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New book celebrates the impact of Derry and Raphoe Mothers’ Union

The President of the Mothers’ Union’s Derry and Raphoe Branch, Mrs Mary Good, addresses members and friends at the launch of its news book, ‘Faith in Action’.
The President of the Mothers’ Union’s Derry and Raphoe Branch, Mrs Mary Good, addresses members and friends at the launch of its news book, ‘Faith in Action’.

Members of the Mothers’ Union from throughout the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe and beyond gathered on Saturday for the launch of a new book marking the organisation’s 130 years of service in Ireland.

The Diocesan President of Mothers’ Union, Mary Good, said the book, ‘Faith in Action’, was inspired by a visit she made to the Worldwide Conference of MU, in May 2016, when delegates were encouraged to tell the transforming stories of people who had been impacted by Mothers’ Union. “They talked about sharing ‘our best kept secret’,” Mrs Good said, “that the Mothers’ Union is an amazing group of women and men, old and young, married and single, all over the world, who have made a remarkable difference in the lives of many in their churches and surrounding communities.”

Mrs Good said they wanted the book to represent all corners of the diocese and all ages, and to reflect as much as was possible of the Derry and Raphoe Branch’s impact over its 100 years in existence. “It was a challenge,” she said, “but we finally got there. We realise how much courage it takes to tell your story. Some, that are difficult to recall, bring up memories of very sad days; but hopefully we can also see that in each of these stories the reality of God’s hand and care was present through the Mothers’ Union.”

The book is divided into two sections. The first details the stories of individual members who have something to say about their journey and Mothers’ Union’s part in it. The second section highlights the various initiatives in which Mothers’ Union is involved.

Among those present at the book’s launch in the Diocesan Centre in London Street, were the All–Ireland President of Mothers’ Union, Phyllis Grothier – who had travelled from County Carlow – and Lady Christine Eames, who is a former Worldwide and Diocesan President.

The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt Rev Ken Good, thanked the team who produced ‘Faith in Action’. He said it was a “good news story” that needed to get out.

Lady Eames congratulated the team on the “sheer, hard work” that had gone into its publication. “It’s been such a privilege and such a pleasure to see how branches have responded to 130 years of Mothers’ Union in Ireland. I look forward so much to looking at the book and reading the stories and to knowing that the Mothers’ Union in this part of the world has a history to be proud of.”

Moira Thom, who is head of fund–raising and communication for Mothers’ Union in Ireland, said it was important to tell the story of the impact the organisation had had on people’s lives and the difference that it had made in parishes and communities.

The All–Ireland President of Mothers’ Union, Mrs Grothier, said the book, ‘Faith in Action’, shared “the joy, the pain, the love, the interest and the outreach that marks Mothers’ Union – that marks everything that we do.”

  • The President of Derry and Raphoe Mothers' Union, Mary Good, the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt Rev Ken Good, and the All-Ireland President of MU, Phyllis Grothier, at the launch of the 'Faith in Action' book.
  • The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt Rev Ken Good, sneaks a peak at the Mothers' Union's new book, 'Faith in Action', prior to its launch in the Diocesan Centre last weekend.

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