Christmas 2016

Society of St Vincent Ozanamde Paul, News

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Cover image: St Vincent de Paul. young men...

COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND How a letter from a French SR AGNES MCGARVIE Catholic newspaper editor to National Spiritual Adviser a nun proved pivotal to the JAMES MCKENDRICK National President foundation of the Society of Trustee St Vincent de Paul... VACANT National Treasurer Trustee same day. Vincent came quickly the 400th anniversary of the birth RICHARD STEINBACH Smiles at annual to understand that the love of God of our charism. It was by Divine Trustee compelled him to love the poor Providence that the charism – service St Andrews & national conference deeply and to serve them for the rest in the manner of Jesus Christ and CHRISTINE GRAY of his life. service to the person of Jesus Christ Trustee Picture special, p8-9 Realising from the outset the in those who are poor – was nurtured Glasgow enormity of this task, Vincent called by members of the Confraternities of a meeting of those charitable ladies Charity (Vincent founded more than MICHAEL DOWDS Trustee GET INVOLVED! We want to in the subject bar and your full to determine the best way to help the 80 in all). Paisley know what your conference contact details. Please provide By National President, poor and the sick of the parish. It was also assisted by the Priests is up to. If you have a story, full caption details for photos. Jim McKendrick They agreed to form The of the Congregation of the Mission, JOHN JOYCE share it. The Ozanam News Please note, we do not accept Confraternity of Charity. Its motto the Daughters of Charity and by the Trustee relies on your contributions. paper submissions. Articles was either “Blessed are the merciful, members of the Society of St Vincent Dunkeld Send articles and images should be written by email or N the first day of August as my Father is merciful” or “For I de Paul, in 1833. ELIZABETH HERLIHY (jpg or png format only, no attached as a Word document. 1617, Vincent de Paul was was hungry and you gave me to eat.” Trustee PDFs) to communication@ If you need help or have a installed as Parish Priest in By providence, Vincent moved to a UST as a series of coincidences Aberdeen ssvpscotland.com. Simply put query please contact editor Matt Othe poor, rural parish of Châtillon poor, rural parish. He became acutely (or was it Divine Providence?) the name of your conference Meade on 07985 592920. and left his “dignified life” as aware of the plight of the poor and brought Vincent de Paul to a JOE MAC EACHAN chaplain to the de Gondi family was moved by compassion to seek to Jpoor parish, so a similar scenario Trustee /VIP The national office has launched a new website to raise awareness of and tutor to their children. serve them. was at work in the founding of our the Society and to offer helpful resource to members.Visit the Members’ Less than three weeks later, as Next year, 2017, the whole Society. VACANT section, to find practical and spiritual resources, such as reflections to use at he was vesting for Mass, he was Vincentian Family will celebrate In 1831 Frederic Ozanam had come Galloway meetings, at www.ssvpscotland.com told about a family who lived in an to Paris to study at the Sorbonne. IAN TIERNEY isolated house in the parish, who By chance he happened to meet were all sick, and therefore unable to At a meeting of Emmanuel Bailly, a former professor Twinning Projects Publishing Policy 1. The objective is to publish a new Ozanam News, which will be issued three times per help each other. the Conference, who was now owner and editor of year, May, September and November. To facilitate this, a publications committee has been “It moved me to the depths of my a prominent Paris newspaper, La formed and a member of the National Council has been made responsible for its operation. The publications committee will normally meet two months before going to the printer. As at heart. I did not fail to speak feelingly a remark by Tribune Catholique. The Society of St Vincent de Paul present, the actual putting together of the magazine will be the responsibility of the National about them during the sermon, and Bailly encouraged and supported Office staff, who will select the printer and liaise and coordinate with all preproduction Jean Broet was National office: functions. 2. In accordance with National Council requirements, the intention will be not to God, touching the hearts of those Frederic in his early writing career 2nd floor, feature ‘editorial’ pieces. Any material deemed to detract from the Society’s broader aims who were listening, caused them all overheard by and published his first efforts. 113 West Regent Street will be approved by the National Council prior to publication. Hopefully these arrangements Glasgow G2 2RU will help the new Ozanam News develop into a more humorous, educational and spiritual to be moved to compassion for the Frederic and his At Bailly’s house, Frederic met Tel: 0141 226 8833 publication which will concentrate on bringing the Society, its Members and Associates closer poor afflicted people.” and befriended some of the young email: [email protected] together. With this Togetherness in mind, National Council Agenda business could well become a regular feature in the magazine. In the main, letters for publication will normally We know that his compassion led friends: “Where students who were lodging in two Ozanam News Editor: Matt Meade be from twinning parties - regarded as reports. Other letters will be accepted for publication to immediate action, because many houses owned by Bailly which [email protected] with an added footnote or returned for discussion by the respective council and/or president if are the works that thought to be more appropriate. people (particularly ladies) went to the assistance of the family that prove your faith?” Continued... “ OZANAM NEWS I 3 Youth

