REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE FAMILY CENTRE IN CASTLEBAR
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE FAMILY CENTRE IN CASTLEBAR, CO. MAYO ON SATURDAY 18 JULY, 1998
I would like first of all to thank everybody here for the very warm reception which you’ve given me this morning – and I would particularly like to thank Archbishop Michael Neary for his kind words of welcome. I am also grateful for having been given this opportunity to be with you today – to open the Family Centre – and in so doing, to pay tribute to the Archbishop, the Clergy and indeed the people of the Archdiocese of Tuam for bringing the Centre to where it is today – housed in the refurbished stone building - that has been given a new life and a new purpose serving people in the many communities that make up the Archdiocese of Tuam.
The West of Ireland has seen huge changes over the last twenty years – with different farming practices – migration and emigration - new industries - and new urban developments. In the towns, villages and the rural areas of Mayo, Galway and Roscommon that make up the Archdiocese of Tuam – there are many people – sometimes living in remote areas – who have a new set of needs to be addressed. Indeed, the changing nature of society – with more and more people moving away from the land – with smaller families – greater independence and greater life expectancies – the problems of isolation and loneliness can become major obstacles and burdens for people to overcome. In developing towns – people can also face problems in access to facilities and services for young families – and can become relatively isolated in living their own lives – in looking after family – or just trying to make ends meet. In those circumstances – especially where people are out of touch with their wider families – it can become more and more difficult to break out of the cycle of isolation and mere existence – without some outside assistance.
The establishment of the Family Centre in 1994 was a significant and imaginative step in addressing the needs of families in a period of profound change in society – in providing support and encouragement to those who want to improve the quality of their own lives and those of their families. Healthy, happy families breed healthy happy communities and individuals. For those whose families have difficulties help and support can be a major catalyst in securing a hopeful future. I want to pay tribute to those who had the courage and vision to do something for the people of the archdiocese – and who were prepared to fill a major gap in the provision of family and personal services. In doing so they have made it possible to liberate many lives and talents that will contribute to the making of vibrant and healthy communities throughout the archdiocese. I particularly want to mention my old friend Archbishop Joseph Cassidy – the former Archbishop of Tuam – and now the Parish Priest in Moore – who played a vital part in establishing the Centre. Archbishop Cassidy is renowned for his concern for the people in his diocese – for his love for those whom he serves - and for his refreshing pragmatism in getting things done. It is a joy to see him here today.
Of course, a Centre can only be as successful as the people who provide the services – and I want to commend the Director – the administrative and professional staff – and the many volunteers – all of whom work as a successful team providing a professional service through the programmes, workshops and counselling services - catering for personal emotional and development needs – family & parenting skills – coping with bereavement – family mediation – legal issues - and spiritual enrichment.
In the short number of years since the Centre was establish – it has become very well established – and now provides a comprehensive range of supports to families and individuals in need. The secret of its success lies in its philosophy of respect for the dignity and individuality of everyone who calls on the Centre for support. Its very existence was brought about as a result of the tremendous changes in society as a whole that have had an acute impact on rural life – particularly in the West of Ireland, which has seen an enormous haemorrhage of people from the land. As we move into the third millennium, society will undoubtedly see many more changes. It is our ability to meet and cope with change that is important. The Family Centre has already proven that it can meet to requirements and needs of those whom it serves. I have no doubt that you will continue to address the requirements that change brings with it – and to meet the needs of the people of the Archdiocese in Tuam.