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Something moved within Blessed Frederic Ozanam when he first became aware of the poverty so close to the Sorbonne University, where he was a student. The Holy Spirit sparking his conscience into action on behalf of God our Father. Blessed Frederic listened to his conscience, and in response, he went on to found the Society of St Vincent de Paul, the ‘SVP’!

Next Saturday is the UN’s International Day of Conscience, a day aimed at getting everyone to act in accordance with our conscience and to show love and compassion to those around us. Our conscience knows that there is, actually, right and wrong, kindness and selfishness, inclusion and exclusion. Like Blessed Frederic, why not listen to your conscience and then make the right decision each time you are faced with these options.

It was lovely to see a packed hall last Saturday evening for the St Patrick’s Day bingo event in aid of the SVP! As a result of your fabulous support, we raised £650 for the various workstreams of our conference.

The SVP team would like to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to everyone. And not just for the financial support, but for your joy and kind words also! When you are at the coalface, trying to solve problems, it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. All of you provide us with the energy and the resources to keep going. Rest assured that your support is gratefully received and we pray to the Holy Spirit to guide us in the best use of those funds.

Exercising your awareness sensors is just as important as exercising your mind and limbs! Are you aware of the fundamental Christian principle of social justice? Have you ever delved deeper in to the meaning of those two words? It is very easy to come up with examples of social injustice and to then come up with reasons for why society is so. Coming up with, and applying, solutions is more difficult though.

The longer evenings are definitely on the way and the positive vibes that accompany Spring can be heard in the beautiful birdsong each morning and evening. At times like this, though, it is easy to forget that some people can be left behind. Please empathise with those who are housebound, or bedbound, irrespective of the beautiful weather. The lengthening days may even have a negative impact on people in such situations, extending their hours of loneliness.

Lent begins on Wednesday and, in years gone by, this is the time when youngsters were encouraged to put away their chocolates and sweets until Easter Sunday. ‘Giving up something for Lent’ was a strong, and very effective habit-forming, tradition and it is still is today.

As the youngsters grew up, though, the idea of ‘doing something for Lent’ was introduced and many good works, that would not normally have been part of the day, were started. Many times these new good habits stayed for the rest of the year and beyond.