By Mark Reidy
An enthusiastic crowd of over a hundred gathered together on July 8 at the Queen of Martyrs Church Hall to enjoy an evening of prayer and entertainment provided by a group of grey-robed, bearded and hip Friars.
The US based Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, who were visiting Perth en route to World Youth Day in Sydney, were joined by fellow American pilgrims, in providing the audience with a spiritually enriching concert filled with music, skits and testimonies.
The six Friars from New York and the 30 pilgrims, mainly from California, were responding to an invitation from The Shopfront Co-ordinator, Julie Williams, to be involved in mission work during their stay in Perth.
The Shopfront, established in 2001, is an initiative of Archbishop Hickey, provides marginalised people in the community with a welcoming place to spend time as well as providing assistance with accommodation, budgeting, addictions, violence, etc and also providing referrals to other agencies.
Ms Williams said that the Friars and pilgrims had spent time at Shopfront’s Maylands premises earlier in the day and had been, “overflowing with love, enthusiasm, song and laughter for those whose lives have been disadvantaged by poverty, loneliness, homelessness and mental illness”.
This reaching out, she said, was very much a part of the Friars ministry in places around the world and that their presence, both during the day and at the evening concert, had provided all those they met with abundant blessings.
For further information on The Shopfront contact Julie Williams on 9422 7900 or Br Peter Negus (after 1pm) on 9371 9109.