(...cont) and vouchers for food and clothing. They also donated provided a safe environment from the funds contributed and a Catholic ethos. by members at the weekly In 1832, Frederic along conference meetings (the birth with five friends, started the of the secret collection). Harvest time for Mini Vinnies Conference of History. Most importantly, she At a meeting of the shared with them her deep UPILS at St Conference, a remark by conviction of how the poor Margaret’s Jean Broet was overheard should be served. In due PPrimary by Frederic and his friends: course, the other members School in “Where are the works that Galashiels prove your faith?”. were delighted Frederic felt urged to to kick-off their respond and on 23rd April Mini Vinnies 1833, in Bailly’s office at La Sister Rosalie group with a Tribune, the first meeting of harvest festival the Conference of Charity was selected with collection. held. care the poor Working with local SSVP member Later, Ozanam would families for Dr John Tucker, they organised the write to him: “You have so appeal, which was distributed to accustomed us to look upon Ozanam and the people that the Conference of you as the rallying point, the Taillandier to Our Lady & St Andrew’s provide adviser and friend of young assistance to. Christian youth.” visit ... and Clare Carr Cullen, the SSVP’s Bailly, as a young man shared her deep National Youth Development Officer, just happened to have said: “The project was well supported been a seminarian of the conviction of by the whole school community, and Congregation of the Mission how the poor they are looking to their next venture, at Amiens (where his uncle should be visiting older people in sheltered had been the Superior and housing accommodation.” happened to have retained his served. Mini Vinnies groups are starting devotion to St Vincent). He in schools, thanks to the assistance had also named his first son also participated in visits to of SSVP members. If you would be Vincent de Paul Bailly. It is struggling families. interested in finding out more, please not surprising that he directed From Sr Rosalie and the contact Clare on 0141 226 8833 or these young men towards the other Daughters of Charity, email [email protected] service of the poor! the young men learned Bailly and his wife, Marie, Vincentian values and the happened to be friendly spirit and ethos of service of Kids are clued-up on with a Daughter of Charity, those in need. Sister Rosalie Rendu. She Rosalie taught them that worked with the poor in the “love is your first gift to the running a conference poorest district of Paris, the poor”. In 1834, a proposal SCHOOLS from across the country have attended Mouffetard, a short distance to place the Conference of the Voice of the Poor conference - a two day, from the Sorbonne. Charity under the patronage residential course. A chance remark about of St Vincent de Paul was The aim is to prepare third-year pupils who are young men being needed “accepted, and our society joining a Youth SSVP group at school. to visit the families of poor was born. Like Vincent Clare Carr Cullen, National Youth Development workers led Emmanuel Bailly in Châtillon, the hearts Officer, said: “By the end of the two days at to take pivotal action. He of these young men were the Conforti Institute, we wanted them to leave wrote to Sister Rosalie: “I touched – and the Vincentian with the confidence and motivation to help their am sending you two young charism was reawakened and communities in the name Christ, through St Vincent men, M. Ozanam and M transmitted to our society, de Paul. Thanks to all at the Conforti Institute and Taillandier...” which now has over 800,000 Fr Paddy Duffy, to the Poverty Alliance for lending Sister Rosalie was very members worldwide in 155 us their knowledge and expertise and to the teachers assiduous in her role of countries. who give us so much of their time to bring their mentor. She selected with care The dream of Ozanam has groups to the Voice of the Poor and in supporting the poor families for Ozanam been fulfilled: “I would like the groups throughout the year.” and Taillandier to visit. She to embrace the world in a provided them with firewood network of charity.” OZANAM NEWS I 4 OZANAM NEWS I 5 Funds from the SSVP helped by these cows.

