Staff at St Cuthbert’s Care were honoured this week by a visit from His Excellency, Archbishop Antonio Mennini, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain.
During a three-day visit to the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese the Vatican Ambassador toured the offices of St Cuthbert’s Care and the Diocese welcomed by the Charity’s Chief Executive Austin Donohoe and Secretary to the Diocesan Trustees Kathleen Smith.
At the beginning of his visit His Excellency took part in welcome prayers led by Kathryn Turner, Head of Spirituality in the Diocese. He then heard about the work done by both the Diocesan office and St Cuthbert’s Care before being presented with local gifts from the area by retiring domestic Barbara Bell, who has worked in their head offices for 18 years.
On hearing of the work His Excellency said: “Your work is very important, it is your commitment that makes your work a vocation and without this so much of it couldn’t exist. I see that your work is not only humble but carried out in an anonymous way and I thank you very warmly for the help you have given the Bishop and the Diocese over so many years.”
Mr Donohoe added: “It was a privilege to play host to His Excellency during his visit and I was honoured to be able to tell him about the work of St Cuthbert’s Care. Our Purpose, working for the common good by enabling people to develop to their personal potential, has a deeper meaning; we strive to demonstrate that every human life has value no matter who they are or what stage of life they are at. What we offer is often found in many professional services but not necessarily with the compassion and dedication that we have here.”
During his visit to the area His Excellency also celebrated Mass at St Mary’s Comprehensive School in Newcastle, visited Holy Island, Durham Cathedral and Durham University and met with a number of Diocesan groups before concluding with Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle.