Praise for the huge part played by Religious in the World Meeting of Families in Ireland
Sr Liz Murphy with Niall O’Shea, seconded by Bank of Ireland to WMOF for 2 years
A Bank of Ireland senior executive, who was seconded as head of financial development for the World Meeting of Families in Dublin, has heaped praise on the many religious communities who backed the event financially as well as individual religious who gave their time and support as volunteers. Niall O’Shea, who was released by the Bank of Ireland to assist the organisers raise tens of millions in funding said: “The religious congregations were involved and enthused about WMOF2018 from the beginning of preparations. From their profiling of the WMOF2018 as part of the various publications published and edited by Irish religious, there was a commitment to the work we were doing.”
The acknowledgement is echoed by Sr Liz Murphy RSM, Secretary General of AMRI (the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland), who was instrumental in drawing in religious as the preparations took shape, after attending an early meeting of the organisers in May last year. Sr Liz recalls: “I felt, where are all of the religious in all of this?” Sr Liz subsequently invited congregational leaders, provincial leaders and bursars to come together and find out for themselves about the visit and how they could contribute directly to the costs. “I kept putting people in touch with Niall O’Shea!” she laughed..
A contemplative Sister rejoices in getting her ticket for the Papal Mass
Sr Liz is also joyful about the fact that Irish contemplatives were drawn into the preparations by receiving prayer requests which had been handed in by people who viewed the specially created icon that toured Ireland over the past year. Joy, as well, that “loads of contemplatives” turned up at the RDS as well as at the Papal Mass at Phoenix Park.
The Redemptoristine Sisters in Dublin played a central role in the writing of the icon and from time to time they took it home to refresh and touch up during its mammoth tour of each of the 26 dioceses in Ireland as well as a trip to Rome. Said Niall O’Shea: “You cannot talk about the WMOF2018 without mentioning the Redemptoristine Sisters in the same breath.” (view the video on www.corew.org).
He also is deeply grateful that many of those who signed on as volunteers for the event were members of religious congregations: “They worked with us on all the local and national preparations for WMOF2018. They are too many to mention one by one. They worked with us before and during our events, doing general volunteering, singing in the choirs, making themselves available to hear confessions at the larger WMOF2018 events, making themselves available as media volunteers to offer commentary on the events........ Members of religious congregations were the heart and soul of many of our volunteer teams.”
At the WMOF2018 Pastoral Congress there were many members of religious congregations on panels and taking part in discussions. They were visible at the daily celebration of the Eucharist and on the campus where, several times, they were spotted sitting with attendees in quiet moments of prayer and reflection. Some of the high profile speakers were members of religious congregations too.
Cardinal Nichols visiting the AMRI exhibition stand
Niall recalls how “several members of the media commented on the visibility of male and female members of religious congregations, with one commentator describing the Festival of Families playfully as ‘Electric Picnic for Nuns!’ But the impact of this visibility of religious is something not to be underestimated argues Niall: “Our events were largely attended by families. It is in families that the seeds of vocations are sown and therefore the visibility and availability of so many religious at our events is something to be encouraged in terms of fostering conversations about vocations [and vocations themselves] to priesthood and religious life.”
Laudato Si' garden in Dublin
The ‘Our Common Home’ project was a key component of the WMOF2018, offering information on ways that everyone can help to care for the environment: “A religious congregation across the road from the main Pastoral Congress complex gave over some space in their grounds for us to construct a beautiful Laudato Si’ Garden. This was one of the most visited aspects of the WMOF2018 Pastoral Congress and it is something that was welcomed with open arms by the congregation” reflects Niall. He also notes: “The Communion Hosts for both the RDS Pastoral Congress and the WMOF2018 closing Mass were manufactured and gifted by two religious congregations to the event. The Glencairn Sisters gave the hosts for the Pastoral Congress and the Redemptoristine Sisters gave the hosts for the closing Mass.”
Prior Provincial, Fr Gregory Caroll OP, Archbishop Michael Neary, Fr Bernard Treacy OP
A Dominican who was present at the RDS, Fr Bernard Treacy OP, Director of Dominican Publications (pictured to the right) commented: “The visible presence of so many religious alongside families, specially at the Pastoral Congress, made visible that the whole family of the church was committed to celebrating the Gospel of the Family.”
Another aspect of the gathering was a pilgrim walk through Dublin; of the seven churches involved, four were attached to religious communities: Carmelite, Discalced Carmelite, Dominican & Jesuit, and another is a parish staffed by the Capuchins, from the same community that Pope Francis visited.
Looking back on all the months of preparations, Niall O’Shea says it’s important, aside from all the practical arrangements that religious were involved with, to not forget one other crucial aspect: “There was a huge programme of prayer that was undertaken for almost a whole year by the religious communities throughout Ireland. “
Religious urged to apply for key role with CoR
Staff who have worked over the years with the outgoing General Secretary, Brother James Boner OFM Cap, were invited to join the Executive for a farewell lunch in August. CoR President, Fr Paul Smyth, in a message to members of the Conference of Religious commented: “The occasion provided us with the opportunity to express on your behalf our gratitude and make a small presentation for his sterling years of service to our membership.”
Brother James explained to members: “I was re-elected as the Provincial of the Capuchin Franciscans last September. I am also involved with my Order at an international level as a project manager and visitator on finances. I have found it increasingly difficult to give the time and energy to my role as General Secretary whilst fulfilling my other positions.” He also added: “I have learned so much from you as members – much more than I have given to you.”
The search for a new General Secretary is underway. Full details can be found on the CoR website and the closing date is September 10th. Fr Paul Smyth urged Congregations to be generous in their response: “I would encourage you to see this as an opportunity for a Congregation to engage in a salaried ministry in which their member is going to have access to resources that will benefit their own congregation for years to come as we continue to develop ways of responding to the legal demands that are placed on us.”
