Madonna House – Celebrating 40 Years
This year, Madonna House is celebrating its 40th anniversary of foundation in Robin Hood’s Bay, England. Someone asked me “Why celebrate 40 years, and not just wait for 50?” So, I looked up the number 40, and rediscovered its rich signification in the Scriptures, in God’s plan.
After their exodus from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites wandered 40 years in the desert (Joshua 5,6). In their time of testing and purification they often stumbled, sinned, repented and had to begin again. This is also true of us in the course of our 40 years here! Our call to Madonna House is both beautiful and demanding. God says to us in our Little Mandate: “Arise, go! Sell all you possess…Follow me…” This work of purification reminds us that this apostolate is God’s work and not ours.
The Biblical number 40 also represents a generation, completion and fulfillment. The children and young families that we knew in 1985 have grown and now have children and grandchildren of their own. Some of our good friends have passed to their eternal reward. We have shared both the pains and joys of many, and we continue to cherish them and the memory of them. New friends and acquaintances continue to come and bless our lives. How much the world has changed in 40 years! Yet, we can confidently sing the words of the Byzantine Hymn: “May the Lord’s name be blessed, from generation to generation, for ages and forever… forever!”
Forty also signifies divine intervention and the presence of God. During the 40 years that Israel wandered in the desert, God rained down manna, a heavenly food, to sustain them. (Exodus 16, 35). We in Madonna House, who live by God’s Providence, have been continually sustained over the years, usually through the beautiful generosity of many friends and benefactors. There are so many stories that we could tell! Small miracles? Yes, and sometimes big ones. It is so clear that God provides for us.
The number 40 can also mean renewal and new beginnings. Noah and his family spent 40 days and 40 nights in the ark as the rains fell and covered the earth with water (Genesis 7,4). At the end of the Great Flood, Noah sent out a dove, and it returned to the ark with an olive branch. This was evidence of new growth and a time of beginning again. We, too have seen growth and new beginnings over the years. Every member of Madonna House who comes brings something new. We recently counted 57 staff members who have been assigned here over these 40 years, not to mention all the Madonna House staff who have visited! Each has left their mark.
So yes, dear friends, we ARE celebrating! There will be a Catholic Mass of Thanksgiving for our 40th Anniversary on Wednesday, July 16, at 12:30 PM, presided by Bishop Terrence Patrick Drainey. Mass will take place at Saint Stephen’s Anglican Church in Robin Hood’s Bay. Refreshments will be served at Madonna House afterwards. All are welcome!