‘May God be praised and thanked for all He did in her and for her… She was loving and faithful to Him unto death. God Grant we all follow her example’ - Mother Cecilia, first companion of Mary Potter
Venerable Mother Mary Potter was the Founder of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary Nottingham in 1877. Mary died in Rome in 1913 and her remains were re-interred to St Barnabas Cathedral in 1997.
Venerable Mary Potter was born in London in 1847 and grew up in a single parent family, after her faith William Norwood Potter left the marriage. As Mary grew older, and after a broken engagement to be married, she realised God was calling her to pray and be with the suffering and dying of the world, just as Mary the Mother of God was with Jesus on Calvary. The ‘inspiration’ became very strong and Mary knew she was called to commence a Religious Order devoted to pray for and care for the sick and dying. Mary understood suffering because of her own ill health from birth and her faith depend because of it.
Mary was advised to travel to Nottingham and meet Bishop Edward Bagshawe who helped her find a property for the first convent in Hyson Green, where she founded the Little Company of Mary Sisters in 1877. This first community not only prayer for the sick and dying, they also cared for them in their homes. This was the beginning go a new Mission and played an important part in the foundation of St Mary’s School and St Mary’s Parish in Hyson Green. The Congregation spread rapidly from England to Rome and through many countries across the world.
Mary Potter died in Rome on 9th April 1913 and her final resting place is now in St Barnabas Cathedral Nottingham, where in December 1997 her remains were translated from Rome.
Learn More About Mary Potter
At her tomb in the North ambulatory of the Cathedral there are a number of free books, prayer cards and materials for you to learn more about the life of Venerable Mary Potter.
The Mary Potter Heritage Centre was opened in 2010 by Bishop Malcolm McMahon and tells the story of Venerable Mary Potter and allows people to experience the Charism, spirituality and mission of the Little Company of Mary Sisters today and throughout history. The Centre is a two minute walk from the Cathedral (on 32 Regent Street) and all are welcome to make a pilgrimage to the Centre. Individual and group tours are by appointment and can be booked via the Centre. Please contact the Centre on 0115 950 5167 or via email [email protected]
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Cause for Canonisation
Mary was declared Venerable by Saint John Paul II on 8th February 1988. The Church recognised her heroic virtues as a woman of faith, hope and charity. Her life and writings continue to be a source of inspiration to many people today. Her cause for Beatification and Canonisation continues. Evidence of an authentic miracle is required before Mary Potter is beatified and another before she becomes a Saint (canonised). We encourage you to join in praying for her Beatification:
Prayer for the Beatification of Venerable Mary Potter
O God to whose glory the Little Company of Mary was founded by Venerable Mary Potter, grant that she may be beatified soon, so that her work and spirit may benefit still more, the suffering members of Jesus Christ. Amen
Mary Mother of the Church may this ardent apostle of your Maternal Heart be more widely known by special favours granted through her intercession.
(Here make your petition)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
IMPRIMATUR
+Patrick McKinney
Bishop of Nottingham, 3rd August 2018
For further information or to report favours and graces received, please write to:
The Vice Postulator
Little Company of Mary Sisters
Mary Potter Heritage Centre
32 Regent Street
Nottingham NG1 5BT
Email: [email protected]