As I record the wonderful achievement of St. Brigid’s Family and Community Centre in Waterford, I begin by quoting Minister Mary Hanafin as she opened the beautifully refurbished Centre on 26th February, 2010. Commending the work of the Sisters of Mercy, but in particular Maria McGuinness’s role, she said “…stories of abuse in religious orders should not overshadow the good work done by many. It would be wrong to tar everyone with the same brush and it would be wrong to put a negative perspective on religious orders given the amount of really, really positive work that has been done in communities and towns all over the country”. Her comment certainly applied to the work done in Waterford.

Twenty five years ago Maria established St. Brigid’s in response to the urgent challenge from CORI to become involved in the work of Justice. This was the pre – Celtic Tiger era when Waterford was one of the many unemployment black-spots in the country. Poverty and depression marred the lives of all too many. The devastating effects of these ills were clear manifestations of gross inequality that called for a response at the levels of advocacy and service provision. Neither of these services was adequately provided for by the State or the voluntary sector.

Having re-trained in Social Work Maria set out on this pioneering Mercy response with one room and neither a bank account nor colleagues. She had no strategic plan or lofty goals. What she did have was clarity of purpose on our call to involvement in the work of Justice as a matter of urgency.

Maria tells us the history of the first years. “On balance, the apparent resource deficits were more than compensated for by the full support of the Mercy community in Military Road and a new found alignment with Catherine’s Trust in Providence. These two assets had a magnetic attraction that captivated others. In a short period of time a host of gifted idealistic young people became involved in the social justice group with its focus on local and global issues of injustice. This involvement, which was all voluntary, led to a heightened awareness of structural injustice and a keen attunement to the cry of the poor.

While continuing to be fully committed to the advocacy role of St. Brigid’s the need to respond practically to the pressing issues of those affected by injustice soon became apparent. Without financial resources some would have claimed that a response was impossible. However that did not deter the team of volunteers in St. Brigid’s. Having a strong reliance on Providence and with the goodwill of the local people the risk was taken to set up a wide range of services to meet emerging needs. Trust in Providence and in the goodwill of people proved to be great investments as is evidenced in St. Brigid’s 25 years later! With these assets and the on-going commitment of so many great people, St. Brigid’s has become the largest Family and Community Centre in the country.”

Many of us have long associated St. Brigid’s with Maria and it is a tribute to her that she was able to let go of what one member of the Board said of it “it’s like watching your child grow, you feel maternal about it”. It is fitting then that Maria was present to hear the accolades showered on the Centre at the official opening of the newly refurbished “one room”! It has gone from this one room to a huge organisation serving the pressing needs of the people of Waterford and a wide variety of groups who avail of the facilities – “we are delighted with the centre, it is wonderful. It’s a great place to get to know your neighbours and the facilities here are great.” Maria, in responding, spoke of her pride at being present for the occasion. Though missing the place, she said it was wonderful to see that the work has continued and flourished so well. This, she said, is attributable to the continuing community spirit and the deep concern for those who are poor, by all who are involved in St. Brigid’s. These were the founding values of the Centre, and it is indeed a tribute that they have withstood the test of time and with a vibrancy that is admirable.

Maria began in 1984 with hope and a determination to address issues of injustice. She, with her team sought to reach out to disadvantaged families in the area, encouraging them to find new ways of growing in confidence in their own gifts and talents. 25 years later there is a buzz and a warmth from the many people involved in the centre which is an indication of its value to the area and the success of Maria’s seed of hope. The Minister summed it up well when she said “it’s what happens inside”.

Congratulations in particular to Maria and to the Centre. May it continue to bring hope and encouragement as well as enjoyment to all who come through its door.

Nuala O’Gorman rsm
Southern Province