Hallowe’en a disgrace
The 62-year-old, who spends her time talking to people on the streets and in pubs, supermarkets, hospitals and prisons to promote the Bible, says Hallowe’en is ruining children.
She said: “Stationery shops sell devil’s masks. They’re not selling angels. Hallowe’en has been made a devil-worshipping weekend and is ruining our children.
“It makes them very cruel, very selfish and very greedy. When they play trick or treat, they throw broken eggs all over your doorstep if you don’t give them something.” Sister Ruth, who was born in Burma and brought up in Birmingham, says response from people in Lewisham and Greenwich is generally good.
She said: “Black Africans around Lewisham are very warm and full of faith. They come up to me and hug the statue.
“The African children are fabulous and love to sing hymns on the bus.
“Greenwich people are very friendly. But Muslim fanatics swear at me and I tell them to go and live in a Muslim country rather than live on benefits.” With 30 countries left to cover, Sister Ruth calculates her mission will take another two years.
THIS IS LOCAL LONDON Sister Ruth has a globetrotting habit
A NUN who has spent 12 years travelling the world with a three foot statue of the Virgin Mary is spreading her message of faith in the borough.
Sister Ruth Augustus has visited 200 countries with the fibreglass statue and is currently staying in Edmonton as she completes the last leg of her UK tour.
She is spending her time talking to people on the streets and in pubs, shops, hospitals and nursing homes to promote the work of the Catholic Church and the Bible.
The 62-year-old, who grew up in Birmingham, is already familiar with the area. More than 30 years ago she worked for a children's charity in Winchmore Hill.
She said: "Edmonton is a very cultured place. I really want to get to know the area and the people. I stay in a place for as long as it takes.
"I like being in areas where there is great need. People tell me the most terrible stories, I listen and pray with them, as people get a lot of comfort from that.
Sister Augustus says public response from people of all faiths and backgrounds is generally good.
She was well received by prostitutes in the red light district of Amsterdam and has recently spent time praying with London firemen during the fire strikes.
She has feared for her own life on occasions during her travels. Her suitcases have been emptied in the street, threatened with jail, groped, pushed and verbally abused.
Despite the dangers, she still keeps going. With 20 countries left to cover Sister Augustus calculates that her mission will take another two years.
She added: "I have visited some very poor countries. It is heartbreaking to see the state of the world. People in Africa are dying of AIDS, and in the west people are becoming more and more materialistic.
"When I came back to England it is like another land. People take health care and education for granted, they seem to have little idea how people live.
"I do risk my life doing this, but my faith keeps me going. I feel I have a special duty to England."
11:19am Wednesday 18th December 2002 Privacy Policy © Copyright 2001-2004 Newsquest Media Group - A Gannett Company
By Adrian Kwintner
A CATHOLIC nun who has spent 16 years travelling the world with a 3ft statue of the Virgin Mary is warning children against the dangers of Hallowe’en devil masks.
Sister Ruth Augustus has visited 200 countries with the fibreglass statue and is currently touring Greenwich and Lewisham as she completes the last leg of her UK tour.
