October 13 - Day 145 (144.5) - Still be thou my vision

As you know, my Sponsor a Spin is all about the 30th Anniversary of St Wilfrid’s centre and yesterday on St Wilfrid’s Feast day, we held the 30th Anniversary Mass. It was a lovely occasion and very special. shared with volunteers, clients, staff, supporters and past staff (see second and third pictures).

The picture shows the Directors that have been at St Wilfrid’s throughout the past 30 years, with Monsignor Kilgannon who had the vision and determination to start it off. My address at the end of the Mass gave me the opportunity to recognise how all these people have carried on the vision and have, therefore, enabled me to now have the best job I possibly could. The clients, staff, volunteers and supporters are all silent heroes. I also explained how the Centre was built like a Dry Stone Wall - strong and enduring, formed by putting together the many parts in a deliberate and skilled way. and have decided to use part of the address for the rest of today’s blog.

‘Built correctly and recognising that all these aspects are important and create strength together, the wall like the Centre will stand for many years to come, the foundation stones, the footing, the walls, the hearting, the through-stones and the coping have all made the 30 years possible, guided by the principles and belief that has not changed in that time and has provided a secure and clear guide.’

The last hymn was the one I chose - Be thou my vision. ‘The vision has in many ways been realised but the process of building continues. Many people miss out the third verse because it seems to be about war but it’s focus is an important aspect of the hymn and misunderstood -  the breastplate, the armour – the protection and the sword or the strength to fight injustice, the strong tower built on all the aspects I have described, the strength not gained from weapons or anger but peace and faith – the true might.

There have been many times when we have, I’m sure, all struggled, when we really understand we are human, and that verse of the hymn can help to remind us of a strength we can hold onto. ‘Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise – the silent heroes. ‘

‘So like the wall, let us all remember on the 30th Anniversary all the foundations and the building and the protection and strength that have made the Centre what it is and what it will remain – knowing that for the next thirty years and beyond it will – Still be our vision – strong and enduring because of what has given its foundations and footings  in the past, that has built a strong and secure community with clients at its heart - now and in the future.’