Looking back over his time in the role, Brother James offered this reflection: “It has been quite a learning experience these last four years, I have been so fortunate to be in this position of trust. This has given me a wide appreciation of the depth of work that the members are involved in and your continued dedication to the marginalised and those without a voice. I know that there are many challenges that lie ahead with the reduction of our membership and the increased legislation that we are all faced with on a daily basis. However, it is in our weakness that we find strength with one another. I leave with sadness, but know that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us all in His ways.“
Conference of Religious calls for action to tackle abuse
Conference of Religious recent AGM
Statement from Executive of CoR:
The Conference of Religious of England and Wales (CoR) shares in the profound shock and sadness that continues to arise as we are confronted by information about the sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy and people in positions of responsibility in Catholic institutions. Church authorities must take action to end a culture of silence, hold abusers accountable, and provide support to those abused.
In recent weeks we have been confronted by cases of the abuse of power against vulnerable adults and children in America, Catholic Sisters in different parts of the world, and closer to home with the reports generated by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) that has been looking at educational institutions run by the Benedictines.
We agree with Pope Francis that “looking back to the past, no effort to beg pardon and to seek to repair the harm done will ever be sufficient. Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening, but also to prevent the possibility of their being covered up and perpetuated.”
Despite the work done in recent decades to create a safe environment within our church institutions, our members are horrified by the accounts that have been reported and we stand in agreement with all those demanding the end of a culture both within the church and in wider society that ignores or tolerates sexual abuse of any other adult or minor perpetrated by those in positions of trust. We are concerned that a desire to protect the Church has at times erroneously limited the ‘Church’ to mean the power and status enjoyed by the hierarchy. In reality, this leads to the perpetuation of the suffering of the Church - manifest in the victims of abuse, who in reality are themselves the Church - the body of Christ - in need of our protection.
We thank all those members of the Church throughout the world, who, at great risk, have spoken publicly about the abuse they have experienced within Church institutions. We stand with all those countless Priests, Sisters and Brothers who, while horrified by the actions of this significant minority of their companions, continue to faithfully strive to build God’s Kingdom, treating those they work with, with respect and justice.
No slowing down, at 81, for Sister Lucy
Every weekday morning, Sr Lucy Dunne makes her way to a supermarket, to stock up on fresh produce for Cornerstone, the Manchester day centre for the homeless that she has run for sixteen years. Until very recently, she would also be found every day stirring the vast pots of food, helping to serve up 200 lunches. Sr Lucy, of the Franciscan Missionaries of St Joseph, looks back with great satisfaction on having been able to help many people in need: “Over the years, I’ve enjoyed cooking very much. Nobody who comes here goes without a meal. A hot meal is very important to the people who come to us.”
Sr Lucy is a keen cook
Each weekday, breakfast is served, then lunch and the Centre has now expanded its support for the vulnerable, by offering showers & laundry provision, haircuts, eyetests and educational classes, including English for asylum seekers and refugees. Uniquely, it also offers temporary accommodation in portacabins which have been donated by a construction company. These ‘pods’ now sleep 24 people nightly in addition to the emergency bedding that is available inside the Centre.
Sr Lucy is saddened that all this is necessary in a prosperous city, but is heartened by the outpouring of goodwill from all the volunteers who support her: “Unfortunately it seems that the need continues to grow greater than ever and so we must continue to ask the Lord to continue to bless us in our work each day.”
The idea of helping the growing number of single adults adrift on the city streets came from a local priest 27 years ago, who enlisted the support of Sr Pauline Gaughan, who initially opened a small café offering sandwiches and drinks. Sr Lucy comments: “The apostolic drive of the Daughters of Charity, particularly Sr Pauline and the inspiration of the Divine Word, elaborated in Chapter 25 of St Matthew’s Gospel, turned the half sheet of foolscap into a living and breathing mission, within a matter of months.”
Builders' portacabins turned sleeping pods
In recent years Sr Lucy has noticed an increase in asylum seekers and refugees who arrive in great need: “These people are really destitute, they are entitled to nothing. We’re trying to make life a bit easier for them.” A barber from Syria, who originally turned to Cornerstone for help, is one of those who now volunteers his services weekly.
Of society in general, Sr Lucy notes that compared to when she started at the Centre, food poverty is now an issue and not just for the homeless: “There were no such things as foodbanks 16 years ago. Families are needing them now – the working poor. In addition the delays in processing benefit payments have created a lot of difficulties for some.” She also laments the availability of cheap drugs: “The latest one that’s around has been making people ill and some have died. It destroys people.”
Sr Lucy has been described as “like a mother to all who come to Cornerstone.” She focusses these days on spending time talking to clients and befriending them individually: “They see this as a safe place to be, a bit like having a family. When they come in, I get their life story and an account of how they arrived to be where they are. People of any age group can encounter problems.”
Turning her thoughts to the future, Sr Lucy is looking forward to staying put: “I enjoy being here, wandering around in the background. I keep an eye out for any clients who might be looking a bit lost. Faith is the basis of what we do: Jesus wants us to look after the poor and downcast. The Lord will let me know when it’s time to stop.”
On a mission to re-open a derelict church in the heart of multicultural Bradford
Fr Gabriel is full of joy at what lies ahead for St Patrick’s: “It will be a great day when we can gather around the altar again; this church used to be packed on a Sunday and I think it could be again.”
Fr Gabriel in Italy
A Bradford based Franciscan Friar has just completed a walk from Florence to Assisi in fundraising efforts to transform a disused Church in the heart of Bradford into a centre for a renewal of faith in the diocese.
Fr Gabriel Kyte, of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, expresses delight that thanks to an ongoing renovation project, St Patrick’s Church has recently acquired a new roof. Bishop Marcus Stock, who's a strong supporter of the Friars' efforts to re-introduce Catholic worship to the city centre, is to visit on St Patrick's day in March for an opening Mass and dedication. Celebrating Mass there last March, in the middle of the building work, Bishop Stock commented: "This place looked tired, now it is going to be beautiful again. We are not just going to step back into the darkness quietly."
St Patrick’s was built in 1853, with a loyal Irish immigrant congregation, but now has just four Catholics living within the parish boundaries. “It’s a beautiful church and will be a hub for Bradford. We hope it will become a place where people can reconnect with their family roots from previous generations and also renew their faith,” said Fr Gabriel. Describing how the church was built "brick by brick" by Irish immigrants, he cites frequent comments from people that their grandparents were baptised in the church: “We feel like we’re carrying a legacy forward; the Irish started this off. We want to carry forward that heroic and generous spirit and bring Christ to people.”
Fr Gabriel’s walk in Italy was followed by taking part in the Three Peak Challenge in the north of England with a group of supporters, to raise money. He is delighted that one of the participants was a former addict who turned his life around with the help of the Friars. Not only that, but the man also raised the most funds of the participants and finished first, in nine-and-a-half hours: “He was ecstatic when he finished the walk, saying he'd never been so happy in his whole life. He was literally dancing with joy!”
The Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal was founded in the Bronx, in New York. Up at dawn, the Friars pray for at least five hours a day and renounce all worldly goods. Since they arrived in Bradford thirteen years ago St Patrick’s has become a magnet for the most vulnerable. “From day one we have been operating a soup kitchen and we were struck by the poverty in the area; we want to share our faith and show the vitality of the Catholic faith” reflects Fr Gabriel.
The Friars moved in to a former Convent near the Church which was previously occupied for nearly 100 years by the Sisters of the Holy Cross and Passion. The Friars founded St Pio Friary there and rely solely on donations to keep the soup kitchen going and for the renovation project. They’re not daunted by the challenge they’ve taken on, describing the rejuvenation of St Patrick’s as an “Easter story;” their mission was featured in a BBC documentary last year.
The local area has changed massively in recent decades. The original Irish club adjacent to the church is now in use by the Sikh community and there are mosques opposite and behind the church.
Fr Gabriel is full of joy at what lies ahead for St Patrick’s: “It will be a great day when we can gather around the altar again; this church used to be packed on a Sunday and I think it could be again.”
For details of how to support fundraising, visit:
https://www.stpatricksmission.co.uk/
A sanctuary in Birmingham for people with nothing
Religious Sister laments “increasingly hostile” environment for asylum seekers & refugees
Sister Margaret Walsh IJS, who runs a drop in centre in Birmingham for newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers, St Chad’s Sanctuary, says she has observed that the environment they arrive into “is much more hostile now” compared to when the project began eight years ago. Describing it as “very upsetting” Sr Margaret says that the hopes of those who arrive in the UK tend to be bitterly dashed: “These people have struggled for months or even years to get here. When you first meet them, they’re so relieved and excited, but gradually they get worn down by the system. There seems to be a deliberate policy to make the process of applying for asylum so unattractive in order to put people off. They come thinking it’s the promised land and end up so crushed and defeated. That’s the hard thing for us – holding the dream with them.”
Sister Margaret recalls how St Chad’s Sanctuary came into being: “I got a very strong feeling that there needed to be a place in Birmingham offering hospitality to asylum seekers, especially those who no longer had recourse to public funds; they came for help to the Refugee Council which, at that time, was located very close to St. Chad's Cathedral. When they got that dreaded letter from the Home Office giving them a negative decision, they went into the city in the early morning, usually on foot and lined up outside the building 'til the doors opened at 9.30. They stood there no matter what the weather; if they took shelter under a nearby bridge they lost their place in the queue. They were finally given an appointment for later on in the day. In the meantime, most had nowhere to go but continued to wait along the street, often with young children. The Salvation Army gave us the use of a place which is located behind the Cathedral and we named it St. Chad's Sanctuary. Since then, this building has seen some action! At least 120 nationalities have been welcomed - most speaking different languages and few speaking English.”
Queues form every day outside the Sanctuary. The people often arrive initially into an immigration hostel in the city – with nothing. They are then directed to St Chad’s and they cross the city on foot in need of help. Says Sr Margaret: “Many are asylum seekers who have recently arrived from situations of great violence and persecution. The majority are from Sudan, Iran and Eritrea. Some are still wearing the clothes they wore during their long and often dangerous journey to Britain. They really are the picture of misery, often made worse by our seasonal weather when they walk from the immigration hostel to the Sanctuary, sometimes carrying young children, a journey of 45 minutes – when they know the way!”
St. Chad's Sanctuary relies on donations, both financial and practical, from the local community - individuals, parishes and schools as well as the efforts of more than 100 volunteers, who Sr Margaret pays tribute to: “Since we began recording, we have given out nearly 12,000 pairs of jeans, over 10,202 pairs of shoes and about 34,000 tins of fish and 19,550 kgs of rice, 5,590 bottles of shampoo and 6,270 toothbrushes! The hard work of shifting, lifting, sorting, distributing clothes and registering refugees is done by volunteers. At the moment about 150 people visit each week for practical items and a further 170 for English Language classes a few times a week. Most do not speak English and are eager to learn in order to make their way in Britain and as a step towards finding work when they are allowed to do so. More than we can accommodate arrive each day, so they have to wait outside until we have space – we pass out stools they can sit on and large umbrellas when it rains! It is particularly difficult and challenging when several mothers arrive with pushchairs and young children. Most people who come to us are either completely destitute or are surviving on about £5 a day - a return bus fare would cost £4.40. Many walk several miles to get to us. They are used to walking but it is particularly difficult when it is raining or cold and especially when they haven’t got suitable clothing or footwear. They arrive at our door dripping wet and shivering. Needless to say, they often have coughs and colds. We try to give bus passes to those who have to walk farthest and we also have a bicycle project.”
The top floor of the building is given over entirely to donated racks of clothes where people can go and select items. Sr Margaret adds: “The Latin for destitute translates as ‘abandoned’ and this is much closer to their reality. In fact, I believe that they are the most ignored and nameless people in our society. We continue to be amazed by their resilience in the face of so much hopelessness since they have very little hope of anything better anytime soon. Life and its opportunities are just passing them by. Yet we are constantly humbled by their graciousness and their strong faith and trust in a loving God. ‘Inshallah’ is a word we have come to know very well at St. Chad’s Sanctuary.”
