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THE RIDDLE OF THE SANDS
How Much Should We Love Our Neighbour?
The tragic deaths of twenty Cockle gatherers in Morecambe bay has once again raised questions of just how we treat immigrants and refugees. Though Bishop Patrick has spoken out strongly in their defense, others take a contrary view. But the question will not go away for any of us. Yes, we should love our neighbours, but how are we applying that to the immigrant issue? Here Paddy Donnelly of St Augustine's parish in Preston, a parish that knows about immigration, speaks of his own experience and the lesson it has taught him.
"I came to England on August 3rd 1955, from my home in the North of Ireland - the Parish of St. Patrick in Loughguiel, Co. Antrim. I was an immigrant. I lived in Oxford Street in Avenham, Preston, where my aunt had lived for forty years. I started work as a 'brush-hand' with Raymond Long (Painter). There I met people from every race and creed and country. They were also immigrants. At that time, the majority of people living in this area were Irish Catholics and we worshipped in the beautiful big church of St. Augustine here in Avenham.
Fifty years later, I am still meeting my immigrant neighbours, the majority of whom are now from Asia. They worship at the mosque next door to our church and we see them going to and fro five times a day. They inspire me by their fidelity to prayer and I appreciate the presence of their children in our school.
As a Christian, I have taught my children to respect and appreciate our neighbours. I am convinced that my mission here in England has been to live in peace and harmony with the people around me here and to help them settle, as I did, and overcome the difficulties of 'moving in' in a foreign land. In doing this, I have lived out what being a Christian means for me. I pray that we can all go on living together in peace, as other groups settle here in the future and we have more new beginnings."
Buddhist Monks say prayers for drowned Cocklers at Morecambe Bay. (Reuters)
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