The heroes all around us
By FATHER LESLIE ADAMS, parish priest of St Joseph, Havant, and St Thomas’, Emsworth
As we return to a world of picnics in the park and pints down the pub, it’s important to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made during the pandemic.
Our key workers have been the linchpins that kept us all together; they’ve put food on our shelves, and made sure the lights kept burning. Doctors, nurses, and paramedics risked their lives so that we might live: our debt to them is immense so we must remain cautious as we go about our daily tasks and not cause a spike in infections.
Day after day, The News has documented the selfless efforts of ordinary men and women who have achieved extraordinary things by working together for the common good. We are blessed to have such heroism and bravery within our community.
I’m very proud of how members of our Catholic congregation have continued to support the most vulnerable despite the restrictions imposed upon us. They’ve collected donations for the Beacon Food Bank organised by the Beacon Church in Havant; raised much-needed funds for water pumps in the third world by completing 10,000 steps a day.
Others have embraced digital media so we can livestream Liturgy of the Word via Zoom. Our prayer vigil for India was deeply moving as we continue to pray for its people.
The last 14 months have been traumatic for so many people.
Whether this has been the result of a bereavement, job loss, or the breakdown of a relationship.
For others it has forced them to reappraise their lives and question where they’re going. The mantra ‘build back better’ has gained traction over the last few months as people yearn for a more just world.
Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical
‘Laudato Si: On care for our common home’ outlines how we can improve our world. We celebrate Laudato Si Week from May 16-24, 2021, ‘for we know things can change’ .
I look forward to sharing some examples of how this has already begun in future issues of The News.