Sunderland singing nuns gain royal approval with hymn-singing Clap for Carers

Sunderland’s singing nuns have gained royal approval and national fame for their efforts in praising NHS and care workers.
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Singing sisters from the St Anthony’s Convent of Mercy in Thornhill have been entertaining their neighbours by leading a hymn singalong for the weekly Clap for Carers.

Now, they’ve proved a national hit after appearing on a video spearheaded by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

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On Thursday April 23, Prince William, Kate and their children George, Charlotte and Louis, led a live Clap for Carers for the Big Night In with Comic Relief.

The Sisters of Mercy at the St Anthony's Convent in Tunstall RoadThe Sisters of Mercy at the St Anthony's Convent in Tunstall Road
The Sisters of Mercy at the St Anthony's Convent in Tunstall Road

The footage, which was aired on BBC as well as on Kensington Palace’s Instagram account, featured live claps from around the country, including the Sisters of Mercy in Sunderland.

The nuns, who are all one household so can stand close to each other, have been drawing a well-spaced out crowd by performing hymns outside their convent in Tunstall Road each Thursday night at 8pm.

Neighbours have been joining in with lively renditions of He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands, This Little Light of Mine and Give Me Joy In My Heart.

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Speaking on behalf of all the Sisters of Mercy, Oaklea, Sr Josepha said: “We just want to stand in solidarity with all those working behind the scenes and the front line workers, all putting their lives at risk to save and help others.

The nuns have been gaining national attention for their effortsThe nuns have been gaining national attention for their efforts
The nuns have been gaining national attention for their efforts

“This crisis is bringing out the best in people in positive and creative ways, so we see this gesture as a way to reach out to others as members of the human family and world community.

“We want to bring a message of ‘thanks’ and ‘hope’ for a better future and if we can also make someone smile and let them know that we are holding them in our hearts and prayers then that brings us joy. Watch this space!”

It comes as the Echo is running its #actsofkindness campaign to highlight the amazing things people are doing to help others in their community.

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If you know someone who has done something great to help our communities, contact us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or email: [email protected].

The singing sisters have been spreading joy each Thursday night for Clap for CarersThe singing sisters have been spreading joy each Thursday night for Clap for Carers
The singing sisters have been spreading joy each Thursday night for Clap for Carers

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