A DEVOUT order of Catholic nuns who have quietly followed their religious vocation for the last 40 years are to return to their native Holland.

The Carmelite Sisters, who are all past retirement age, will leave their convent on the outskirts of Blackburn next month (June) to continue their work in Boxmeer.

Sister Joan explained: "There are only three of us now, we are all getting on in years and the house is too big to keep."

The enclosed order of eight came to the town in 1956 at the request of the Marist Fathers - who believed Blackburn would be the ideal place to set up a convent.

They hoped to attract local girls into the vocation - but despite their efforts they were unsuccessful

The sisters, who only leave the convent in emergencies, have made a living by sewing vestments for priests and alter boys.

Sister Joan said: "We'll be sorry to go. We've made many friends and will miss our lovely house and gardens. We'll always keep the people of Blackburn in our prayers."

Marist father Kevin O'Neil, of Shear Bank Road, Blackburn, who with fellow priests has said Mass at the convent every day for 40 years, said: "They've been a very caring order and often made meals for homeless people."

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