We
finally arrived at Redfern after having heard of Ted
and his work from various members of the clergy and
a variety of people over thirty years. Each time we
would say that we must go to Mass at Redfern something
got in our way.
I
will never forget the first evening Mass we attended.
The small Blessed Sacrament chapel, under the gallery,
was being used for some reason. Ted arrived and immediately
came and introduced himself to us and welcomed us and
then proceeded to tell us how lucky we were to be there
that night, as a special lady was going to speak to
us. She told us that years ago, as a young girl, she
had a child. The boy had been given for adoption. Later
she had entered the convent, eventually becoming the
provincial of her order. The child was always on her
mind until eventually they made contact and they were
united with each other in New
Zealand.
They have kept in contact ever since. He is a married
man with a family.
The
love and compassion shown by Ted and the community hit
me like a thunderbolt. This was what Jesus was all about
I
thought of all the churches I'd been to during my life
- always searching for total acceptance and never quite
finding it. Personalities, money and hunger for power
always got in the way.
At
Redfern I have found peace. I am so happy to have experienced
Ted's loving leadership - he has sown the seed and I
know that, even though he has retired, his spirit will
remain and the community will nurture it and will continue
to grow together in his spirit which is the spirit of
Jesus’ concern for the poor and needy.
Shalom
by Kate Gavan |