Remembering Mildred Nevile

In spite of the nationwide train strike, many friends and colleagues of Mildred Nevile MBE, gathered on Saturday to mark the 10th anniversary of her death with a special Mass and reception at St Mary Moorfields Church in London. The chief celebrant was Fr Richard Finn OP Director of the Las Casas Institute. Composer Bernadette Farrell led the music. Among the hymns was one of her own compositions, Act Justly written in memory of Mildred.

Mildred Nevile MBE was General-Secretary of the Catholic Institute for International Relations for 18 years, during which time she took part in many campaigns including the struggle against Apartheid in South Africa. She retired from that post in 1985, but continued to lead a very active life, working for many justice and peace causes. She was a trustee of CAFOD, a spiritual counsellor, worked with refugees, was very involved with her parish and the Carmelites.

In his homily Fr Richard said: "I met her only once, and others can better speak to her achievements, but under her leadership from 1967 until 1985, the Catholic Institute for International Relations, CIIR, became itself an inspired and inspiring prophetic instrument, giving a voice to those in South Africa, in Central and South America, and elsewhere across the globe, and offering much needed solidarity. An often or overly insular Catholic Church in this country was challenged to live up to its Catholicity as a universal Church, the plight of whose sisters and brothers is inseparable from our own in the sight of God. We thank God for her life, for her example, and inspiration."

After the Mass, people went to the parish hall for lunch and shared their memories of Mildred. While some spoke of her inspiring work and professionalism, others remembered her as a kind friend and mentor. Many also commented on her sense of fun.

Fr Joe Ryan recalled that 35 years ago he went to the Philippines with Mildred on an exposure trip. He said: "We met teachers, care workers, fishers, farmers and many others. Mildred was inspiring in the way she spoke with each person recognising their uniqueness. She knew what questions to ask."

Julian Filochowski said: "I always remember her telling me - 'You must remember we worship God - not those who speak us about God.'" When he was blackballed for a position in Rome, Mildred who rarely, if ever swore, retorted: -'Its their bloody loss.'

Former head of Housing Justice, Robina Rafferty said she first met Mildred about 50 years ago when she was hired by CIIR. She said: "I was quite scared. I was just back from India, homeless and penniless. I made friends with Mildred and she became my mentor. She was so wise. She had an uncanny ability to survive in a clerical dominated church. For the rest of my life went to her for guidance. I still miss her desperately."

Barbara Kentish who worked with Mildred and CIIR and also with Fair Trade initiatives praised her generosity. At one time she donated a much-needed car to Barbara's husband, who was a community worker. She said she is "eternally grateful" for Mildred's friendship and support. Joseph Kuluziza, a one-time refugee from Rwanda, (he lost all his family in the Rwandan genocide) remembers Mildred with gratitude and affection. "She taught me a lot" he said. Over the years they became good friends and enjoyed talking about many subjects including football.

Composer Bernadette Farrell first met Mildred in the 1980s through the Strangers into Citizens projects she was involved in with Bishop Victor Guazzelli. "She was very supportive. She also had a great sense of fun," Bernadette said. "I have shining memory of walking with her from Westminster Cathedral to Trafalgar Square. She also lent me a book on 'Redesigning the World' by Fr Jack Egan. There was a message in front dedicated to her. She paid attention. She has returned to her maker. I miss her terribly."

Margaret Scally from Leeds, a former Chair of Pax Christi remembers that sense of fun. She said: "I took her to Howarth in Bronteland. She brought some Bronte biscuits, saying: I like to give myself a little treat on Saturdays. Next day when we went for a walk, the kids climbed under a big gate - she stepped back and then vaulted over it."

One colleague said of her, "as a free agent, with no office to defend or orthodoxy to protect, she brought an invaluable sense of space to the process of exploring one's relationship with the divine, particularly for those whose thirst is not quenched by churchgoing". This person added that "though she had tradition at her fingertips, she had a thoroughly modern outlook."

Mildred is buried in the graveyard of St Peter's Church, Aubourn in Lincolnshire near her family home. Don Wood who worked as a voluntary treasurer with CIIR described her grave as a most peaceful place. There was talk of a group visit to her grave one day.

Read more tributes and stories about Mildred Nevile here: www.indcatholicnews.com/search/Mildred%20Nevile