Irish lay missionaries praised in House of Lords

Gathering celebrates work of Volunteer Mission Movement (VLM)

The House of Lords in London has highlighted the work of Catholic lay missionaries and praised their contribution to international development.

Lord Mike Storey CBE, of Childwall hosted a reception for over 60 people at the House of Lords for the Chief Executive of the Volunteer Mission Movement (VMM), Dr Vincent Kenny.

The event was opened by the Lord Speaker Baroness D’Souza, who gave a supportive speech for VMM and accounts of her personal experience volunteering in developing countries. Bishop John Arnold, Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Westminster and Chairman of CAFOD highlighted the vital importance of building the capacity of partner organisations and praised VMM’s role.

Dr Kenny said the societal work of religious and faith groups continues to be seen throughout Great Britain and Ireland today “through their legacy of voluntary hospitals, social services, universities and schools and also throughout the developing world. These are the real capacity buildings blocks of integral human development which VMM continue to support through the work of their professional and vocationally minded volunteers”.