The poverty facing the Roma population in ROOM Glasgow can be brutal. The Space charity The poor are in Govanhill assists them and is inpired by our masters the Vincentian values of helping the poorest. Vincent Toal met project manager Margo and the Uprichard to find out more. “volume of FOR need among the Roma population is immense.

HEREVER The integration work ROMAthey go, the enables families to access WRoma are often services like education, despised and looked upon housing, and debt with suspicion. management. “Among young Roma The Space has taken on women especially, their additional staff to assist levels of aspiration are at the drop-in facility and shockingly low,” says visit families at home. Margo Uprichard, Project Other facilities include a manager of The Space communal area with space charity in Govanhill. for playing, computer bay, “I’ve never encountered private rooms for personal Support: A demonstration for the Roma people. The majority such low self-esteem and Ties: Margo, right, Liz Anne O’Hare & Sr Agnes at the annual conference. conversations and an of its Glasgow population self-worth. extended staff area. Strong reside in Govanhill. “So we work with them links have been forged and get them to realise how with local churches who valuable they are so they I’ve never encountered such share expertise in literacy, can aspire towards skills craftwork, budget support which will improve their low self-esteem and self and more. life chances and enhance worth. So we get them to “Building better futures is their family’s wellbeing.” where the greatest impact Many Vincentians in realise just how valuable they can be achieved but which Scotland will be familiar really are. takes most time,” said with Margo, a former Margo. industrial microbiologist. “It reflects our aim to She has spoken at project and renovate new deal.” enable families to be all previous SSVP national premises came through the The Space offer three they can be and live a conferences and has a Daughters of Charity. streams of support – a flourishing life. talent for laying bare the They also contribute to community drop-in, “The obstacles are cruel poverty suffered by The Space’s outreach work integration service, and immense. As well as the many. in the person of Sr Agnes building better futures. obvious physical poverty, “We are guided by the McGarvie. Three days a week people there is a deeper poverty values of St Vincent de She said: “There is no can come in for a chat, rooted in alienation, Paul of being led by those doubt that in Govanhill we access basic needs and isolation and rejection. we serve,” she says. have some of greatest need be in a place where “they “You cannot take “The poor are our anywhere in the city. know they are welcome someone on a journey masters and the volume “Conditions are and not judged”. of self-discovery until of need among the Roma unbelievably tough, but It has a fully-fitted they have a sense of their population is immense, so they are better than where kitchen where clients can own value, dignity and we have to respond.” people have come from, develop cooking skills, worth, so this is where our Funding to expand the which tells you a great nutrition and hygiene. greatest work lies.”

OZANAM NEWS I 6 OZANAM NEWS I 7 “ Image: heraldscotland.com Annual Conference

The work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul is in tune with the Year of Mercy.

