Pilgrimpace's Blog

My first day at school stands out clearly in my mind. A crust of bread and a kiss was my breakfast as I ran across the road to St Saviour’s, at the age of five. When I got to school, there was placed before me a white mug of hot milk and a bun; it looked very big. I couldn’t believe it was for me. I looked up, and there was a big fat man in black, with a funny hat looking down at me. He had a big face with a double chin; he was smiling; it was a lovely face. The man put his hand on my head and said, simply: ‘Eat.’ That was Father Dolling, and I think I have felt that touch ever since.

– Father Joe, The Autobiography of Joseph Williamson of Poplar and Stepney

Fr Dolling

This is a good passage to reflect on.  Where do we receive the things that feed us so deeply?  Can we make sure we see them and don’t overlook them? What do they say to us?  How can we be people who do this to others?  Giving with such humanity.

If you want to be involved in feeding people in a way that really builds up, I heartily recommend the Free Bread Project connected to the excellent Ifakara Bakery in Tanzania.  Click here for more information.