Bi-Centenary Celebrations in Bradford
When preparing for this event we decided to invite people that are so much part of our lives here in Bradford. We were also inspired by the challenge to open our doors and hearts to Refugees and Asylum Seekers and to experience and be touched by their deep faith. We invited two case workers from the Red Cross -one family from Eritrea and one from the Congo. Both of these families have their refugee status. We also invited a family from Sri Lanka, Asylum Seekers whose application had been refused several times. Our Lay Associates and some friends also shared in the celebrations. We were all very impressed by the children who took full part in the prayer and were happy to read and pray for their countries of origin. During our prayer we reflected on the life of PBN, the miraculous Benediction and our own journey today. We also lit candles for the intentions of the families of all especially those living in conflict situations. This was a very moving experience and we listened to the deep faith of prayers expressed, especially for the current situation in the Congo. The Family from Sri Lanka left us feeling very supported by so many friends of faith.
We were delighted to have created a prayer space not only for ourselves but for refugees and asylum seekers.
We were also happy for all to experience our “One Global Family Spirituality” and the challenge of this.
We discovered afterwards that for some of our Lay Associates and friends this was their first time to have direct contact with asylum seekers and refugees and to listen to their stories.
Below is a taste of the event from a Lay Associate and from one of our friends.
“I was invited to share in an evening to celebrate the Bi-Centenary of the foundation of the Association of the Holy Family... We were joined by two refugee families and there was an asylum seeker family from Sri Lanka. The latter are still going through their application process. The Power Point presentation on the life of PBN was very inspiring and all of us including the children were very engaged and proactive. . The Lighting of the Candles as an invitation to prayer helped people to relax and gave them the courage to articulate what was in of their hearts; I was very moved by their prayers and I felt privileged to be part of this and to experience the depth of their spirituality. I was reminded that the refugees have much to share with us too”. As we shared food, sampling a variety of dishes and listened to each other’s stories it seemed to me like the Eucharist in this sacred space.
What will be with me for a long time was the faith and courage of the family still waiting for a decision on their asylum process and also the resilience of the families who are now residents. Their positive attitude and cheerfulness in spite of past struggles and their trust in God was a shining light in the darkness. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity, it was a truly a life-giving experience. Breda (Friend of the Sisters)
“On Friday evening, Feb 3rd, at the invitation of Sisters Maria, Teresa and Nasreen, a diverse group of people met at Grange Road to share prayer, reflection and food. The group was truly international –people from Ireland, Pakistan, Eritrea, Congo, Sri Lanka and England; spanned the age groups from 4 years to those of us in our 70’s; and included many different life experiences.
After a brief period of shyness we all relaxed and enjoyed being in one another’s company and sharing some of our experiences. By the end of the evening we felt that we had made new friends and were privileged to have listened to the stories. We enjoyed a shared supper – sampling excellent food from around the world- and of course having the opportunity to find out more about one another.
It was a great evening – and thanks to everyone’s generosity we were all able to remember our new friends the next day as we remembered them in our prayers and finished off the leftovers! Thank you especially to our Holy Family Sisters who welcomed us into their home and gave us all an opportunity to meet new people and learn more about each other”.
Suzanne (Lay Associate) and Roy
May we always find ways to continue to open our hearts and homes to those in a state of Exodus. To accompany them on the various stages of their journey and to learn from their deep faith and ultimate trust in God.
Maria Crowley (On behalf of the Bradford Community).