Sister Ana woke at the call of her alarm. It was 7am - time to rise to thank God for another day.

Sister Evelyn needed to exit early, she did not baulk at early rising ever. She could be up and about from 5am. Dedicated to the convent, they say that when she was principal of the College, in the occasion of the absence of the cook, Sister Evelyn would be found in the kitchen in the early hours and be at her in the school on time. Today she remains an inspiration in her total commitment to caring for poor children. Nurses, musicians, ballet dancers and even a clown feel themselves privileged to assist her.

Child Development was formerly one of Sister Madalenas's great interests and still remains so. Talented in art, music and song, with a bent for meditation... so generous with her talents. By her generous gifts she is an asset to the community.

Sister Mary inculcates sound religious knowledge and practice - one would hope that her pupils would retain much of what they have learned. Sister Mary, a daily walker, has a flair for prose writing, is devoted to hand crafts, including crosswords, jigsaws, TV quizzes and is always impressively busy.

Shakespeare said that "some are born great, others achieve greatness while others have greatness thrust upon 'em". Now Sister Inès, a tireless, conscientious worker, seems to absorb all three. She easily spots whatever is amiss and has it set right; nor is she herself averse to using screwdriver, brush or mop.

It is to Sister Joanna that credit has to be given for continuous use of needle and thread, tatting, embroidery and crochet. Hand-stitching or machine-stitching, she is a marvel. Working to a deadline to raise funds for the sick and needy, her range of contacts is second only to that of Sir Bob Geldof.

If you do not require an expensive hand-embroidered towel à la Joanna but you want to buy a packet of safety pins or a table cloth, Sister Dominica will help you. Her former years of serious study stands her in good stead today as she keeps herself abreast of recent publications. Her range of travel knowledge - not only where best to go but how to get there- gives her a certain role in the community.

With that hearty laugh Sister Cecilia must have been born happy, with smiles for all. She shows empathy with pupils, parents, staff and Sisters alike.

Over the years many a one enjoyed the home baking and special Christmas fare of our community-devoted Sister Margarida. But it is due to her innate sense of proportion that Sister Margarida's greatly admired flower arrangements in the church easily raise the minds and hearts of those who come to pray there to the God of all Beauty and Order.

With her love for Literature Sister Gabriela could have been much in demand as a literary critic. Her precise interventions in discussions/debates keep them steady on. Today she operates out of a full schedule which includes Scripture/Liturgy studies and parish work.

You may not see her hurrying off with her lanthorn but the Sister with apparently boundless energy and goodwill, the one to call in times of minor crises, is Sister Catarina. Not alone is she alert to local needs but global issues, women's rights, prisoners of conscience, and human rights everywhere concern her. In this she is the watchdog of the community. She has taken her place just as easily in meetings with members of the hierarchy as she has with the community and others.

Sister Ana pondered on the giftedness of each one and bethought of Sister Eugenia. Yes that was it! Folklore, myth and history were served with her porridge in days long ago and that's for sure. Her ability to recall anecdotes and/or what she prefaces with 'This is really true', her ability to sing old songs and new hymns is outstanding. Her linguistic skills and generous nature takes care that she has no idle moment in the service of those inside or outside the community.

When Lucia asked Our Lady if she would take her to heaven, Our Lady responded, "You are to stay here some time longer". Sister Elsa reflected on her own religious/apostolic life which has been long and fruitful. With Sister Elsa in the community, both visitor and vagabond have always been assured of a welcome and an open heart.

The real life encounter of the Sisters is hidden with Christ in God. Their life of togetherness in Prayer, Scripture reflections and study, celebration and meals are the sine qua non of their gospel presence. Community life is one of the highest of God's gifts: "How good it is, how pleasant, when [sisters] live in unity" (Ps 133). None of this would be possible without the initial call, "Come, follow me". Personal prayer in seeking and following Christ has to be worked on day in day out. To know who Christ is, is a lifetime pursuit.

At the sound of the early pupils wafting to her from the playground, Sister Ana, like the apostles on that first Easter morning, hurried out.