How SSVP in Cape Town is weaving wool into works of mercy

Cape Town, Kelvin Benjamin – In the Archdiocese of Cape Town, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) says by crocheting blankets for the less privileged, they are giving a deeper meaning to almsgiving in South Africa.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish’s SSVP secretary, Michelle Perry, revealed that the overwhelming support they received has made it possible for them to continue knitting beyond this winter.

“The response from the clergy and the lay has been wonderful, especially with donations of leftover wool,” Michelle said.

She also breakdown that the idea and process with this knit-a-thon, saying participants knit squares that get sewn together to make up blankets.

“In turn, these blankets are given out to the needy with a food parcel,” she continued.

Her belief is that a blanket gives a sense of warmth and security, reminding the needy that they’re not forgotten.

With the help of their Parish Administrator, Father Robert Bissell, the SSVP started the project this year to see how it would go.

Comprising mostly of women, the club members’ interactions go beyond sharing wool and needles. Serving as a safe haven.

“Most of the team, including myself, learned to knit at school. I can still do the basics of plain and pearl, but that’s as far as it goes.

“I leave it up to the rest of the team, in our case, the saying ‘many hands make light work’ is very true,” Michelle said.

As for Monica Chiro, who is a member of the club, the goal is to give hope to the homeless and each knitted piece is a prayer, praise song and gift.

“These small pieces that we knit bring so much joy to us. It also resembles that small acts of kindness brings a huge impact in our lives.

Besides improving on my crocheting skills, as a woman, I am learning a lot from the seniors I knit with,” explained Monica.

Such charity work brings the lay together, according to her, improving their spiritual life as well as a right step towards skill preservation.

With crocheting being ancient, the practice is still finding relevance in the Roman Catholic Church, empowering and improving livelihoods.