The practical difficulty of teaching English from scratch is hard. “It can be very challenging work because in the same group we may well have students who have never been to school and others who have university degrees and a lot of professional experience. They are always very kind and helpful towards one another and that makes our task much easier.”
Many who arrive are professionally qualified in their own countries: “Just this morning I was helping a pilot who turned up,” said Sr Margaret. “We frequently have doctors, dentists and pharmacists.” Another community project Sr Margaret established in the Midlands, Brushstrokes, has a programme to help suitably qualified overseas healthcare professionals find work in the UK and Sr Margaret frequently refers people who turn up at her door to Brushstrokes, which has now been going nearly twenty years and supports asylum seekers, refugees and newcomers from over 65 countries.
At St Chad’s Sanctuary, Sr Margaret, now in her seventies, is still the full time, voluntary manager. She is very glad of the support of other religious, with six different Congregations currently involved : “They are brilliant volunteers, completely committed. I love to see religious turn up, with their reliability and commitment.” A new aspect of the Sanctuary’s work, which began a couple of months ago, is helping to educate the children of those who arrive. Many struggle to find places in city schools or their families are stuck in temporary accommodation making it difficult to secure a place.
The Sanctuary winds down slightly in August, to give volunteers time off. But when asked if she would also get a break, Sr Margaret is hesitant: “I’m not too sure at the moment. Things are still busy. The building next door is being converted into luxury flats and there will be a lot going on around here in the coming weeks.” She is not holding out hope of being able to retire anytime soon.
The irony of luxury flats going up next to the place where the most destitute in the city flock, leaves Sr Margaret unashamed to say what she needs: “There is always space in our bank account. We are struggling to get core funding, to cover our basic running costs and we are facing refusal after refusal. The bills need to be paid and we can’t get in the big money that we really need.”
“We sometimes only see people once or twice because they are frequently moved to elsewhere in the country or may have been deported: the hostile environment!” Reflecting on the encounters she has had over the years at the Sanctuary: “They are the most heart-broken people I have ever met. Not only are they grieving for their families and homelands but they are totally bewildered in a country and a culture so different from their own. Not understanding what they are saying may seem an insurmountable obstacle but communicating with the heart is the same in every language. More than anything, they need to be met with compassion and with a deep respect for their dignity as human beings….. As time goes on, we are welcoming back those we helped in the early days and many are now volunteers at the Sanctuary. They often tell us that we are their only family in the UK. When I started this work they used to call me Mother; now it is Grandma! Always they want to give a helping hand. They are full of gratitude. It is very humbling to be part of their journey.”
For more details, visit: http://www.stchadssanctuary.com/
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you made me welcome, lacking clothes and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me.” Matt 25; 35
Religious life and the digital sphere
“Studying new ways and means to communicate the Gospel of mercy to all people, in the heart of different cultures, through the media that the new digital cultural context makes available to our contemporaries is something that is “very much in my heart.” (Pope Francis).
Pope Francis has called the internet, text messages and social networks ‘a gift from God’ and the Conference of Religious, in line with its strategic objective to have a more visible presence and a stronger voice, has launched social media accounts and redesigned its website. Through Twitter and also Instagram (- a photograph and video sharing social network), the mission of religious communities in England and Wales will be highlighted and promoted. This redesigned homepage aims to be a showcase of the work of religious and allow individual religious to share their thoughts in the newly created ‘blog’ section.
The power of these new methods of communication can be seen in Pope Francis’ engagement with the digital sphere. On Instagram, he has 5.7 million followers. His @Pontifex Twitter accounts have reached more than 40 million followers in nine different languages. The Vatican Secretariat for Communication has described the accounts as an essential way for Pope Francis to personally connect with people around the world: “Every day, through his tweets, Pope Francis makes himself available to men and women through social media, at times offering a spiritual thought,” the Secretariat has said, “other times sharing with his followers a reflection on events of great significance for the international community.” For instance, at the launch of his environmental encyclical, Laudato Si’, Pope Francis sent out nearly two dozen tweets over six days, calling for immediate action on climate change – with the notably pithy tweet, warning that the earth was beginning to "look more and more like an immense pile of filth."
In a message for the World Day of Communications Pope Francis said : “The internet can be used wisely to build a society which is healthy and open to sharing. Communication, wherever and however it takes place, has opened up broader horizons for many people. This is a gift of God which involves a great responsibility. I like to refer to this power of communication as “closeness”. The encounter between communication and mercy will be fruitful to the degree that it generates a closeness which cares, comforts, heals, accompanies and celebrates. In a broken, fragmented and polarised world, to communicate with mercy means to help create a healthy, free and fraternal closeness between the children of God and all our brothers and sisters in the one human family.”
A Redemptorist, Fr Biju Madathikunnel, CSsR, recently offered a reflection on the significance of digital communication for religious: “As we know the culture of our time is digital and religious life must deal with this reality, to take advantage of the good it bears and to learn how to manage the risks and challenges that it poses……There is no doubt that the great changes that we witness today are reshaping our religious life. We are being changed sometimes even without our conscious knowledge. The way we live our religious life, the way we express our faith, the way we engage in ministry, the way we interact with each other etc., are all changed in a couple of decades.”
Referring to the generational gap within the use of technology, he says this can impact on religious life, for example, between formators and students: “Very often young people are smarter than their parents and mentors, because of their skill to adapt to new technology.”
Noting that Pope Francis has said the internet can be used to reach the “peripheries of human existence, ” Fr Biju says religious should think seriously about this reality of digital culture and how it can enhance mission: “It is the responsibility of the Church to reflect together how we can use the media to reach out to the most abandoned and poor. We the Redemptorists have a specific mission to reach out to the peripheries of the world. However, more than ever we need to think about it in a different way in the context of the technological developments and new means of communication.”
