Whatshot
Meal of Reconciliation
Meal of Reconciliation
After a COVIDinduced break last year, Denis Hurley Centre's annual Meal of Reconciliation is back and will be celebrated on December 16 -an opportunity for Durban's homed and homeless to share a festive meal together as an importantly symbolic act of reconciliation.
Members of the general public are invited to join approx 200 homeless people and refugees to sit down and share a meal, breaking down barriers of class, colour and nationality. The simple gesture of sharing a meal together has been profoundly moving for all those who have previously attended.
Prior to COVID, the Meal of Reconciliation has been an annual ritual at the Denis Hurley Centre -being commemorated in Durban on 16 December, South Africa's national Day of Reconciliation. The late Archbishop Denis Hurley - and his 'lieutenant' Paddy Kearny -both committed their lives to bringing about reconciliation: between Christians of different traditions, between people of different faiths, between different races and cultures, and between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots'.
Being Durban the food served typically is breyani, and being the DHC there will be an interfaith dimension. As in previous years the plan is to serve breyani donated by the Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Jewish communities.
We invite the people of Durban to come and join in the festivities. There will be safe parking behind Emmanuel Cathedral. Members of the public are invited to arrive for 11am and, if they can, to bring large bottles of cool drinks and/or desserts to share with the 8 people at their table.
"This is a unique event-you have no idea when you come who you will be sitting next to - the American Consul General, a homeless person, a bishop or a refugee. When COVID has kept us so apart from each other -and in a year in which the divisions in Durban have been so visible -this is a chance to show that we are a city committed to unity and reconciliation."
No need to book - just turn up. However, if you wish to contribute in practical ways please contact Raymond@denishurleycentre.org