Now that I have spent about three and a half months in the diocese of Derry, I have a chance to reflect a little on the blessings that have come my way. Firstly, people have been amazingly welcoming and affectionate. The city is much smaller than Belfast and it is possible to engage with the key parts of city life. And there is so much going on as the city reflects its own self confidence. It is a privilege to be part of that. Secondly, while many look at the problems facing parish life, there are lots of great things happening. I have been in nearly half the parishes, for one reason or another and have seen a great resilience there. Parish Masses and events, the Fan the Flame event in Celtic Park, the pilgrimages to Lough Derg and Lourdes, ‘the walk to Knock’ and school visits have all been great chances to meet dedicated and positive people of all ages. And the clergy have been outstanding in their encouragement. Thirdly, the warmth has been very obvious from leaders and members of other churches. Last week I very happily attended the funeral of Rev Dr Stewart Jones in Donemana Presbyterian Church. The welcome there was genuine and warm. As churches we are keen to be partners with civic society to work for the common good and for a better future. And this morning, I took up an invitation to visit Magilligan prison. A society is judged by how it makes provision for those who are on the edges. Whatever some prisoners may have done in part of their lives, they and their families deserve every support to move beyond what has happened. None of us should be a prisoner of the past. Working with the prison authorities, prison chaplains of all religious beliefs do a huge job, a job that most people never see. I’ve been blessed in so many ways since April 6th. Thank you one and all – and Deo gratias.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 18:20:26 +0000
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