Rev Paul Grogan
Diocesan Priestly Vocations Director
Trinity And All Saints College
Brownberrie Lane
Leeds
LS18 5HD
Tel 0113 283 7199
Email dolvocs@aol.com
ONCE AGAIN THIS YEAR THE SEMINARIANS HAVE BEEN ON SUMMER PLACEMENTS AND HERE ARE SOME REPORTS OF THEIR EXPERIENCES
Jonathan Byfield - The gift of Mount St Joseph's
Like all the other seminarians returning from Spain this year I had placements in the diocese over the summer. These are a vital part of the priestly formation, helping to prepare a seminarian for many aspects of his ministry once he is ordained. This not only includes the practical skills he needs but the enrichment of his spirituality.
I've been asked to write a brief account of one of my pastoral placements that I've recently finished. The placement was for two weeks with the Little Sisters of the Poor at Mount St Joseph's. This is located behind Hinsley Hall. As part of the daily routine I developed, I carried out a number of tasks. At breakfast and at lunch I would help bring residents into the dining room. I would serve them, and for those that needed it, I would help feed them. I gave the carers a hand whenever they needed help.
For daily Mass I would help bring residents down to the chapel, for evening prayer I read the scripture reading. I also had chance to help the sisters with their computer systems.
It was what happened between the scheduled tasks that I found the most rewarding; here I could talk to the residents and to get to know them. I met a large number of the retired priests living both in the home and in the bungalows. We compared tales of how seminary has changed from when they were studying to how it is now. It was fascinating to see how different priestly formation has become over the years.
Over the last year I've had the privilege to visit both the resting places of both St Teresa of Avila and St Therese of Lisieux. Both are doctors of the church, both taught about finding God amidst the daily work. St Teresa of Avila wrote that "God is amidst the pots and pans".
Over my placement with the Little Sisters of the Poor there teachings became apparent to me.
The Sisters knew the value of prayer so had allowed me time in the day to sit and pray. It was there that I was able to realise the value of their writings. It is through these everyday small acts of charity that we encounter God. We are to show our love through these acts of self-sacrifice.
Since being at the Little Sisters of the Poor, I've been reading about their founder, St Jeanne Jugan.
Like many other saints she saw Christ in the people around her, especially the poor and elderly. She said "Never forget that the poor are Our Lord. In caring for the poor say to yourself: This is for my Jesus-what a great grace!"
Matthew Sanderson - An Unforgettable Fortnight at St. Gemma's Hospice
Being a local lad I have always known of the work of St Gemma's; but it was not until I undertook a two week placement at the Hospice that I understood why it was held in such esteem amongst the community that I was brought up in.
I started my placement as the August riots were occurring throughout our country, where society seemed unsafe and loveless; what a contrast it was to walk through the doors of St. Gemma's and be part of a community centred on love and compassion. This grounding in love seems to me to be at the heart of St. Gemma's and optimises faith in action; ‘Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God' (1John 4:7). Most of my placement was spent in the Day Hospice, with those with terminal illnesses. I did not know what to expect; but what I experienced was a place of life, and of love seen though the friendship and care amongst the patients, staff and volunteers.
It is clear that people come to the Day Hospice to live life as fully as possible and to enjoy life; finding value and purpose in new skills and interests, whether this was through their art work or through playing bowls on the Wii! It was in small instances such as these that I felt that the beauty of God was evident; as St. Irenaeus, a second century Church Father stated, ‘The glory of God is man fully alive'. Although those coming to the Hospice are all ill or infirm, they were fully alive through their interests and activities.
This zest for life became apparent through the many conversations I had, whether it was reminiscing about past events or asking searching questions. As a newbie I was made to feel welcome very quickly. This friendly atmosphere was palpable amongst the day patients; it seemed that for many coming to the Day Hospice was a highlight of their week and many made friends with others who were in a similar situation. The care of the staff and the volunteers was constant, understated, thorough and compassionate; even though the patients, staff and volunteers changed each day the ethos remained continuous: a place of life, of friendship and of care, where love radiated throughout.
It is with sadness that my short placement draws to a close, but I will remember the fortnight that I spent at St. Gemma's with gratitude and joy. I now know why St. Gemma's is held in such esteem amongst the local community; it is a unique place which comprises of a community over-flowing with compassion and love and has at its core a desire to help all live life as fully as possible. I only hope that I can replicate the love I have felt at St. Gemma's and its approach to life in my own life when my placement finishes.
