diocesan news
Bishop John Shines Shoes in Swansea Market
Bishop John was on his knees in Swansea Market on Thursday 21 April (Maundy Thursday), when he cleaned the shoes of passers by. He was joined by The Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Richard Lewis. Having had his shoes cleaned by Bishop John Cllr Lewis joined forces with Bishop John. At times they cleaned one shoe each. Someone commented that it was nice to see church and state working in Harmony, whilst someone else said, “I think its great that the high And mighty can do an ordinary job to raise money.” The service was free but Bishop John invited people to make a donation towards his Lent Appeal, which aims to raise money for three charities - the Peace and Hope Trust, the Daystar Hostel Project and Shelter Cymru.
Bishop John said. “I would like to thank The Lord Mayor for helping out, Clarks shoe shop for sponsoring the event and those who have contributed for their generosity. I hope that through this modern day act of service, people may feel moved to go to their local church on Easter Sunday and hear more about how their lives can be transformed by God’s generous and free love.”
Bishop John and Cllr Lewis were busy for the whole of the time cleaning the shoes of people from all walks of life and all ages. The Lord Mayor added “We have cleaned a lot of shoes today in spite of the weather which meant many people were wearing sandals as a consequence. This has been a superb effort and I am proud to have been a part of it. We have had some fun and hopefully raised some money for the Bishop’s appeal.”
Fr. Tim Williams who co-ordinated the event said “We are very grateful to the City & County of Swansea and all the staff who helped us today. I would echo the Bishop’s thanks to all those people who made a donation. Bishop John was once again overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Swansea who, even in the present economic climate, raised nearly £200 for his lent appeal.”
For information
The Peace and Hope Trust – a Christian charity working with the poorest communities of Nicaragua, one of the neediest in the world, frequently affected by hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods and landslides. The Trust and its volunteer teams, works with local communities and with local churches leaders to achieve long term benefits. They’ve restored churches, built and improved schools, clinics and maintained close links by providing support for teachers, books, bibles, musical instruments, school materials, furniture and medical supplies. A feeding programme ensures children from families living on and around Bluefields municipal dump receive daily meals. Medical and dental help is also provided. In 2006 the Trust acquired a coffee farm at 3,500 feet overlooking Matagalpa; securing employment for a number of families and providing opportunities to grow indigenous and experimental crops and educate local workers. The Peace and Hope Trust will be pleased to supply a complimentary bag of ground coffee from their Coffee Farm in Nicaragua to any group who run a 'Coffee Morning in aid of The Bishop's Lent Appeal' Your gifts will assist the development of this vital project and provide continued support helping the poorest families.
Phase 2 of the Daystar Hostel Project sponsored by Bishop Joseph and the Diocese of Machakos with which our own Diocesan Mothers Union has close links. Daystar University is situated in Machakos Diocese. Opposite the University is the Parish of St. Johns and, in the grounds of the parish church, the Diocese (with the help of Mothers Union) has built a Hostel for young girls. In a climate of extreme poverty, Kenyans highly value education and scrimp and save to send a child to University. However, when these girls arrive from isolated rural areas, they quickly find that they cannot survive day to day living and often fall into prostitution to eat and buy books. Being many miles from their homes and parents, they often slip into drug taking and alcoholism. The diocese has seen an increasing need for the services of the hostel so that the girls can be properly accommodated, protected and cared for.
Shelter Cymru has a name which speaks for itself. The necessity and security which a roof over one’s head gives cannot be overestimated. To be homeless is to be vulnerable to all manner of social ills and a potential victim of chronic illness and exploitation. Shelter Cymru is active in our own City of Swansea where it has its Head Office and works for people in housing need without fear or favour. It work as equals with the people who use its services and seeks to help people identify the best options to find and keep a home and take control of their own lives. A home is something which we will take for granted. Supporting those who would find it something for which they can only hope is always worthwhile
For any further information please contact Fr. Tim Williams
Diocesan Director of communications
The Vicarage 30 Goetre Fach Road Killay Swansea SA2 7SG
Tel: 01792204233 / 07901502675
e-mail: fr_tim_williams@ntlworld.com