(Paul Bradley, CAFOD volunteer) There are four people in my life who have, to a very major degree, fanned my Flame. Firstly I am forever grateful that I was bought up in a loving and caring Catholic family by a mother, who, from as long ago as I can remember, encouraged me to ‘put others first’ and a father who was as gentle, humorous and good living a men as anyone could wish to meet. Both of my parents instilled in me the need to see the face of Christ in everyone that I met.
As I grew older and discovered the injustices of the world I had the benefit of having the Christian principles of justice and love endorsed by my headmaster Fr. Gerald Vann O.P. that great Dominican preacher/writer/humorist and musician who, being years ahead of Vatican II (i.e. in the 1950s), instilled in all who met him – and demonstrated by his actions – the precepts of love, care and compassion.
Finally, ‘the wind beneath my wings’ my wife, Anne, has during the last 47 years epitomised to me the need to care for all who have suffered misfortune and injustice. In recent years the (sometimes dwindling) flames of Anne and I have been fanned by such events as ‘Make Poverty History’ and the love care and compassion that we have experienced at various CAFOD events.
As we mark our 50th anniversary at CAFOD, it is time to reflect. We are asking all staff, volunteers, supporters and other friends of CAFOD to look back over their lives and recall the moment when they were first drawn into the fight against poverty and injustice. http://www.cafod.org.uk/whatlityourflame
Latest posts
