….” As they have prayed for us, may we pray for them.
A Letter from Bishop Emeritus Leslie Tomlinson to the people of God in Sandhurst.
”You may have already received the news that last Thursday, 21 May, 2026, Sister Anthony PCC died in New Mexico, US and several hours later, Sister Christopher PCC died at Our Lady of Consolation Aged Care, Rooty Hill (Sydney).
Sister Anthony was a foundational member of the Community that established the Poor Clare Monastery of the Holy Ghost, Kennington in the early 1960s and Sister Christopher joined the Community shortly afterwards. At the time when I had the sad task, in accordance with the directives of the Holy See, of petitioning for the suppression of the Monastery, the Community consisted of only Mother Anthony PCC, Sister Christopher PCC and Sister Clare PCC.
Mother Anthony and Sister Clare elected to join the Community of Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Roswell, New Mexico, and Sister Christopher elected to join the Community of Bethlehem Monastery, Campbelltown, NSW. More recently, with increased frailty, Sister Christopher moved to Our Lady of Consolation Aged Care at Rooty Hill.
Both Sister Anthony and Sister Christopher celebrated their Diamond Jubilee of Solemn Profession several years ago. Most of their religious profession was spent at Holy Ghost Monastery in Kennington in a life of prayer, penance and good works, with the Diocese of Sandhurst at the forefront of their prayer and penance. I am sure that this powerful intercession has been of immeasurable benefit to us all. In gratitude, I invite you to remember these two nuns who have been such an important part of the Church of Sandhurst, in your prayers and Masses, that God will richly reward them with Eternal Life.
With prayerful best wishes,
+Les Tomlinson
Bishop Les Tomlinson DD Bishop Emeritus, Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst
Read more about these Poor Clare Colettine Sisters:
A New Chapter for Poor Clare Colettines (March 2021) (Bendigo Farewell).
Watch Video about Diocesan archivist and photgrapher, Dr Donna Bailey's Farewell Gift to the Poor Clares.
An update from the Poor Clares 'Across the Pond' (Update from Roswell, New Mexico).
Sister Mary Anthony celebrates Diamond Jubilee.