By Sr Francoise OP

I love to think of my years in Trinidad. I met so many wonderful people. I do get letters from my ‘son’ Noel, who has a large family.

When I was in France on holiday in 1956, I got the news that I had to take up the post of Prioress of the Belmont convent and Manageress of St Dominic’s Children’s Home. On arrival, the previous Manageress made me understand that St Dominic’s Home was a family. I saw boys and girls of all ages – 640 of them!

That first night I was unable to sleep. So many children! So many disasters could happen! It was a crisis of faith! Then I thought and was sure that my guardian angel was standing beside me and the children’s guardian angels, too. All 640 of them! So, we were safe and then I fell asleep.

I learned to love the Home. TLC was the order of the day –Tender Loving Care. Looking back, I am so grateful to everybody who helped during my years as Manageress.

We always had one problem—water. Precious water was often not coming up the hill for weeks. We resorted to prayer. I recall we had a procession of Our Lady right around the compound. The children were shouting, “Mother Mary, send us water!” The next day water was flowing in the laundry, kitchen, nursery, and all the houses. Our prayers were heard.

Another time, there was a flu outbreak. The chaplain came and he carried the Blessed Sacrament to each house. That too was a cure. No other children fell ill.

We had a wonderful staff in those years. They gave of their time and were always ready to give more.

The neighbours helped and many people drove up the hill to bring fruits and produce for the children. Our fruit room was always filled with mangoes, oranges, grapefruit, bananas, etc, any fruit in season.

Thank you, Lord, for all those persons who were always ready to help at the Home.

Thanks to Sr Arlene for organising this 150th Jubilee. I pray that the miracle that is St Dominic’s Children’s Home continues, and may Our Lord bless all who are participating in the anniversary celebrations. I love you all.

Sr Francoise OP was the Home’s Manager (1957–1962). She resides in France and recently celebrated her 103rd birthday.