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'A Time for new Dreams' in North Wales

  • Katja Jewell

The Catholic Justice and Peace Network invited like-minded people from all over North Wales to come together in Pantasaph Franciscan Friary on Saturday, 17 June.

The title of the event was taken from the last page of a recent book by Ben Okri:

.


All cultures renew themselves by accepting the challenges of their times,
Like the biblical David,
Forge their vision and courage in the secret laboratory of the wild,
Wrestling with their demons and perfecting their character.
We must transform ourselves, or perish.
And out of the wilderness the songbird sang:
"Nothing is what it seems.
This is a time for new dreams."

We walked in glorious sunshine, through the cooling woods along the way of the cross, being lead on every station by a different group or organisations.

The groups involved, included Christian Aid, CAFOD (Catholic Agency for overseas development), Share (Supporting homeless and refugees everywhere), the Credit Union, and TCC (a broad-based community organisation to name but a few. Participants spoke from their own experience, or the needs of the people they are working with.

Some of the reflections also described the destruction of our planet, and the loss of biodiversity, due to human exploitation.

Reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice, we were reminded of the immense suffering in the world today, near and far. Yet as we walked from station to station, the sharing gave us great encouragement. We learned how many of us are involved in lightening this load, with compassion and commitment, bringing hope and relief,” “In the afternoon we shared ideas, how to work together in the future, recognising and celebrating the richness in working ecumenically and within our communities”.

The day ended with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Brignall, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wrexham, where we surprised the Parish of St David’s with our musical contribution.

Editor's note: As the J&P worker was made redundant in North Wales four years ago and the CAFOD presence reduced to two days a week, this event was solely organised by volunteers.

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