Denis Hurley Centre marks 20 years since archbishop’s passing

THE annual Hurley Weekend is held every year on the weekend closest to Archbishop Hurley’s death on February 13, 2004. Since this year marks 20 years since his passing, it is a very special occasion. It is also exactly 10 years since the Denis Hurley Centre laid its foundation stone, so the celebrations will include marking this significant milestone. This weekend, on February 10, the Denis Hurley Centre will be hosting the momentous occasion.

The Denis Hurley Centre Annual General Meeting, stakeholder report-back and commemorative prayers will also be taking place on Saturday, February 10 at 15:00, preceded by entertainment and refreshments from 14:00. The much-loved Durban musical theatre performer and popular comedian, Lisa Bobbert, will be opening the proceedings with some of her favourite musical numbers.

Also, the DHC will be presenting this year’s Barry Wood Awards for outstanding service by a staff member and by a volunteer.

This will be followed by special Memorial Masses at Emmanuel Cathedral at 17:00 on Saturday and then at 08:00 and 10:30 on Sunday, February 11.

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“Part of the celebration will be a chance to give feedback on the DHC’s financial performance over the past year, which, in fact, did much better than expected. Income raised was 6% higher than expected, and expenses were 8% lower than expected, despite inflation. The DHC budget for 2024 requires almost R16 000 per day (for 365 days) to be raised, so donors and partners will be challenged to continue their vital ongoing support,” said Denis Hurley Centre director Raymond Perrier.

“Churches and faith organisations who are inspired by the example of Denis Hurley are invited to join us in prayer on that weekend. They have been asked to include, in their services, a special prayer of thanksgiving for Archbishop Hurley and for the work of the Denis Hurley Centre and others who follow his example in fighting for the poor,” said Perrier.

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Perrier said the AGM kickstarts a busy year for the DHC as a variety of celebrations, events, projects and initiatives will be scheduled to honour 10 years of the DHC, 20 years since the passing of Denis Hurley and 30 years since the country’s first democratic elections.

For more information, email raymond@denishurleycentre.org.

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