“I have come not to be served but to serve”
On Saturday October 22nd, family and friends of the late Fr. John S. Wall gathered in the grounds of St. Mary’s Parish Church in Enniskerry at the unveiling of a bench dedicated to his memory. Fr John founder of the Peace Corps now known as Localise celebrating 50 years of caring in the community.
Fr. Jim Caffrey and Fr. Bernard Kennedy officiated at the ceremony and were joined by the Wall family along with Peace Corps and Localise members past and present. Music on the day was provided by the Ballyfermot Folk Choir.
Enniskerry was the final parish that Fr. Wall presided in his 52 years as a priest, and this beautiful grotto bench, in the splendid surrounds of County Wicklow, is a fitting tribute to his service. Representatives from each of his previous parishes of Ballyfermot, Rialto, Francis Street, Northwall, Clondalkn and Enniskerry were all in attendance.
In 1972 Fr. John founded Peace Corps (now known as Localise Youth volunteering) an organisation that awakens the spirit of volunteerism in young people. The unveiling of the bench coincides with the 50th anniversary of the organisation. Young people from three Localise Community groups, Clondalkin, Castleknock and Rivervalley were present at the ceremony representing the thousands of young people that take part in planned programmes of volunteerism each year because of the vision of Fr. John.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the Summerhill House Hotel. Guests were shown a video clip of the life and times of Fr. John.
Fr. John passed away peacefully on September 22nd 2020, his family were vociferous in their praise for those who cared for John in his final days. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis.