Fr McVerry set for Tinahely address
WELL known campaigner for the homeless Fr Peter McVerry will visit Tinahely to speak during Mass in St. Kevin’s Church, Kilaveney on Saturday, July 8 at 7.30 p.m.
The theme of his message will be ‘Homelessness – a challenge for the Gospel’. Kilaveney Folk Group will sing during this Mass.
A native of Newry, Co. Down, Fr McVerry has lived in Dublin since the early 1960’s.
After joining the Jesuit Order and teaching at Belvedere College he began to work with homeless and disadvantaged communities in the inner city of Dublin, something which he has done for the over 30 years. During this time he has campaigned tirelessly for their rights.
He founded the The Arrupe Society 1983 to provide housing and support to young people experiencing homelessness as a response to the growing numbers of individuals becoming homeless in Dublin. In 2005 the name of the charity changed from the Arrupe Society to Peter McVerry Trust.
His vision for the charity is to support all those living on the margins and to uphold their rights to full inclusion in society. In 2016 the charity worked with over 4,500 vulnerable youths. Peter’s ongoing work with and campaigning on behalf of troubled young people has made him one of the most prophetic voices in Ireland today.
Speaking ahead of the event Ellen Fox-Lanigan, Chairperson Kilaveney Parish Pastoral Council said ‘We look forward to welcoming Fr Peter McVerry to our Parish Church on Saturday 8th July. Everyone is welcome to join us. Bring a friend’.