Maureen, Grainne and Jean
Sr. Maureen Seddon, DW
I recently had the joy of attending a very special and memorable event in Dublin, Ireland. As one who has had the privilege of being associated with Sophia Housing from the very earliest days when for Jean it was only a dream, an aspiration, reminded me of our founding. Like Montfort, Jean also had and has a great passion for justice, compassion for those on the margins and especially for those who are homeless particularly, women and children.
Another similarity and what I see as providential encounters was firstly Montfort’s encounter with Marie Louise and for Jean the providential encounter with Eamonn Martin, of revered memory, who was the co-founder of Sophia.
In each scenario we witness a meeting of minds and hearts, a dovetailing of gifts and talents and a deep rootedness in gospel values as lived and proclaimed by Jesus, Eternal and Incarnate Wisdom.
From very small and humble beginnings and despite many challenges along the way and like in the words of Teilhard de Chardin in which he speaks about “trusting in the slow work of God”, Sophia Housing has grown and developed far beyond what one could have ever imagined. Providing an outstanding holistic service of excellence for people out of home, it is highly praised and acknowledged by the statutory and non-statutory bodies alike, but no more so than by the religious congregations of Ireland.
During this time of great change being experienced by religious, Sophia Housing has provided a conduit for a new form of ministry. Through the formation of a strong partnership between eighteen religious congregations and their ongoing generous donations of properties and finance have enabled Sophia to develop its services throughout Ireland.
This event saw the joyous coming together of religious, former and present members of staff and of the Boards of Management and associates. Through a video presentation we had time to recall, reflect upon and be amazed at the evolution of Sophia during the past 28 years. This was followed by a presentation of the 10 new projects currently being developed and which was so uplifting to see.
Each of the presentations was interspersed with beautiful reflective music played by a professional harpist which greatly added to the occasion. In the various speeches that were made, Jean was greatly praised for her vision and the courage to pursue her dream. Most of all appreciation was expressed that despite her many years with UNANIMA she has continued to ensure that the ethos, the living out of Wisdom’s values continues to permeate the service at all times and which gives Sophia Housing its distinctive character. Jean was also congratulated on taking up her new role as Patron which gives assurance of her ongoing involvement and commitment to Sophia. And as token of appreciation Jean was presented with a beautiful carving made out of ancient (6000 years old) Irish bog oak with its design being a sign of connectivity.
This memorable occasion provided an opportunity to pause, to take a trip down memory lane, and to recall with gratitude all those who have been part of the story past and present, of all that has been accomplished, sometimes miraculously and often marked by God’s providential care. And at the heart of Sophia is of course all those who avail of its services. And at this time when the world is in chaos and for so many a very dark place, the prayer is that Sophia will continue to be a beacon of light and hope, a place of healing and new life, a true home.
