Last Christmas a Syrian family came to live in the Cappolis Cottage of Clongowes Wood College SJ in County Kildare through the efforts of the Jesuit community and Parish of Clane and Rathcoffey. It was a direct response to Pope Francis’ call to accommodate families fleeing from danger in their native land. The El Sheblak family’s stay at the cottage was then extended from 2 to 12 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Parish committee have now found the family new accommodation in Clane village closer to shops and schools. Fr Michael Sheil SJ, Rector of Clongowes, reflects on the community’s response in helping the El Sheblaks adjust to Irish life.

“We were recently delighted to hear that the committee had succeeded in finding the family accommodation in the village itself – within the community – nearer to the shops and, for Taleen, the school which she joined in September.

So that is why we were both sad and glad at the same time – as we bade them farewell and wished them happiness and good fortune in their new home. Our thanks to Fr Paul and his committee – and to all of those who made the El Sheblaks so welcome by helping out in various ways – especially to Fr Paul’s team who, along with Br Tom, gave the cottage a real facelift [with some help from TY’20!] – to the generous-sharing experts on the committee – and to the Clongowes staff and friends who provided everything from buggies and clothes and food to dolls and games – and even a load of Br Cha’s firewood!

It has been a great experience for all of us to share in answering Francis’ call and it is a good example of being able to acknowledge gratefully that we have all been enriched by what we have received over and above what we have been able to give this lovely family… but didn’t Jesus tell us: Give and there will be gifts for you… a full measure – pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing – will be poured into your lap. [Luke 6:38]

We had good reason to be glad to be sad – and we wish them God’s blessing for the future – and we thank them for their youthful presence among us.”