September 10 - Day 125 - 'We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.' St. Francis of Assisi

I certainly don’t want to end the week on a negative, especially as today is the 125th Day, with only 750 miles remaining and we’ve had an excellent week with the nature group at Ladybower reservoir and hot meals for clients back on the menu. If anyone, however, was listening to Radio Sheffield yesterday afternoon, you might be surprised that I haven’t mentioned the break-in this week in my blog.

I understand this is the first in 30 years and although not much was taken, the damage both inside and out was clear. Clients were shocked with many of them asking how anyone could do this to their Centre. What I’ve said to everyone is that, had the person responsible knocked on the door before 5pm, he would have probably been given more than he actually gained, with food parcels, clothing and/or hot drinks.

St Francis is certainly someone who would have understood the principles of the Centre and today (10 September) in 1224, the first nine Franciscans arrived in a small boat in England. At the end of a difficult week, it is important that we go into the weekend focussing on the support we receive and the loyalty and appreciation shown by our clients. 30 years with one incident like this, we hope hasn’t happened by chance but because of the respect the people of Sheffield and South Yorkshire have for the work we do.

It seems fitting to end the week with another St Francis quote which I feel is so true and is a good reminder to us all,

‘It is the devil's greatest triumph when he can deprive us of the joy of the Spirit. He carries fine dust with him in little boxes and scatters it through the cracks in our conscience in order to dim the soul's pure impulses.. When gloominess takes root, evil grows. If it is not dissolved, permanent damage is done.’ St. Francis of Assisi