The Saint Vincent de Paul Justice Conference in Knock ( Sept 14th )
On Thursday, the 14th of September we attended the Saint Vincent de Paul Justice Conference in Knock as our retreat. When we first arrived we were divided into 20 different tables, each full of students from different schools in Connacht.
There were four guest speakers on the day, Fr. Peter McVerry, Joanne O'Riordan, John Lonegan and Cara Augestenborg. Over 300 students attended. Joanne was born with a rare condition that only 6 other people have in the world, Total Amelia. She has no limbs. She made a very inspiring speech. She does not think of herself as "disabled" she calls herself "unique". She was very positive, humorous and determined. She didn't let her condition stop her from living a normal life.
Fr Peter McVerry set up the Peter McVerry Trust. He helps the homeless. He gave us suggestions on how we can help them easily. All we have to do is talk to them. His speech made me realise how lucky I am and that not all homeless people are bad people.
Cara Augestenborg is an enviromental scientist. At the moment she is mostly studying climate change. She spoke to us about how they helped to reduce waste at Electric Picnic in Laois. Her speech helped me to understand that we have to care for our country a lot more.
John Lonergon worked in Mountjoy prison. He encouraged us to take pride in our communities. Throughout the day we were asked to write down questions and our opinions. After each speech one student and a guest joined the stage and gave their opinion on the topic and also answered questions.
Reflection
Overall, I thought that this trip was very worthwhile. It helped me to realise that I need to help others whether they are someone from my town of a homeless man in the city.
On Thursday, the 14th of September we attended the Saint Vincent de Paul Justice Conference in Knock as our retreat. When we first arrived we were divided into 20 different tables, each full of students from different schools in Connacht.
There were four guest speakers on the day, Fr. Peter McVerry, Joanne O'Riordan, John Lonegan and Cara Augestenborg. Over 300 students attended. Joanne was born with a rare condition that only 6 other people have in the world, Total Amelia. She has no limbs. She made a very inspiring speech. She does not think of herself as "disabled" she calls herself "unique". She was very positive, humorous and determined. She didn't let her condition stop her from living a normal life.
Fr Peter McVerry set up the Peter McVerry Trust. He helps the homeless. He gave us suggestions on how we can help them easily. All we have to do is talk to them. His speech made me realise how lucky I am and that not all homeless people are bad people.
Cara Augestenborg is an enviromental scientist. At the moment she is mostly studying climate change. She spoke to us about how they helped to reduce waste at Electric Picnic in Laois. Her speech helped me to understand that we have to care for our country a lot more.
John Lonergon worked in Mountjoy prison. He encouraged us to take pride in our communities. Throughout the day we were asked to write down questions and our opinions. After each speech one student and a guest joined the stage and gave their opinion on the topic and also answered questions.
Reflection
Overall, I thought that this trip was very worthwhile. It helped me to realise that I need to help others whether they are someone from my town of a homeless man in the city.