Family connections with the Arisaig area were renewed on 7 August 2009 when Anne Renfrew made her Perpetual Vows as a Hermit of the Diocese of Argyll & the Isles.  Anne, who worked previously as a doctor, has taken the religious name of Sister Maria Edith.




Sr. Maria Edith after the profession ceremony


Bishop Joseph Toal was principal celebrant at the Mass in St. Mary's Church. He spoke of the role of religious life in the Church and later commented, "We offer Anne the support of our prayers, and thank her for coming to be a witness to prayer and the giving of one’s life to God in our community."




Sr. Maria with Bishop Joseph and diocesan clergy


Sister Maria has family links with the Arisaig area where she will seek a hermitage to live out her life of solitude and prayer:

"Since my return to the diocese in April I have received wonderful support from the people of Arisaig and surrounding areas, for which I would like to express my appreciation and thanks.

I know that becoming a diocesan hermit is an unusual occurrence and therefore it is not well known or understood. It is actually a very ancient form of religious life, akin to that of the early desert fathers or the Celtic monks such as St Columba ( and is therefore particularly well suited to this part of the world). It has been given new impetus since 1983 when the revision of the Code of Canon Law, ordered by the second Vatican Council, came into use. At this point it was recognised by Church law alongside all of the other forms of religious life.

It is a contemplative, hidden form of life, so people will not see me out and about much; however, as one of the tasks of a diocesan hermit is to pray especially for the bishop and clergy and for all the needs and intentions of all who live in the diocese, be assured that you will all be in my prayers."





Members of Sister Maria's family were present at the ceremony

photos: Anthony MacMillan