2004 Pilgrimage Theme
"Persecution and the interaction with secular society"
At the planning meeting of 11th January Sue Earley, John Lamb and Aidan Simons volunteered to try to develop a coherent theme for the 2004 pilgrimage based on Justice and Peace versus Conflict. The term “persecution” seemed a bit heavy. However, what is playground bullying if not the apprentice persecutor in action and in need of some social education? So the emphasis will be on the present day and our response rather than looking at what the saints and sinners of yesteryear got up to. At the same time we will be walking through the conflict zone of the Welsh Marches with their legacy of good and bad left by those in the region in times gone by.
Looking at current concerns could be a bit of a test. On top of talk, prayer and reflection some action may seem right on the part of us as individuals, or as a group.
To give some structure to the theme, we can perhaps use Maslow’s ideas of a hierarchy of needs.
1. Fundamental: e.g. food, health and sleep.
2. At the next level is safety: shelter and freedom from danger.
3. Next comes belonging: e.g. love, affection, being part of a group.
4. Next is esteem, i.e. self-respect and respect of others.
5. At the top of the tree is achievement: realising your potential.
It is truly staggering how many are deprived of adequate food or safety and are so concerned with staying alive that they never get a chance to develop. It follows that most of our thinking should concentrate on levels 1, 2 and 3.
If you have a relevant J & P issue which is close to your heart or you are involved in, do prepare to give it an airing, perhaps at a prayer stop or at some other opportunity. Let the "Theme Team" know what you have in mind – just an outline for now so that it can be included in the planning. Or maybe you want to help us by suggesting some other way of exploring the topic. All suggestions are welcome.
Here are a couple of injustices for someone else’s peace thoughts:
If hard work were so good for you, the rich would have kept more of it for themselves.
Avoid employing unlucky people; throw half the application forms in the bin without reading them.
ORDINATION OF SHANE GRIFFITHS
Congratulations to the Reverend Shane Griffiths who was ordained Priest for the Anglican Communion on the Sunday, 11th January this year. Shane walked with us in 1997 our fourth Canterbury Pilgrimage. We wish him every blessing in his consecrated service.
Do please remember him in your prayers.
Pat Heffernan RIP. 1935 - 2003
I have known Pat and his family since my children started school, at Cottesmore St. Mary's School Hove, in 1968. Pat taught at Cottesmore for 25years; before that, he was an electrician, a skill he learnt during his National Service in RAF. He and his first wife Sheila had five sons and they also fostered another family, at one time having ten children in their care. They also run the 12th. Hove cubs and scouts, attached to Cottesmore School.
Pat was always cheerful, gentle, kind, patient, caring and a quiet private person, much loved by his family, friends, colleagues and pupils.
Pat first joined the Pilgrimage 'family' for Buckfast 1 (can't remember how many more) and after a few years break come back (with Cath Graffen) for Buckfast 3 and then each year until last year. As some of you will remember he walked very fast, usually near the front and nearly always the first in the pub after dinner enjoying a Guinness or a 'wee dram' with Cath.
After retiring from teaching Pat, more involved in St. George's parish, Hove, being Parish chairman for the last five years.
Fr. David Weston, the parish priest, has been friends with Pat, from junior schooldays at St Mary Magdalen's, Brighton (where we had a rest day on this year's Pilgrimage). As well as a Special Minister, Pat with his second wife Margaret, gave lots of practical help, working behind the scenes, getting the church or hall ready for parish liturgy and social events all done in a quiet and efficient way.
Pat found time to be an active member of the local Catenian Circle, as well play bowls and squash and growing vegetables. He and Cath usually went for a walk once a week.
Pat died on Sunday September 21st after a three month struggle with cancer, looked after with great care and love especially by Margaret and his stepdaughter Anne and her family.
His requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr. David, Fr. David Russell, Fr. Gerry O'Brien and Fr. Albert van der Most, in a packed church, with all his family, his friends, ex-colleagues, past pupils and parishioners. During the Offertory procession, Pat's walking boots and pilgrimage crosses were taken up, with the other items connected with Pat's life. Fr. Weston gave the crosses to Pat's grandson Jonah (one of the servers) to wear during the rest of the Mass.
It is a great sadness to think that Pat will not be walking with us anymore.
We sent all our prayers and sympathies to Margaret, to Pat's Mother and all members of his family and his many friends.
Frances.