Real Hope is a deeper longing for a better world and as a resistance to pessimism because Hope sustains.
During this Jubilee Year, we are sharing stories of hope and social action from across the Diocese of Plymouth. This reflection is about a recent event in Truro led by the SVP.
On Saturday 12 April around 60 people gathered at Epiphany House in Truro to hear about “Waiting in Joyful Hope – exploring the role of Hope in our lives and those around us”, delivered by theologian and author David Wells. The day was organised by the Truro Conference of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) led by President Peter Kwee and his team. The Duchy of Cornwall Catenians made a generous donation and attended alongside people from seven parishes, including from as far away as Sidmouth, Devon.
The day began with an appetising and tasty “Full Cornish” breakfast, followed by a visit to the beautiful chapel for an inspiring opening liturgy led by Deacon Andrew Shute. David opened the first session by observing that most if not all of our church/parish committees gather to solve a problem. This is not what we should really be about. He defined real Hope as a deeper longing for a better world and as a resistance to pessimism because Hope sustains. David drew heavily on the recent writings of Pope Francis such as Dignitas Infinita (Infinite Dignity) and Fratelli Tutti (Brothers and Sisters All). David stressed the four characteristics of Hope: it gives you the bigger picture; it endures; it dignifies (David linked dignity with the work of SVP volunteers who restore dignity to those they help, especially the marginalised members of society); it restores. Hope is not about judgement, but about healing. Hope sees beyond present constraints.
In the many conversations, thoughts turned to SVP founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, who began his ministry of charity delivering logs to an elderly man in a garret. Frederic not only brought logs, but also Hope and comfort. Just as today, when members of SVP visit people, they are full of Hope, bringing it to all, showing people they are valued and respected, just as Frederic did.
There are SVP Conferences throughout the diocese carrying out works such as visiting the sick and housebound, visiting prisons and hospitals, running welcome cafes and spaces, doing soup runs and much more. Each conference is based within a parish(es) and decides what needs to be done in consultation with their parish priests. There is still so much work to be done both in our existing conferences as well as the need to start new ones.
If you would like to find out more about starting a conference joining SVP, please contact caritas@prcdtr.org.uk and we can put you in touch with the SVP leads in our diocese. You can also find other ways to get involved with SVP here.
(Photo. Truro SVP with David Wells and Central Council President Peter McGauley and Truro President Peter Kwee. Thank you to Peter for this reflection on the event).