HOW HARD it is to speak even to a small audience and make an impact. It would seem impossible to speak to millions and to touch the hearts of all.
The Queen of England has seen most of the Wonders of the World. She is kept informed of all that matters. On Christmas Day, she chose to speak of Sister Ethel Normoyle and of her heroic work among the people in a black township near Port Elizabeth, in South Africa. The sad shantytown is impoverished, overcrowded and unhealthy and was, till lately, a place of violence and despair. As the Queen spoke, many were heading for the Test Match between England and South Africa.
Neither spectators nor TV viewers of the top class cricket would be likely to see the 50 year old nun of the Little Company of Mary and her 20 wonderful lay helpers amid the cardboard shacks that house over 12,000 people. Sister Ethel tells us the district is ravaged by TB and malnutrition, and 80 per cent of men are without work. The nun and her team provide health care, preschool classes and special help for homeless children. There are sewing lessons and handicraft training for adults. Sister Ethel's task is to provide food, clothes, and some basic education. Into the darkness she has brought light. Into an area of despair, she has carried dignity and hope. She puts it humbly I try to do my small bit to bring to people the compassion of Christ
This captured the heart and mind of the Queen when she visited last March. "I witnessed a glowing example of how the inspiration and energy of one person can benefit thousands of others suspect that Sr Ethel's modesty and sense of humour prevent her from appreciating to the full extent her achievements. Christmas speaks of peace and good will. It is the Sister Ethels of this world who spread the message. It is for the rest of us to welcome it."
Sister Ethel arrived amid scenes of desolation seven years ago. She could have cursed the darkness instead she spread the light. Each of us will feel weak amid the forces of greed, cruelty, pride and neglect. The temptation is to say, in despair "I am only one"
One of the greatest givers of Christian hope and of generous service in our day was Archbishop Finbar Ryan OP, the Cork born scholar and missionary. He gave vision and courage to all in the West Indies. His motto was "I am only One."
But I am One,
I cannot do everything,
But I can do something,
What One can do,
I will do.
So help me God.
William Booth was only one. Look at the astonishing work of the Salvation Army. Chad Varah was only one, and the courageous Church of Ireland priest who brought his work to Ireland was only one. Look at our life giving Samaritans today.
Edmund Rice and Catherine McAuley found themselves millionaires in an Ireland depressed, despoiled and in despair. Each was only one. Instead of selfish indulgence, they offered all so that education and medical care mighty reach the poor. Frederic Ozanam was one gifted student at the University of Paris the cry of the poor reached his heart. His St Vincent de Paul workers, women and men, are now all across the globe, sharing in Sister Ethel's shining service to carry the compassion of Christ to those who need it most.
Cardinal Newman's words inspire Sister Ethel in her task of love
"God has created me to do some service. Some work is committed to me which has not been committed to another. I have my mission I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in the chain, a bond of connection between persons. I have not been created for naught, I shall do good. I shall be an angel of peace.
You, gentle reader, may be the unique person that someone needs today