News from CAFOD

A special honour was presented to Abigail McMillan, from Harborne, Birmingham, in recognition of her services to volunteering.   

Abigail started fundraising for CAFOD (the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) in 2000 spurred on by the inspirational community of CAFOD volunteers in the local area. She was delighted to receive a papal blessing after decades of loyal service.
 
Local CAFOD rep, Sylvester Mutsigwa, surprised Abigail with the recognition, during Sunday Mass at St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Bartley Green, last month, saying: “Abigail’s work has touched countless lives, and her dedication over the years has been nothing short of extraordinary.   

“She has offered comfort, hope, and practical help to communities overseas. Through her, people have found strength they didn’t know they had and a community they didn’t know they needed. And it’s not just the hours she has given, but the heart she’s brought to every moment.”  
 
CAFOD works in over 40 countries across the world supporting communities, no matter their religion, to flourish.  

Abigail described the highlights of her work as being part of an enthusiastic group of volunteers and expressing her faith in practical ways alongside regular worship in a vibrant community of caring, generous parishioners in many churches in south Birmingham.
 
On receiving the papal blessing from Fr Gary Buckby, Abigail said: “This is an extraordinary honour, I feel overwhelmed to be honest. Being a CAFOD volunteer is great fun, I have met so many brilliant friends and it benefits me more than anyone else.  Receiving an award for something that brings me real joy is incredible.” 

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