Fr. Des Wilson
Fr. Des Wilson standing outside Sacred Heart
In January 1972, Fr Des Wilson left the parish in which he worked, to live in a Council house in Ballymurphy, a deprived area in Belfast, in order to be among the people to whom he was to devote the rest of his life. Because he was appalled by the attitude of his bishop to the poor people of the area, he applied for the status of ‘retired priest’ in order to work more freely, without too much episcopal interference. Together with another pioneering priest, Fr Jo McVeigh (already an author of some standing in the cause of Irish liberation) he formed the Spring Hill Community, based on an open house, for the local residents and others who share its aims. From it flow several projects – a people’s theatre group, a writers’ group (which has produced well-written essays, inspired poetry, and a variety of books and booklets), and a People’s Theology Group which will be of immense value – contributors include Des Wilson and Jo MeVeigh, and other talented people like Joe Shechy who acts as Secretary; the Group meets in nearby Whiterock College.
The two dominant themes under discussion at present are the Irish version of what is generally called ‘Liberation Theology’, and an attempt to rediscover the ancient spiritual roots of Irish catholicism found in the Celtic culture.
Ireland is the ideal place for the rebirth of Celtic Christianity. Its spirit has never becn smothered by centuries of Roman domineering and accretions, and is seen manifested all over the country by shrines and holy wells dedicated to local saints whose names are unknown in Vatican lists.
The dynamic duo of Wilson and McVeigh are developing this theme, which with thought, prayer and praxis will remove the long-established Roman structural strait-jacket and create instead a democratic system of people power with a creation spirituality. The Irish people are ready for this change. Through the unstinting efforts of dedicated people, Celtic Christianity will emerge again, a powerful movement for liberation and social reconstruction.
By Don Jay - Taken from March 2000 RENEW:
Newletter of Catholics for a changing church