At a recent gathering of Redemptorists in Rome, a talk on ‘the Church in Digital Culture’ was given by Bishop Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture. Bishop Tighe was involved in the launch of the @pontifex twitter handle that was created for Pope Benedict and subsequently used so successfully by Pope Francis; he argues strongly that it is important for people in the Church to recognise how the digital environment functions and to see it as a new continent for evangelisation: “The Church, Institutes of the Church and individual believers have complete entitlement to be part of the digital environment. If we’re there, we should be there in the first place as good citizens, as people who see the potential in social media to actually build up the sense of the unity of the human family; who see the potential in social media to create good conversations across distances and across times and across cultures. We need to be first and foremost people who are able to be there credibly and with a certain respect for other people and only then will there be a credibility about our presence as believers.”
Arguing that those of faith need to have a “thoughtful presence” on the internet, he said there were challenges and opportunities for religious congregations: “One of the things some religious orders are looking at, in terms of their own particular charism - for instance if they have a charism towards education, is : how do we educate online? How do we actually, faithfully continue what were our priorities in education, or in healthcare or in social services, through an online presence. How do we support people, how do we advise, how do we care in a ‘different’ environment?”
Addressing the challenge for formation, Bishop Tighe reflected on his previous experience of teaching in seminary, when new candidates were “walled in” and separated off from society and how that is now gone: “People who are coming in to formation nowadays are thoroughly digitalised….people will continue to be connected to previous lives, previous work, previous ideas. We shouldn’t fight that, we should embrace that. We need to talk to people about their use of and engagement with social media, to understand how they’re developing at the human level.”
He added that spiritual formation can also flourish with the aid of the internet: “To be spiritual does not necessarily mean to have to come offline. There are resources that build peoples’ spirituality through an online presence.”
Conference of Religious on Twitter: @OfReligious
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Poor Clares on the move – along with their deceased Sisters
Photo: Beth Hughes
A community of nuns in rural Wales have just held a public auction of many of their monastery’s belongings as they await an imminent move which will see them exchange a rural lifestyle for city living. The Poor Clare Colettine Community has been in Hawarden for ninety years but in the face of mounting bills to restore and maintain their property they have discerned that the time is right to move to a Poor Clare community attached to a parish in Nottingham. The sale of their belongings, in June, was billed as a “unique, unrepeatable, amateur auction of ancient furniture, doubtful works of art, nunny junk, cloistered clutter, flotsam, jetsam, slightly off-white elephants and really useful odds and ends."
Flyer for "unique, unrepeatable" auction
Thirteen sisters will be setting off from Wales over the summer to join four sisters in Nottingham. An extraordinary aspect of the move is that they are also planning to disinter the 18 sisters in their cemetery for reburial in Nottingham. Speaking from the convent in Hawarden, Mother Damian was adamant that had to happen: “As a community we asked, ‘will we take the cemetery with us?’ Of course we will, we wouldn’t dream of leaving them here was the reply!” They have applied to the Home Office to get a license and are awaiting the disinterment, which will involve the convent’s cemetery being cordoned off and the remains being moved by hearse. Mother Damian explains: “Our cemetery is very special; they were the founding Sisters of this house. The cemetery is very much part of our lives. Many young sisters, when they first come here, walk into the gardens and then to the cemetery and spend a long time there in prayer.”
There is sadness at their departure from Hawarden and Mother Damian acknowledges that many local people have wondered why it has to happen. “We’ve had a wonderful life in Hawarden but we’ve come to realise that we can’t cope with the size of the property. The grounds are big but the infirmary is too small. Our boiler needs to be replaced and there is other major structural work to be tackled. The house is also full of stairs; we can see it will be harder for us here in five years, so we are looking to the future.”
They initially contacted the local bishop to see if he could assist in helping them find a new property. But then, after a visit to the community in Nottingham, the idea of moving suddenly took root. “We’d had contact with the Poor Clares in Nottingham for many years but it never entered my head that we would ever go there!” Mother Damian said. After praying about it, she offered the idea to her community in a vote and everyone said yes. She now has a “sense of peace” about the relocation and describes the move as like two hands joining: “We’ve never all lived together before. Like any merger, it’s bound to have its teething problems. But both parties are looking forward to the challenge. This is a new adventure, a new pilgrimage. God is setting us out to do something different. Each day we pray that God will bless this venture. But it’s not easy. I’m sure there will be many tears before it’s over!”
Mother Damian has lived in Hawarden since 1982 and believes the fact that the community never intended to go to Nottingham means that the sudden opportunity that has arisen is a gift from God. Alterations are being made to the property in Nottingham and the minute the builder gives the green light, the thirteen Sisters will be off: “God has given us an invitation and we have accepted.”
The deceased sisters will be reburied in the grounds of the Nottingham monastery. “They are a part of our community. They’re our roots; if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have been here in Hawarden all these years.”
Plight of asylum seekers raised as a key concern
The Conference of Religious has added its voice to concerns expressed by Cardinal Nichols about the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK.
The Conference of Religious has added its voice to concerns expressed by Cardinal Nichols about the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK.
Speaking after a visit to the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), the Cardinal described the UK government's treatment of asylum seekers as "a shame on our country". After spending time listening to their stories he said, "If you're here for 10 years and you can't have a residence, you can't study, you can't work, you have no income, it’s as if you are being told you are a 'non-person', and it’s that darkness that we have listened to.”
His criticism echoes comments made by a number of Major Superiors at the recent annual general meeting of the Conference of Religious. Divided into groups to discuss the challenges religious are being called upon to tackle, the plight of asylum seekers was raised as a key concern, particularly by those who are regular visitors to detention centres. One Sister who is a skilled linguist thanks to years spent on overseas mission, described the “hostile environment” and “disbelief” about conditions, saying it “would break your heart.” Working with women who are the victims of violence, she says that after arriving in the UK they are traumatised again: “It’s very terrible that we as a country are doing this. I realise the UK can’t be the social worker of the whole world, but there must be a better way.”
