Westminster: Farewell - but not goodbye - to Barbara Kentish

Colleagues, friends and family gathered at St John Vianney's in West Green, north London, on Friday evening, for a party marking the retirement of Barbara Kentish, after 12 years as Fieldworker for Westminster Justice and Peace Commission. There was an exhibition of banners, photographs and albums showing the work of the commission.

Many people stepped forward to pay tribute to Barbara's work.

Fr Joe Ryan, Chair of Westminster J&P said it had been a privilege and an honour taking part in events and travelling with groups organised by Barbara on their many trips - including their marathon cycle ride to the Paris Environment conference, the Westminster peace pilgrimage across Europe, a presentation at Bydgosc University in Poland, and visits to refugee projects in Calais. Fr Joe said he really appreciated Barbara's organisational skills.

Brother Johannes who works with refugees at the Catholic Worker House of Hospitality in Calais said: "Barbara sees opportunities to do things." He said when she had asked him what she could do to help in Calais. he had mentioned domestic tasks like cleaning and washing - but she had commented: " I have done that all my life." Barbara went much further and started a cross channel solidarity group, fundraising for Safe Passage other initiatives. An excellent French speaker, Barbara is going to continue working with the Calais projects.

An old friend, Anne Power, who has known Barbara since they were students in 1967, recalled their work together on children's playschemes and other community activities. After a spell working in Uganda, Barbara got very involved in development, inequality issues and social justice, She then took up teaching at a secondary school in Hackney. Anne praised Barbara's "extraordinary faith" seeing the needs of people round her. She said Barbara was also a fine storyteller - documenting her work in picture books.

There was a message from Bishop Nicholas Hudson, who was unable to come because he had a preparation meeting for World Youth Day which starts in Panama later this month. Bishop Nicholas expressed the appreciation of the whole diocese for her work and said: "You are proof that life can be even richer after retirement."

Parishioner Mariantha read a heartfelt poem in which she described Barbara as "one of God's beautiful people" and asked "Why do we ever let you go."

There were also tributes and messages from Holly, Pat Gaffney from Pax Christi, Roland from the London Catholic Worker, KIndertransport, and Phil Kerton from Seeking Sanctuary. Bruce Kent noted that "If you are talking J&P you are challenging the way things are inside as well as outside the church."

In a Q&A with Tony Sheen from CAFOD, Barbara said she was glad the diocese has been introduced to Fair Trade. Now about half the diocese uses Fiartrade goods. Other highlights for her have been the ongoing theme of working to deal with climate change, implementing Laudato Si, working with Columban Fr Sean McDonagh, Richard Solly from the London Mining Network, peace work in schools with Pax Christi, MoD vigils, campaigning at the Arms Trade exhibition, the arrival of London Catholic Worker, (Dorothy Day has been a guiding light for decades) Justice for Palestine and other issues. Although Barbara has retired from her official job - she is going to continue working in justice and peace and said she was looking forward to her "next adventures."

"It's love - the relationships that make things work for me - family and friends." she said.

After the speeches and gifts - there was food and refreshments. The evening concluded with some rousing peace songs led by musicians from Barbara's family. There will be clips on ICN's Youtube channel soon.

Watch: Barbara's brother, Fr Austin Hughes scj and sister Madeleine Ashdown sing 'The green grass of France' -
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