By Mike Weaver

Supporters of the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) inspired at Festival Mass and Gathering at St Chad’s Cathedral

Over 110 people connected to the SVP Birmingham Central Council attended the recent event (held on Saturday 21 September).

The Mass, which was also live streamed for those who could not attend, was celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley and concelebrated by Monsignor Daniel McHugh. Deacon David Fairbotham proclaimed the Gospel.

During Mass Archbishop Bernard reminded members of the call of Christ to follow him. He then invited members renew their promise to be a witness of Christ’s boundless love of the poor, the lonely, the suffering and deprived, those without faith and those who feel unloved. 

His Grace opened his Homily with:

Jesus saw a man named Matthew…and he said to him ‘Follow me’.

I am delighted to join you today for the Annual Festival Mass for the Birmingham Central Council of the St Vincent de Paul Society – most familiar to all of us as the SVP. We offer this Mass in thanksgiving for the witness of holiness offered by St Vincent de Paul, whose feastday is next Friday, and for the work and legacy of Blessed Frederic Ozanam. I welcome all the officers and members of the SVP from across our Archdiocese, together with those who support you in your work.

One of the four priorities of our diocesan vision is social outreach and a key element of our discipleship is reaching out to others with the love of Christ. Our Lord wants us to be concerned for those individuals and families who would otherwise lack support and security, for many different reasons.

Read Homily in full

A light buffet lunch followed, then a talk by guest speaker, Richard Gamble, founder of the iconic Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, currently under construction in Coleshill.

Over one million bricks in the Eternal Wall will represent stories of Jesus answering someone’s prayer. Visible from nearly six miles away, close to the motorways and mainline railway the structure will be seen by over 800,000 people a week. The Eternal Wall will be the largest symbol of hope in the world.

Mike Weaver, from the SVP Birmingham Central Council, said: “The entire day was a tremendous success.

"It was very heartening to see so many attending this special occasion. Over 110 people attended. 

"We were all impressed, excited and inspired by Richard’s contribution as he explained the origin of the Eternal Wall project, its evolution and his hopes for the impact it will have nationally and across the world. 

"We were all grateful to Archbishop Bernard for his tribute to the endeavours of over 800 SVP members in 80 parishes across the Archdiocese offering almost 25,000 hours of voluntary service annually through befriending, visits and practical support to those in need."

Richard Gamble  invited people to take the first step on an inspirational journey towards sharing their own answered prayers.

You can start your journey by taking the Eternal Wall Answered Prayer Pledge! Simply scan the QR code below and sign up - let the Eternal Wall team inspire, encourage and equip you to share your own stories to feature on this amazing landmark.

Help Eternal Wall make hope visible for generations to come!

Photograph (l-r): SVP Birmingham Central Council President Tony McGuigan, Archbishop Bernard, guest speaker Richard Gamble.

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