My sister Ann was born on 18th June 1941 and was baptised within a few days. For those who don't know, babies were baptised early then to wipe them of 'original sin' committed by Adam. Without the 'sacrament of baptism' they would be denied heaven.
I remember well our mother Sadie telling me that the Catholic priest who baptised Ann told them that if Ann died right then she would go straight to heaven. Mum said she told Dad that she thought the priest's remarks to be inappropriate at such a happy celebration. She told me that she hoped and expected Ann to live and take her chances. Ann grew up with certain beliefs at different stages of her life, all centred around decency and kindness. She ultimately made her choice to avoid the ministries of Catholic priests. We had many conversations about this over the years and Ann remained adamant about priests. This is just a little story starting with her mother's very early memories. Ann was a very kind and loyal sister who loved all her family dearly. She had so many friends, old and new who will have happy memories of her.
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