May HOPE Be Yours – what an apt title at the time of its launch (December 2019) and continues to be as we journey through this pandemic. In 2019, Srs. Marie Cox, Patricia O’Donovan and Frances Kennedy undertook a challenge to collaborate on a CD in aid of The Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP). This labour of love took them from the North to the South of the country and was a true investment of passion, time, commitment and giftedness.
Many hours, days and nights were spent rehearsing, recording and fine-tuning and their efforts came to fruition with the launch of their CD ‘May HOPE be Yours’ on December 2nd in The Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen. The MC for the night was Fr. Brian D’Arcy. The event was very well attended by sisters, friends, families and members of the public. The purpose of the occasion was poignantly summed up by a representative of SVP who encouraged everyone in attendance to remember those facing a Christmas in poverty and living in challenged family environments where the very basic of necessities were not available. This reminder was carried through the week as the group moved to The Mercy International Centre on Wednesday 4th December for a second event, hosted in the chapel of Baggot Street where guests gathered together after the concert for mince pies and the always ready, nice cup of tea. Attendees’ generosity was once again very visible as CD sales continued steadily for a very worthy cause. The final occasion of the week saw the launch of the CD in Cork, at The Mercy University Hospital. Guests filled the chapel as the group performed beautifully and this occasion the MC was Christy Kenneally. The event was recorded and we are including the recording for you to watch. Following the event, guests were invited to gather and mingle for refreshments, so generously sponsored by The Mercy University Hospital management and staff.
The three launches were a wonderful opportunity to connect and re-connect with so many people and to hear how the CD project could make such an impactful change to the lives of so many people availing of SVP’s services. As we move through this pandemic, we know that the funds raised by the sale of the CD will be of great benefit to so many families and individuals whose challenged circumstances became even more challenged because of Covid-19. To-date, the following donations have been made to SVP because of the generosity of all who purchased the CD and because of the giftedness of Marie, Frances and Patricia; SVP Cork €5,000.00, SVP Dublin €5,000.00, SVP Fermanagh £3,500.00. A note of appreciation to Aine McGoldrick (Northern Province) and JP O’ Sullivan who journeyed with the group during those hours, days and nights to help deliver ‘May HOPE be Yours’.
We hope you enjoy watching the concert from Cork and encourage you to purchase a copy of the CD, priced at £15/€15 if you have not already done so. It will offer HOPE to many.
CD’s are available from Patricia, Frances, Marie and Áine; orders can be placed by contacting mercyeire3@gmail.com
