I am Mary Barrow rscj and have lived here at Boleyn Road Community for over 12 years. Living in this area with its multi-cultures, multi-faiths has had a big influence on my life. I have never lived anywhere before where neighbours speak so openly of God, where they greet each other with a prayer and where they frequently ask for prayers.

Our parish of St Antony’s is culturally rich, too, with over 80 different nationalities. In many ways it is a very devotional congregation and although these devotions are not always my cup of tea, the faith of the people, their sincerity, their generosity and their trust in God deepens my love and trust.

And then I work with asylum seekers and refugees. This work is both changing and challenging me. It puts me in touch with my helplessness - I can often do nothing except be with them and listen to them. I have learnt so much from them of faith and trust. It forces me to go to the open heart of Christ with my helplessness. I know that it is not a question of what I can do or not do, but that am there with them. At one level it can appear to be heart breaking but it is in fact heart opening.