Sir, – The distribution of almost 2,000 food parcels by Br Kevin Crowley and his volunteers in the Capuchin Friary in Dublin on December 21st is an increase of 500 per cent on the number of recipients in 2009. But this figure probably doesn’t reflect the true number of those in need in these straitened times.
Br Kevin said that many of those who presented themselves at the Friary for food parcels were from a middle-class background but had become Ireland’s new poor as a result of our economic collapse. Without question, pride, shame and embarrassment has prevented many more people in need availing of this charity.
At this time of year when the vulgar and immoral disparity of life is so rampant, people like Br Kevin selflessly reach out in a tangible way to the suffering, struggling poor of Dublin. It is the self-sacrificing few like Br Kevin who, not just at Christmas but 365 days of the year and without regard to personal wants and needs, provides for those less fortunate in a society that exalts the wealthy and powerful. – Yours, etc,