“For these people, it seems like the system is out to not believe you ; it’s like you are guilty until proved innocent.” She assists women in basic care needs like writing notes on their behalf if they need to communicate with a doctor or lawyer. Arguing the case to give asylum seekers the right to work, she says both sides would benefit: “For many this process goes on for years and years. It’s such a loss of human potential. People say they want to contribute and pay taxes. The government would benefit as it would know exactly who and where these people are.”
Recalling the conversation at the Conference of Religious annual general meeting she said: “We all felt very passionately about this. In a prison, if you’ve committed a crime, you have a sentence. But these people don’t know how long they will be in there for or whether they’ll be sent back. It’s hugely stressful and some of them suffer illnesses due to the sheer stress.”
Sr Marie McDonald, of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, echoed those concerns: “The way asylum seekers and refugees are being treated is cruelly inhumane and a disgrace to U.K. The detention centres closely resemble prisons. Among other injustices they are not allowed to take on paid employment, rent accommodation, access free health care. As a result they are forced to depend on family or friends for shelter and many are sleeping rough. Landlords and employers risk being fined/imprisoned if they rent or employ an asylum seeker. The process to be given the right to remain here can last for years... Even when it is granted the Home Office can and does appeal against it which prolongs the agony even longer. These people have had to flee their countries and all that was familiar to them. They have spent months on horrific journeys across deserts and seas and finally when they reach here they discover that everything has been organised to make their life a living hell.”
On Thursday, after his meeting with refugees, Cardinal Vincent reflected : "I think being in this Jesuit Refugee [Service] Centre, is like just having a tiny light that allows you to see into the deep darkness of people's lives who are here in this kind of twilight world, and what we've heard this afternoon is how deep that darkness is. And in a way how deliberately that darkness is created, in a deeply mistaken sense that treating people this badly will prevent others seeking sanctuary in this country." In a podcast, he added: "I heard heart-rending, terrible stories of the way some people have been treated … we seem to have a system in place that obviously has to deal with some very difficult cases, some hard cases, but it seems to deal with all cases in a very hard manner. And it can't be right, it cannot be right, that a person is left in this limbo, this no-man's land, for 10 or more years in a country as sophisticated and as affluent as ours."
Sudan project offers model of collaboration for Congregations
Solidarity with South Sudan
Fr Paul Smyth, back row, centre
The President of the Conference of Religious of England and Wales, Fr Paul Smyth, who is also President of the project ‘Solidarity with South Sudan’ - which has communities based in South Sudan made up of members from 19 different Congregations - has called on religious communities in the UK to copy this model of collaboration, in the face of emerging problems.
Fr Paul, a Claretian missionary, speaking just after returning from a two week visit to South Sudan, said the sharing of resources and personnel has allowed institutes and responses to be created that no single congregation would be in a position to provide – which can benefit those most in need and enhance the work of religious communities in alleviating suffering. He’s been involved in the South Sudan initiative since 2009. It was set up in response to an invitation from the Catholic Bishops of Southern Sudan and inspired by the 2004 Rome Congress on Consecrated Life, ‘Passion for Christ, Passion for Humanity.’
‘Solidarity with South Sudan’ has the objective of helping this country established in 2011, to rebuild after years of civil war. Its mission is empowerment and sustainability. It trains local people to become teachers, nurses & midwives as well as pastoral workers and catechists to support those traumatised by the conflict. In addition, there’s an agricultural project to produce food and re-introduce farming skills that have been lost due to people being displaced from their land and homes.
Thirty-two members of Religious Congregations from 18 countries and a diverse range of cultures live and work together: “The project is a sign of the work all religious are being called upon to do – to work together to respond to new needs coming up in our world and to share our resources” said Fr Paul. “It’s about allowing the differences we have to strengthen us. That should be a feature of all of us. For instance in the big multicultural parish I run in London we have to see how the mix can enrich us. The South Sudan project is one aspect of a pattern of other parts of my life.” He draws a parallel with the Conference of Religious, which draws together the Major Superiors of more than four hundred Congregations in England and Wales: “COR acts to foster collaboration amongst a large range of individuals and to encourage networking and shared responses.”
This approach is exemplified in the existence of the Medaille Trust, which was formed out of a conversation some 12 years ago at the annual general meeting of the Conference of Religious. Provincial Sr. Jane Maltby whose Congregation the Society of the Sacred Heart has gifted a large house in west London to the Medaille Trust recalls the origins: “Congregations came together over their concern about women and men who have been trafficked to England, and how to support them after they have been released. The Medaille Trust was a direct outcome of this and is supported financially by a large number of Congregations, some of whom have gifted a property to the Trust. The Medaille is now one of the single biggest providers of care for individuals who have been trafficked into the UK.”
Fr Paul adds: “Because of the Trust’s inclusivity of people of all or no faith, many whose lives are touched by its work may well be unaware of its origins. As a religious myself and the President of the Conference of Religious, the fruits of that meeting all those years ago is a living parable. A parable of what can happen when people of faith take the time to come together and support each other in looking at issues whose complexity tends to leave us individually feeling overwhelmed.”
The building of bridges is exemplified, he says, in the two Institutes that are being developed in South Sudan, for education and healthcare; a governance structure is being developed that builds on differences: “Both Institutes have people from the different states and tribes studying together. One of the country’s problems is the lack of social cohesion so the fact that we can show people working together is a sign of hope. People have expressed gratitude for that.”
Tributes pour in for British Loreto nun on being awarded MBE
Sr Imelda is President of RENATE
Sr Imelda Poole IBVM has described receiving her award in the Queen’s Birthday Honours as a “really great recognition” of the work being done by Religious in the field of anti-trafficking and an acknowledgement of the challenging work many “humble and hidden” people are involved in. Speaking from her base in Albania, Sr Imelda said becoming MBE still hasn’t hit home and she has been flooded by countless emails and by people constantly talking about it – “but I’m just ordinary me, getting on with a job!”
The award was given for her achievements and services to end modern slavery. Sr Imelda heads up a network of European Religious fighting trafficking and exploitation - RENATE. She became President of RENATE after more than 11 years working in Albania where the IBVM founded an NGO called Mary Ward Loreto.