Smiles: The Rendu Group performed a humorous skit to demonstrate its work “ for the deaf. A cracking conference Archbishop Philip Tartaglia was delighted to attend the SSVP annual conference...and celebrate Mass at the home of his favourite football team! Onside: By Matt Meade. (From left) SSVP National President Jim HE Archbishop of McKendrick, Glasgow has spoken of his Archbishop ‘excitement’ at being able Tartaglia and T Brian O’Reilly. to say Mass at the home of his boyhood heroes. Philip Tartaglia was the special faithful and the bishops very much the deaf Catholic community in guest at Celtic Park for the annual appreciated it.” Scotland. The key note address was national conference of the St Vincent Asked about saying Mass in the delivered by Brian O’Reilly, a former de Paul Society. club’s Kerrydale Suite, he smiled: international vice president of the He told the Ozanam News: “I “It was unusual and quite exciting society. He told members: “Many think the work of the Society of St - I was delighted to be here for the of those we help live in a period of Vincent de Paul is very important for annual conference.” uncertainty and despair. Life can be a parishes. In a particular way, it tunes Hundreds of SSVP members from constant struggle to live with dignity. in with the Year of Mercy. across the country enjoyed showcase “The Good News of Jesus is ‘you “They really focus on the charitable presentations from the Ozanam Club, belong’. We have to communicate work that needs done in parishes and The Space Project, the successful that good news. St Vincent said: ‘Go make a special effort to reach out to Paisley Diocese Recruitment to the poor: you will find God’. We those who are poor and needy. initiative and the Rendu Group, must be a witness of the good news “It’s a real lay association of the which promotes sign language for of justice, compassion and mercy.” Images: Canave Photography. OZANAM NEWS I 8 OZANAM NEWS I 9 Around the conferences Food donations THE SSVP congregation and Knights of St Columba in St Bernadette’s parish, Tullibody, collected food donations for the Year of Mercy. They came together with other churches and made a commitment to donate food to The Gate foodbank, a local charity run from Ludgate Church. Parishioners have donated a quarter tonne of groceries since March 2016. A conference spokesperson said: “We have decided to continue with our connection to The Gate. We would like to extend our thanks to the generosity of the people of St. Bernadette’s in making this possible.” Prayer answered Bus banter on annual pilgrimage ST Joseph’s Conference in ST Joseph’s in Burntisland enjoyed its annual pilgrimage to Carfin. Mary has welcomed new members. Lynch, Burntisland and Fife Group President, said: “Everyone enjoyed the A conference spokesperson A great day out at Broughty Ferry free raffle, packed lunch, chocolates and banter on the bus.” said: “After years of declining number of members we have HE conference at Robson, had made many with Mass in Dundee, for lunch with the Bishop turned a major corner. Thanks to St Columba’s in friends while a student at celebrated by the Bishop before heading home. Christmas tree our parish priest, Fr O’Brien, a TEdinburgh enjoyed Edinburgh, as well as after in the lovely St Joseph’s It was a lovely day and focus on parish life and activity its annual outing for becoming a priest in 1979 Chapel of the St Ninian’s we admired the bridges generated an increase from just senior parishioners. at Stirling and elsewhere. Pastoral Centre. over the Forth, including keeps on giving two to six members. A parish spokesperson “Many of these old “He was assisted at the the new bridge under ST Paul’s, Whiteinch, organised a This new vigour will benefit the said: “This year we went to friends were in our party, altar by Sister Kosi of the construction. Thanks to ‘Giving Tree’. The Advent Appeal parish and the people we visit.” Dundee for the particular so there was a joyful order of The Immaculate Caroline McInnes and is taking place from 27th November reason that the Bishop reunion between them and Heart of Mary. We then Patricia Macdonnell for to 18th December. It works by of Dunkeld, Stephen him. We started the visit drove to Broughty Ferry organising the day. ” parishioners taking a leaf from the Dedicated service tree and donating the gift that is FATHER Basil Clark celebrated suggested on the label. mass in honour of two long Conor McErlean, conference serving members of Our Lady of treasurer, said: “The gifts helped Loretto, Musselburgh SSVP. Fun and games! needy families in the Parish and the Hugh Rodgers has served 30 ST Mary’s Conference, Larkhall, hosted a Family homeless, via the Ozanam Centre.” years as a member and president. Games Night at the nearby school hall. John Carwell has served over A conference spokesperson said: “The event was 50 years also as a member very well attended and enjoyed by children, parents and president. John was also a and grandparents alike. It was a great opportunity for previous president of the Lothians all ages to come together and enjoy an evening as a Bi-Centenary Group Council for many years. parish family.” celebration A MASS was held in St Keiran’s, Kids’ questions Campbeltown, for its Bi-centenary Celebration. ST Mary’s Bo’ness Conference Conference member Cathy Irvine president William Ballantine said: “There was a good sense of visited primaries 6 and 7 at St community and coming together Mary’s school, to give a talk of several Christian denominations on the work of the society, both and clergy. at home and abroad. This was “After the Mass a wonderful followed by a lively question-and- buffet was held and everyone was answer session. made very welcome.”

OZANAM NEWS I 10 OZANAM NEWS I 11 Around the conferences

Sunshine: Members and parishioners from St John Cantius & St Nicholas SSVP, Broxburn, enjoyed an outing to Pitlochry.

