AFTERNOON COFFEE WITH LARCHE: Archbishop Leo Cushley dropped in for afternoon coffee on Tuesday with the residents at the new L’Arche community hub in Edinburgh’s Restalrig neighbourhood. “I found it a lovely experience, a wonderful first impression and a great chance to meet the community,” said Archbishop Cushley. L’Arche is an international federation dedicated to the creation and growth of homes, programs and support networks for people with learning difficulties. The Restalrig hub opened in February with a particular remit of caring for older people with disabilities. It now provides a home for four residents and five live-in assistants. “The visit of Archbishop Cushley was a very special occasion which we have been looking forward to for a long time,” said John Redwood, Director of LArche Edinburgh. “I think it was nice that he wanted to come during an ordinary day because L’Arche is very much about ordinary, everyday family life.” L’Arche is an ecumenical movement that was founded in 1964 by Canadian Catholic layman Jean Vanier after he welcomed two men with disabilities into his home in the French town of Trosly-Breuil. It has since spread to 35 countries. “Jean Vanier remains one of the most important lay Catholics in the world,” said Archbishop Cushley. “He is a very saintly and impressive figure and a man who has dedicated his whole life to embracing the diversity of peoples, always inspired by his Catholic faith”. The Archbishop was particularly delighted to learn that the new hub was built with the help of a significant donation from the living memorial fund created in honour of Monsignor David Gemmell, former Administrator of St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral, who died in 2008. “I think it’s absolutely fantastic that the Archbishop has taken time out of his busy schedule to come and visit us, it means a great deal,” said 37-year-old L’Arche resident Rebecca Fonseca.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 12:15:03 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015