Habit a witness for Anglicans

Press, 12 October 1988, Page 19

Habit a witness for Anglicans

THE HIGH BRICK wall around the Anglican Community of the Sacred. Name, in Barbadoes Street, is not welcoming. The convent, a two-storey building with many shaded Gothic windows, does not show much of itself to the world. Ring the bell on the big wooden door and after a wait there’s a rustle of skirts, a white face and a soft voice. Not much can be seen under the black habit and veil, but quick movements show a lively person inside the antique costume. Twenty women of various nationalities live in the warm gloom of the old building. Everj'thing is polished clean. Conversation is formal, each name preceded by the title, “Sister.” Their leader, Mother Zoe Davies, says they wear the habit (traditional gown) as a witness to their faith. “We don’t find it cuts you off from people; if anything, it opens the way. People recognise you for what you are and can turn to you for help.” Sister Clare Masina, a Tongan, talks in a soft voice, lilting with emphasis. The habit sets you free, she says. “You pass shop windows and see all the things. You don’t care — you think about what you are doing — not worrying about looking for beautiful silk material for the party tomorrow. It really sets you free from things other people are occupied with.”

It’s also part of holy poverty. Most garments belonged to Sisters long departed. “We don’t go out of our way to seek holy poverty because you couldn’t really say our life is poor compared to some people’s. But we try to live a simple life,” Mother Zoe says. The convent is an island of peace and green in a rather desolate part of town. There is a large rambling garden and an old English-style chapel, while newer buildings house cottage industries such as wafer-making,

sewing, embroidery and card painting. In a cultivated New Zealand accent Mother Zoe happily talks about the history of the convent. Established in 1893, it is the only surviving Anglican community in Christchurch and is largely autonomous. There are two parts to convent life: community work and an inner spiritual life. Both have to be kept in balance, Mother Zoe says. The spiritual side forms the framework of the day. A bell calls them to prayer every three hours. They keep in touch with the many people living in very poor conditions in the area of the convent. They help people use the welfare agencies and work with other Church organisations. They also work at the courts and prisons and do parish work. And much night work: people looking for someone to talk to and pray for them, or wanting food and shelter. Mother Zoe frequently calls on strength from God to help her deal with drunks from a neighbourhood tavern. Retreats for people to come and spend time in prayerful silence are very popular.