Image: Robert Wilson Bill and Nancy mark retirement Celebrate: Fr Harry McKay, of St Joseph’s Church in , celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination HE Conference to the priesthood. Conference President John Connor said: “He was joined by family, friends, Archbishop Tartaglia, Archbishop Emeritus Mario Conti and priests from the deanery, who came to share the occasion.” of Our Lady Tof Lourdes and St Bernadette, Larbert, marked the Members’ praise retirement of two long ‘A great spiritual and social event’ serving members. for brilliant Kitty Bill and Nancy Wood have over 70 years’ KITTY Dykes, 90, has retired service with the from the SSVP after 23 years’ SSVP. Bill has over committed service to St John and 50 years’ service and St Mary Magdalene Edinburgh was Stirlingshire Group East Conference. She was the Council President first ever female member of the for two terms in the Conference in 1993. 1980s. A conference A conference spokesperson: spokesperson said: “Her energy and new ideas soon “We will miss their sorted out the men, whom she dedicated service and rapidly won around with her valuable experience. warm, caring personality and Thank you Bill and well-honed wit. Nancy on behalf of all “She has been an invaluable those you have helped member, visiting quite often three over the years.” or four parishioners per week, usually on foot. “She was a Eucharistic minister Together: Archbishop Leo Cushley is joined by priests, altar servers and and essentially ran that service for Diocesan President Richard Steinbach (back row, third from left). Pat’s dedicated service many years under the auspices of PAT Nicholas has retired from the SSVP at St our recently departed Canon Rae. THE St Andrews & Edinburgh for allowing us to hold it in his Paul’s and St Mary’s, Leslie and Glenrothes, after She even undertook a visit to our SSVP Archdiocesan Mass was this Church, Laura Johnston, Stirling serving for twenty five years. sister Parish in Legho, Tanzania, year held at St Alexander’s, Denny. Group Council President and Conference President Margaret Neish (left) in her senior years! Her under-the- Diocesan President Richard Agnes Beverage, St Alexander’s presented Pat (centre) with a bouquet of flowers radar hard work and warm gentle Steinbach said: “There was a great Conference President for their help and thanked her for the dedication given over her personality will be greatly missed turnout, with around one hundred with the preparations. Thanks also years. by our conference. members attending. to the ladies of the Parish, who A conference spokesperson said: “It is safe to “We wish Kitty good health, love “We also had seven Priests, one delivered a wonderful buffet after say that she will be sadly missed by the people she and joy for herself and her family Deacon, and Archbishop Leo Mass. helped and her fellow members. We all wish Pat a in retirement.” Cushley as the main Celebrant. A “This was a great Spiritual, as happy retirement.” big thank you to Canon Pat Boylan, well as a social occasion.”

OZANAM NEWS I 12 OZANAM NEWS I 13 Furniture project Obituaries May they rest in peace

Jimmy McAuley, founder member, Cecilia McDaid, secretary, Holy former treasurer, St Anthony’s, Family & St Ninian’s, Kirkintilloch. Rumford. Margaret Cassidy, former vice Betty Divers, former member, St president, St John the Baptist, Paul’s, Whiteinch. Uddingston.

Joe Oliver, former member, St George Docherty, former member, St Flannan’s, Kirkintilloch. Bernadette’s, Carntyne.