Sr Imelda has been overwhelmed by the response from Religious involved in anti-trafficking globally and said that the award actually honours all the people involved in this work, noting that Sisters around the globe are involved in the struggle to fight traffickers: “despite the difficulty, they carry on as each human being is worth a lifetime’s work.”
Tributes have poured in following the announcement of the award. The British Ambassador to the Holy See, Sally Axworthy, expressed delight: “It is well-deserved recognition of Sr Imelda’s outstanding service in combatting human trafficking and modern slavery, through the European religious sisters’ anti-trafficking network RENATE which she leads, and through Talitha Kum, the religious sisters’ worldwide anti-trafficking network. Sister Imelda is a key ally in Her Majesty’s Government’s campaign to eradicate modern slavery. It is wonderful to see such a distinguished friend of this Embassy honoured in this way.”
On Twitter, the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who is president of the Santa Marta Group which works to prevent human trafficking and modern slavery, offered congratulations: “Sister Imelda, and her many colleagues in other religious Congregations, have long been champions in this important work. Her hard work, determination and her compelling advocacy constantly bring support and encouragement to all involved in this struggle, myself included."
The Mary Ward Loreto NGO in Albania has led to numerous projects being set up. One of these is called Mary Ward Loreto Women in which six Mary Ward centres have been established to work on prevention, advocacy, awareness, and rescuing of women. The centres have worked with 3,000 women, and set up 16 economic empowerment businesses. They also have a project for men aimed at changing patriarchal culture and promoting gender equality. The work with men is to address depression, anger and fear, drug and alcohol addictions related to unemployment and their changing role in society. Mary Ward Loreto is also promoting ethical and democratic best practice in Albanian schools and in all of the projects.
Sr Imelda recalled how it all started through a conversation with the Bishop of Tirana who pointed out that speedboats were being used to smuggle teenage girls into Italy. Years later, the work in Albania is still growing – a new shelter is about to be opened in the north of the country and Sister Imelda is still very active in the field; the conversation for this article had to wait until she had returned from a trip into the mountains.
Three different organisations in Britain have asked Mary Ward Loreto for assistance in helping women trafficked from Albania. One of the staff members based in Albania is currently working online to help Albanian women in the UK who can’t speak English. Also in the UK, a project is currently underway to survey Religious Congregations in order to map the work they are engaged with in the field of anti-trafficking. The Arise Foundation will be collating the results to produce a report in a few months time. Sr Imelda stresses the importance of building networks for collaboration and in receiving the MBE, paid tribute to other Religious: “In anti-trafficking, no one can work in isolation. This award is recognition of all of those we are working with. We rely on a massive number of networks.”
Reflecting on her many years in Albania, starting up the work from scratch, Sr Imelda says it’s been tough work, but also joyful and enriching: “We’ve taken many risks but I do feel it’s been step by step. There’s a sense of being led, of being nudged. As Hildegard of Bingen wrote, it feels like being a feather on the breath of God.”
Huge legacy of reality television programme at Norfolk Convent
The nuns who opened their doors to a camera crew for the making of the recent reality television programme ‘Bad Habits, Holy Orders’ say they’ve been overwhelmed by the response of viewers both in the UK and internationally. Speaking from her Convent in rural Norfolk, eighty-five year old Sister Thomas More said the Sisters have been inundated with letters and emails – all positive - and that some people have come back to Church after viewing the show.
The programme makers brought a group of hedonistic young women to live with the Daughters of Divine Charity and filmed them over the course of several weeks to see their reaction to being denied their usual lifestyle of partying, alcohol and social media. Sister Thomas More admits it was the first time a lot of the sisters had had such an encounter: “These girls have had an excess of drinking, of money. Some of them had the wrong goals in life. It was quite a shock to them when they arrived in the Convent!”
Sister Thomas More, who recently celebrated her diamond jubilee of religious life, said that when the Convent was first approached about allowing the cameras in she wasn’t at all sure it was a good idea: “I was worried. The younger sisters were more enthusiastic. But we talked it through and decided to go for it. It wasn’t particularly easy having the cameras around us morning noon and night. They weren’t inside our enclosure but they were in the Chapel and the common room.” The crew and producers even lived in the Convent for the duration of filming. “There were remarks about the lack of mirrors in the bedrooms!” she laughs.
That the programme impacted for the better on the lives of the young women is undeniable. “The experience led them to look at themselves and what they were doing. Not just their drinking. They’ve also come to see that there’s more to life.” Several have been reconciled with family members they’d fallen out with and the Sisters were delighted that a couple of them came back to the Convent to speak at a recent youth gathering.
The bond has been maintained, with one of the younger Sisters keeping in touch with the young women on Facebook. Sister Thomas More can’t hide her delight that the programme has led to the sisters expanding their ministry as well as their public profile. For instance some of them were recently invited to be involved in the running of an auction in aid of homeless young people. They’ve also spoken at a school in London on vocation and an invitation has just come in to speak in the Netherlands.
“In addition, we recently held a Convent open day. Forty-five local people came to see where the programme was filmed. Former pupils from our school have also reconnected and we were particularly touched that the parents of one of the young women who participated in the programme came to thank us for the impact it has had on her.”
The documentary is reported to be the first time in a decade in which programme-makers have been allowed to film inside a Catholic Convent in England and Wales. So has the experience of the filming been meaningful? “I would say so, yes. I never heard any of the visitors swearing. They respected us – which was lovely – you might not have expected to get that. We got quite fond of them and I think they got quite fond of us.”
Religious Sister Imelda Poole IBVM made MBE for her work to end modern slavery
Sr Imelda heads up a network of European Religious fighting trafficking and exploitation - RENATE.
Sister Imelda Poole, IBVM, has been made Member of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her achievements and services to end modern slavery. Sr Imelda heads up a network of European Religious fighting trafficking and exploitation - RENATE. Sr Imelda became President of RENATE after more than 11 years working in Albania where the IBVM founded an NGO called Mary Ward Loreto.
