The group were welcomed by the Carmelite nuns with refreshments, and the opportunity to chat about their enclosed religious life.

British Sign Language interpretation was undertaken by Helen Keedy, Catholic Care’s Communication Support Worker for the Deaf Community, by relatives of those taking part, and by a deaf person able to lipread. The group was joined by a lady with a vision impairment along with her partner and her trusted guide dog, as well as two Catholic Care employees: Michelle Vink (Community Team Manager) and Johan Bergström-Allen (Communications Manager) who lives in a cottage next to the monastery.

After lunch participants had the opportunity to walk around the beautiful grounds, to browse the nuns’ shop, or to pray in the chapel. Mass was celebrated by Fr. David Murray, Chaplain to the Deaf Community, who came over from Yeadon.