Support for Father Leo’s Work Grows

26 February 2009

The Clifton Diocese Justice and Peace Commission met recently and have sent messages of support to Father Leo Dolan - the Clifton Diocese priest ministering in Brazil.

Bath parishioner Dr Derek Indoe left for Brazil last week.  Dr Derek is a member of a small group of parishioners from around Clifton Diocese who raised Father Leo’s concerns about violent events in Brazil at visit to the Brazilian Embassy in January. 

Dr Derek works with a voluntary group of local people including Hugh Dowson and Sue Smailes who are members of the Justice and Peace Commission.  Dr Derek met with the Clifton Diocese Justice and Peace Commission the day before he flew to Brazil.  He discussed his plans to take concerns for the poorest in Brazilian society further and to support Father Leo in his important work.  These plans will be further developed when Dr Derek and Father Leo meet in Brazilia. 

Mary Colwell, inspiration for Clifton Cathedral's year-long series of environmental events - Sound of Many Waters - and acclaimed radio and TV producer, was also at the meeting.  Mary has recently returned from gatherings in Brazil, USA and Brussels where she represented the Alliance of Religions and Conservation.  She described that a great deal of work was being done around the world by faith communities, NGOs, the UN and others linking care for the environment with concerns for the poor and indigenous. Climate change is focussing attention on the Amazon and its peoples particularly in the run up to the Copenhagen Climate Conference in December. 

Mary also expressed her interest in the work being planned by the group who visited the Brazilian Embassy.  She said: “I’m very concerned that Father Leo gets support so I will do whatever I can to help.”

Dr Derek has promised to keep in contact by email where possible as he travels in South America.  His experiences and contacts will help to steer his work in the direction that would be most helpful to Father Leo and the landless faithful of Brazil.

To find out how you can become more aware of Father Leo’s work in Brazil and get to know about the lives of fellow Catholics in South America you can use the special new address padreleo@cliftondiocese.com and make contact with Dr Derek.

Sue Ingham, Secretary Clifton Diocese Justice and Peace Commission