Tributes have poured in following the announcement of the award. The British Ambassador to the Holy See, Sally Axworthy, said: “I am delighted to learn that Sr. Imelda Poole has been awarded this honour by Her Majesty The Queen. It is well-deserved recognition of Sr. Imelda’s outstanding service in combatting human trafficking and modern slavery, through the European religious sisters’ anti-trafficking network RENATE which she leads, and through Talitha Kum, the religious sisters’ worldwide anti-trafficking network. Sister Imelda is a key ally in Her Majesty’s Government’s campaign to eradicate modern slavery. It is wonderful to see such a distinguished friend of this Embassy honoured in this way.”
On Twitter, the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who is president of the Santa Marta Group which works to prevent human trafficking and modern slavery, said: "I congratulate Sister Imelda on her award, from Her Majesty the Queen, of the MBE for her work against human trafficking.” He added: “Sister Imelda, and her many colleagues in other religious Congregations, have long been champions in this important work. Her hard work, determination and her compelling advocacy constantly bring support and encouragement to all involved in this struggle, myself included."
Sister Poole joined the IBVM (Loreto Sisters) whilst still in her teens. She studied English and history at Manchester University and followed this with a PGCE in Theology and English. After her studies, she worked with disadvantaged people in Glasgow, London and Manchester before going to Kenya where she experienced life with the Kipsigi tribe. On her return to England she worked with marginalised people near Middleborough before later becoming involved with the campaign to eradicate human trafficking and modern slavery.
The Mary Ward Loreto NGO in Albania has led to numerous projects being set up. One of these is called Mary Ward Loreto Women in which six Mary Ward centres have been established to work on prevention, advocacy, awareness, and rescuing of women. The centres have worked with 3,000 women, and set up 16 economic empowerment businesses. They also have a project for men aimed at changing patriarchal culture and promoting gender equality. The work with men is to address depression, anger and fear, drug and alcohol addictions related to unemployment and their changing role in society. Mary Ward Loreto is also promoting ethical and democratic best practice in Albanian schools and in all of the projects.
The network of European Religious fighting trafficking and exploitation, RENATE, has a five-year strategic plan that includes combating human trafficking in all forms. It is currently focusing on child kidnapping and trafficking. In February, RENATE spear-headed the anti-child trafficking campaign in Europe for the day of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of slaves.
COR AGM 2018 - Sr Pat Murray IBVM
Sr Pat Murray’s slide presentations from the 2018 AGM:
Please find attached Sr Pat Murray’s slide presentations:
The Narrative of Communion - Part 1
The Narrative of Communion - Part 2
and her notes in 3 attachments:
Conversation 2 and
The Day of Prayer for Vocations Sunday 22nd April 2018
This day flows from the broader culture of vocation, and is when the universal Church asks the Lord to send more labourers to the harvest.
The Day of Prayer for Vocations this year will be celebrated on Sunday 22nd April 2018. This day flows from the broader culture of vocation, and is when the universal Church asks the Lord to send more labourers to the harvest. The theme for this year is ‘It’s Your Call’.
The President, Executive Committee and the Secretariat wish you blessings for the Sacred Triduum and a joy-filled Eastertide
The President, Executive Committee and the Secretariat wish you blessings for the Sacred Triduum and a joy-filled Eastertide
UCESM - "WIDEN THE SPACE OF YOUR TENT" (Is 54:2)
“During these days we have had the opportunity to experience our unity through diversity.”
“During these days we have had the opportunity to experience our unity through diversity. Gathered together as the religious of Europe, we have heard the call of God and the Church, to go out towards the people in need.
We are deeply moved by the suffering of millions of displaced people who migrate from all over the world and within Europe. As UCESM (the Union of European Conferences of Major Superiors), we want to enlarge the space of our tent to welcome them.
Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus, moved by the Holy Spirit and the challenges we heard throughout our time together, we commit to continue to support the migrant population in Europe. Through respecting and defending the dignity and human rights of all migrants we will endeavour to address their needs through accompaniment, service and advocacy.
UCESM, comprising intercultural communities in the Church in Europe, commit to stand beside our displaced brothers and sisters in friendship and prayer. We also support everyone in their right to have a home. Our hope is to be open to each one with a listening heart.
We are all called to go out, to meet migrants, to take action as a congregation and from our communities where we are. It is by uniting on this global path of understanding and action that we will be a prophetic witness of God’s love to all people. By loving each other, including our neighbour and the other, the space of our hearts will be enlarged and our ‘tent’ will encompass many more.
Snagov, 9 March 2018
Centre for Catholic Studies 10th Anniversary Celebratory Conference
Catholic Theology in the Public Academy: Searching the Questions, Sounding the Depths
18 - 20 April 2018 in Durham, UK
Programme
· Academic Colloquium featuring James Alison, Tricia Bruce, Gavin D’Costa, Alana Harris, Nicholas M. Healy, Elizabeth Johnson, Kren Kilby, Paul Lakeland, Gerard Loughlin, Paul D. Murray, Anna Rowlands, Janet Soskice, Myriam Wijlens
· Celebratory Dinners in Durham Castle’s Great Hall and St Chad’s College
· Anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving in Durham Cathedral
· Public Lecture by Lord Daniel Brennan QC, ‘Catholics in Public Life—a UK perspective’
· Parallel Paper Sessions presented by postgraduate students, early career scholars and established academics on areas relevant to Catholic theology/ Catholic studies.
Registration and Further Details
A full programme, details of costs, and registration, are available from
www.centreforcatholicstudies.co.uk, ccs.admin@durham.ac.uk, or +44 (0) 191
334 1656. The registration deadline is Sunday 25 March 2018. Places are a
limited and we anticipate this will be a very popular event, so early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Archbishop Romero Trust
Ecumenical Service at 11.00am on Saturday March 17th at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Trafalgar Square. The address will be given by Ruben Zamora, Salvadoran diplomat who knew Romero well. (See attached)
