Lourdes 2014 - The Joy of Conversion. Our 61st Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage is over. As usual it was a wonderfully moving week. We were asked, as we prayed and worked at the service of others for a week to think about how our Christian faith changes and challenges us. To consider the mystery that is the deep joy which is found in a life of selflessness. For my part I found myself fascinated by those conversion tables you find at the front of diaries - the ones which change weights and measures from one scale to another. I wonder is the real challenge to conversion about how I choose to be measured? Will I measure myself against the worlds sliding scales of success or failure, or shall I find a different rule? Returning home to the local political scene I realise that 600 people from all over the Diocese, including 170 young people really did spend a week serving the common good - with no thought of personal gain, at great financial, physical and emotional cost. When we talk about local spirit and the strength of the people of our area we must not sweep aside the traditions and heritage which is the foundation of such. It strikes me that many in our area are convinced of the inherent dignity and worth of each individual. For many, that conviction is the fruit of faith. If anyone really wants to know more about the common good ask: Al Bury, Andrew Woods, Andrew Gardner, Andrew Lombard, Andrew David Dominic Bunce, Chris Tillotson, Chris Nestor, Christianne Lombard, Dave Walton, Dom Grace, Dominique Finn, Dominic Boyes, Marie Dominica Malgouyres, Frances McGouran, Frances Gilchrist, Bernard France, Joe Harrison, John Anthony Gardiner, Keith Tillotson, Anne Teasdale, Deborah Anne McIntosh, Colin Lunn, Patricia McBride, Antonia-Joy Donnie Lunn, Madeline Nestor, Mary Broadhead, Niamh Mary Obrien, Brendan McGeary, Ciara McGeary, Barbara McGeary, McMahon Michael, Michael McGeary, Lyndsey McGeary, Amy Spooner, Charlotte Peters, Peter Martin, Peter Shakesby, Margaret Rees, Lynn Roberts, Beth Taylor, Elizabeth Summers, Paul Griffiths, Tony Kirk, Tony Lester, Kevin Dawson, Alan Slater, Audrey Kirby, Rachel Forgan, Louise Williams, Paddy ONeill, Naomi ONeill, Dan On, Rosie ONeill, Sandra Farrer, Phil Teasdale, Hannah Conway, Sue Crossman, Jean Cornfoot, Jeanie Venis, Pedro Pal Nestridge, Rochelle Nestor, and anyone else who gave so generously last week. They will all have a different way at looking at conversion. They will all have different reasons for being part of something so special. Whatever those reasons are, the result is the same - dignity, respect and honour are given because of our faith, hope and charity. Perhaps conversion is about changing the world one person at a time...
Posted on: Sat, 31 May 2014 20:53:52 +0000
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