Celebrating human dignity: A blog from Minna

At Caritas we’re working to remove barriers and ensure accessibility and participation in all aspects of society, for people across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.  We believe that making that happen is everyone’s responsibility.   

Earlier this month we held a special event at Sacred Heart Church and Parish Centre in Gorton, celebrating human dignity.

Here, Minna, our accessibility coordinator, tells us more about how it went…  

What a pleasure it was to be part of Caritas on this special day to celebrate human dignity.     

The idea of the event came building from the previous work by the Catholic Fellowship who supported the event along with SCOPE, Through the Roof and L’Arche as well as some independent speakers.

We came together with a special focus on promoting human dignity, ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities and embracing the spirit of inclusion. Human dignity isn’t contingent upon economic contribution but a recognition that every individual, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, possesses inherent self-worth.  

It’s important to recognise that the barriers people face often exist not out of intentional exclusion, but rather due to a lack of understanding or consideration.

In fact, SCOPE research shows a staggering two thirds of people are afraid to talk to someone with a disability.  Caritas believes it’s our collective responsibility to bridge this gap, to foster understanding, and to break down the walls that separate us.   

Our event had three parts.  We were pleased that 52 people were able to join us for the guest speakers and networking session.

The topics included ‘Dementia’, thanks to an independent speaker, Caroline Harrington; ‘Sight-loss’, thanks to Rev. Chich Hewet on behalf of Through the Roof; ‘MS and face blindness’, thanks to Clair Regan a Caritas volunteer accessibility advocate; ‘A parent’s perspective of autism’, thanks to Kath Ansley, Caritas formation coordinator; ‘Organising an accessible event’, thanks to SCOPE; and ‘Attitudes to disability’, thanks to Peter McDonough, Caritas community officer.    

We then spent some time reflecting on what human dignity means in terms of Catholic Social Teaching.  Hearing from a variety of individuals who have direct experience of barriers, either in their own lives or through close contacts was thought-provoking and provided a real-world perspective on the importance of breaking down those barriers.   

Lunch and networking meant a good chance to get to know people from other organisations and get to know the good work that they do too.  It’s a positive feeling to know that others are striving for the same goals.  I found the stalls informative and a good conversation starter, providing opportunity for more testimony sharing in the parish centre.   

Some people also went out into the Sacred Heart Community Gardens and were amazed at them.  They really are stunning and award winning!    

Bishop John Arnold arrived early and was able to get some lunch before the church was opened for private prayer ahead of Mass at 2pm which he concelebrated with Fr. Kevin Murphy and Fr. David Ryder.  

The Sacred Heart Choir provided the music (including instruments), a mix of Latin classics, modern hymns and Nigerian pieces arranged and adapted by Fr. Kevin Murphy.   It was a joyous occasion.  The Mass was also accessible in British Sign Language by a combination of Deaf readers, interpreters and Bishop John signed much of the Eucharistic prayer.   

Thanks to everyone who came along for such a positive and inclusive day.  

But, don’t just take my word for it. We’ve had some extremely positive feedback from people who came along too:  

• “An excellent day for learning and sharing.”   
• “I thought the whole event was truly excellent as did the many people I spoke to.”    
• “Bishop John signing parts of the Mass was very moving and inspirational.”  
• “A very uplifting day. I felt I was on both sides of the fence as part of the organising team and a presenter but also there was learning for me to take away for my own family situation and in day-to-day life.”   
• “It is great to see that accessibility is built into everything that you do.”  
• “The format for the talks, having genuine real stories are most touching, The video must have took a long time to make, it also touched our hearts. Thank you.”   
• “Wonderful concelebrated Mass and choir.  Always like to hear Bishop John.  Wonderful to see so many people signing even Bishop John.”  
• “For me it was a great experience.  We are all equal in this world and have the same rights.”  

Thank you to everyone who came along or who contributed on the day.

Find out more about our accessibility service now: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/service/accessibility-service/