Gerard Coogans, former member, St Hugh Cushnahan, former member, St Ready to roll: Sam Bridget’s, Baillieston. John the Baptist, Port Glasgow. Gill and David ohn Hughes joined Hunter beside the Fife Furniture Jim Fitzpatrick, former member, St St Augustine’s SSVP John McDermott, former member, St project van. Columbkille’s, Rutherglen. Jconference, , Andrew’s Cathedral, Dundee. in 1992 and was an active Christine Barrett, former member, St member until his death in Eugene Fernandez, former member, Columbkille’s, Rutherglen. March. Conference president St Albert’s, Pollokshields. Charles Cassidy said: “He Edward O’Kane, active member, St was a true Vincentian and a Fiona McNeill, active member, St FAITH & FURNITURE John’s Cumnock. dear friend to many. He will Albert’s, Pollokshields. The SSVP’s can give would be most be missed.” furniture projects appreciated. The furniture John Donnelly, former member, St Andrew Donnelly, former treasurer, are a lifeline for project is an incredibly Palladius’, Dalry. Immaculate Conception, Dundee. people unable to busy one and provides Taylor Panton, past member, St afford the items people with necessities Joyce Gallacher, member, St Jude’s, Edward’s, Airdrie. Hugh McShane, former president, St that we all take for their homes on a daily Barlanark. Mary’s, Paisley. for granted. Now basis. Thomas Tighe, former member, St they want more “But it desperately needs Eddie Cullen, former member, St James’, Kirkshaws. Billy Johnstone, former member, St volunteers to more people to ensure that Mungo’s, Townhead. Patrick’s, Shieldmuir. ensure this key it can keep up with the Rona MacEwan, active member, St part of our society demand. Anne McCaffrey, member, St Leonard’s, East Kilbride. Len Astell, treasurer, Our Lady Of thrives. By Matt “We would appreciate any Mary’s, Irvine. Lourdes, East Kilbride. Meade. Helping hands: Helen Kelly, Mae Carr, Rita Fannan, Maureen time that you can give to Gerry Cougans, former member, St Devine and Mary Soares from St Bernadette’s SSVP Motherwell. helping to run this valuable Bernard Carroll, former president, Mary’s, Hamilton. George Kelly, former member, Our MAGINE having donations - beds, chairs, items and this was a huge project, so please get in Sacred Heart, . Lady of Lourdes, East Kilbride. no fridge, washing tables, desk, fridges, toys, boost for him to help get touch.” Frank McCaughey, former member, Imachine or furniture clothes and all manner of him back on track. l To find out where your Gerry Hamilton, active member, St St Mark’s, Rutherglen. Malcolm Docherty, former member, in your home. electrical appliances. All electrical items nearest furniture project is Dominic’s, Bishopbriggs. Our Lady of Lourdes, East Kilbride. That’s the reality facing She regularly receives donated to the furniture based, contact the SSVP Martin Quinn, former president, St many people who live calls from people in project go through standard national office. John Cunningham, treasurer, St Mark’s Rutherglen. Mary McCann, former member, St in dire poverty across desperate need of the items safety checks and all To volunteer in Fife Bernard’s, Coatbridge. Martin’s, Renton. Scotland. that most of us take for furniture distributed is in contact Moira McCrae on, Robert Wilson, former member, St SSVP furniture projects granted. good condition. To volunteer 07939 Nancy Taylor, former secretary, St Catherine Laboure, Balornock. Evelyn Boyle, former member, St get to the heart of the Recently, one man who More volunteers are 223680. For Cadoc’s Newton Mearns. Teresa’s, . society’s work, serving had fallen on hard times needed to ensure furniture , contact Jim Harte, former president, St those in need with practical was reduced to tears of projects continue to be Pat Carr on Pat Haggerty, active member, St Joseph’s, Tollcross. Irene Reynolds, former member, SS assistance. joy as David and fellow a success. Pat Carr, 07954310670. Mary’s, Saltcoats. Leonard & Fergus, Dundee. In Fife, the project is run volunteer Sam Gill filled of the Wishaw Agnes Starrs, active member, St by members David Hunter his small ground-floor flat Diocese Volunteer: Daniel McGroarty, former member, Joseph’s, Bonnybridge. Daniel Hart, former secretary, St and Moira McCrae. with furniture and white said: “Any Sam collects a St Mary’s, Caldercruix. Ninian’s, Inverness. Moira’s two garages in goods, all for free. His amount of donation in Fife. Dick Reilly, former Motherwell Kingseat are crammed to rented home had been time Richard Dormer, active member, St president & former president, St Vera Faiz, former treasurer, Holy the rafters (literally) with bereft of the most basic you Patrick’s, . James’, Coatbridge. Name, Mansewood.

OZANAM NEWS I 14 OZANAM NEWS I 15 Have a happy and holy Christmas “It is my privilege to have been appointed to serve you as Office Manager at the national office. I join an experienced office team: Elaine Gorman, Margaret Thomson and Jim Gibson (administration) and Clare Carr Cullen (youth development). I am getting to know conference members through telephone and email communication and it was particularly good to meet some personally at the annual meeting. I look forward to getting to know many more of you in the coming months. The office team wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas and many blessings in the year ahead.” Jacqueline Laird, National Office Manager Staff: Margaret, Jim and Elaine Gorman Jacqueline Laird. prepare a mailing. National Office – Christmas closure The office closes at 1pm on Friday 23rd December and re-opens on ednesdayW 4th January.