Evening with Lorenda Gracey

"Change lives" was the challenge given to us by Lorenda Gracey during her fascinating and inspirational talk. And she is more qualified than most to make such a challenge. Lorenda has worked as an educator for twenty years in Pentridge and Port Philip prisons. Although she deals with the likes of murderers and armed robbers, she stresses that they are often "just nice people like any of you". The difference may simply be that they are "unconnected" - without family, friends or work. She highlighted the fact that we are in a priviliged position having the connections we have, our Parish and our group in particular being clear examples.

Every Tuesday, Lorenda goes out in a St Vincent De Paul soup van. One of the most important apects of this is the companionship that is provided to people who are otherwise unconnected. People will meet the van at different locations just to have a chat.

Lorenda revealed her determination to do everything she can to the best of her ability from the moment she gets out of bed. Prayer also plays an important part in her life - she prays constantly about everything.

We hit her with the hard questions such as "What flavour soup do you serve?" and "Do you like Fr Noel's jumper?" She handled these and more with much enthusiasm and knowledge, concluding a very impressive talk.

Visit the St Vincent de Paul website to read more about their work.