Sr Mary Raphael (Teresa Harrison) was born in Hull on 20th October 1907. The family lived in the Spring Bank area and numbered three boys and seven girls. The two remaining are Sr Raphael and Sr Benedict (now 98).

Sr Raphael spoke recently of her memories of a secure, happy childhood and mentioned that her three brothers were sent, after primary school, to a boarding school run by the Holy Ghost Fathers as there were no suitable facilities in Hull at that time. The parents wished all their children to be educated in Catholic schools and were prepared to make sacrifices in order to achieve this.

Subsequently two brothers, Joseph and Thomas, became missionary priests, working in Africa. Thomas died in Mauritius but Fr Joe died only this summer aged 96. He was the oldest member of the English Province and had lived latterly in Bickley, Kent.

Of the seven girls, five entered religious life – three joining the Sisters of Charity and two the Sisters of Mercy – both of these now live in St Joseph’s Convent, Whitby. The oldest girl, Winifred, and the youngest, Bernadette, remained in Hull. Bernadette was cared for in her final years in St Catherine’s Home (Hull) and died there a few years ago. John married and his daughter now lives just outside York.

Sr Raphael taught for many years in the Hull area, first in St John’s, Beverley and then as Head of St Patrick’s School in Mill Street – a stone’s throw from Paragon Station and tucked away behind Hammond’s store.

She retired from teaching and moved to Crossbeck Convent in Normanby, Middlesbrough then to Alnwick. She visited the sick and elderly and even when she went to Whitby, she was well known for making friends as she sat overlooking the sea on her favourite bench.

It would be hard to find a more contented person. She sits at her window watching the activity on Tucker’s Field, the yachts and ships, the Abbey and the beautiful sunrises from her first floor bedroom.

Sr Raphael is the first of the ‘Endsleigh’ sisters to reach 100 so this event is worthy of special rejoicing.

The landmark 100 was a joyous occasion. We were delighted to have Mgr Gerard Dasey as chief celebrant for the Mass. Our community of 15 sisters were joined by many sisters from other parts of Yorkshire and a host of past and present staff and friends. As well as a beautiful card from the Queen, Sister received good wishes from the Pensions Service, The Secretary of State, and the priests of the Diocese. She had a most enjoyable day.