“Think of a farmer: how patiently he waits for the precious fruit of the ground until it has had the autumn rains and the spring rains! You too have to be patient; do not lose heart because the Lord’s coming will be soon.” Jas 5
“Strengthen all weary hands, steady all trembling knees” Is 35
3rd Week of Advent “Think of a farmer: how patiently he waits for the precious fruit of the ground until it has had the autumn rains and the spring rains! You too have to be patient; do not lose heart because the Lord’s coming will be soon.” Jas 5 “Strengthen all weary hands, steady all trembling knees” Is 35 Let us continue preparing “to live Christmas differently”. Peace Some questions To what extent am I informed about the conflicts in the world and around me?How have I tried to analyse them to discover their underlying causes and the motivations of persons and groups involved? Proposals for action I will take the opportunity at Christmas to “make peace” with those of my family and entourage with whom I have differences.I will try to make lasting improvements in my relationships by training myself, if necessary, in listening or non-violent communication.I will support or join an organisation that opposes violence in the world (Amnesty International, Peace Movement …) Justice Some questions What situations seem to me to be unjust in today’s society? What is justice for me?Am I aware of the reforms taking place in the area of justice?How do I reflect on the issues of immigration, travellers who are seeking to make sense of things, and avoiding any confusion? Proposals for action I will give material and moral support to those in my neighbourhood who are in difficulty (unemployment, poor accommodation, illness, old age …), especially at Christmas, by giving time or money to organisations that support them.Every person has the right to dignity, including prisoners: at Christmas, especially, they need moral support. I can help by joining with those who organise parcels to be sent to those in prison or enabling them to send presents to their children. Throughout the year I can become a prison visitor.I will help or join a group or organisation that helps immigrants and undocumented people.To combat inequalities between rich and poor in my own country and throughout the world I will join or support financially an organisation whose aim is to end these injustices.   

« Behold the day is coming, the day of justice and peace »
”The wolf lives with the lamb,
the panther lies down with the kid,
calf and lion cub feed together
with a little boy to lead them.”
2nd week in Advent « Behold the day is coming, the day of justice and peace » ”The wolf lives with the lamb, the panther lies down with the kid,calf and lion cub feed togetherwith a little boy to lead them.”   We continue our invitation to “live Christmas differently”This week we will become aware of our relationship to air and earth. Air Some questions·        In town or in the countryside, what reminds me that air is a common good that does not belong to anyone but that each person has the power to alter?·        Do I reflect on the consequences of my choices on the quality of the air? (choice of what I purchase, the use of a car, of products that pollute…)  Proposals for action·        I go outside and breathe deeply, reminding myself that this air is life for millions of human beings and, in doing this, I am entering into communion with them.·        I check that the products that I use daily for household purposes or personal hygiene do not have negative effects on the air. The Earth Some questions·        What is my link with the earth? What does the term “mother earth” mean for me? Have I ever cultivated the earth? How did I do it? What did I feel like?·        Land ownership can be a major issue in some regions and countries. Am I aware of these questions? Proposals for action·       I make use of this Advent time to take a stroll in the countryside, alone or in a group, looking at it as “Creation”.·        I ask myself where the food I buy comes from, linking it with the earth from which it comes (is this earth in danger, polluted by the way it is produced?)   In prayer, I meditate on this Sunday’s texts.  It is the whole cosmos that is preparing for the coming of Christ. A practical exercise on how to listen, proposed by ND du Web (Our Lady of the Web) John the Baptist calls to conversion. My whole being – my head, my heart, – is committed to this conversion.This week I could be more attentive to the way I listen, to the way I welcome the word of others, those close to me, in my family or at work, but also those far away whom I contact by television or newspaper: the cries of joy or despair, the calls for help, the silences of the one who cannot speak or who has not the power of speech.  What do I hear through these words? How do I react? I will ask the Lord to enlighten me about my way of listening to, or not listening to certain persons at certain times, and to what conversion he calls me to prepare the way for his coming.   

International Aids Day is approaching and in Lesotho we will be celebrating the day in Roma in the District of Maseru. Among those present at the celebration, there will certainly be people who are affected by this disease.
CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL AIDS DAY – 1 DECEMBER 2010 International Aids Day is approaching and in Lesotho we will be celebrating the day in Roma in the District of Maseru.   Among those present at the celebration, there will certainly be people who are affected by this disease.  Also present will be officials from the Ministry of Health who will be delivering speeches, patients from the hospital and other specially invited guests.There will be songs and gifts presented to clients. What is the situation in Lesotho with regard to HIV and AIDS?  Ten years ago Lesotho occupied third place in the world as regards the prevalence of HIV and AIDS with 23% of the population affected by the disease. In response to this situation, a programme of training of personnel was set up and various projects focussing on HIV were begun.  Homes were opened to care for children who had been orphaned because of AIDS and the subject was made part of the school curriculum.    Non Governmental Organisations also took a role in teaching about AIDS and making sure that people were well informed.  The media too raised awareness among the population.  The heads of the various ChristianChurches have added their voices and released a statement and a pack which is designed to help priests to address the issue in their respective congregations.  The Catholic Church has also issued its own statement and guidance to the people. The Religious Congregations have worked to address the problem by their participation in the various health care services that care for vulnerable children and patients affected by HIV.  Many orphanages have been opened either by the Religious Congregations or by the Diocesan authorities.  Projects that are directly helping people are: Vulnerable Children, (MOVE), (OVCs) Choose life. Life Style Ambassadors, Kick Life, to mention but a few.   All these projects target young people in the schools, in the Church, in places of work, prisons and wherever people congregate.   The projects are very creative using songs, poetry, drama and traditional Sesotho culture. Our Sisters play an important role; we offer counselling to the patients, we take care of these who are infected and of T.B. patients by offering at least one meal per day to make sure that the patients have had something before they take their medications. We also supervise the patients in taking their medications.  The HIV and AIDS drugs are free; testing is also free, and we sisters participate in taking blood for testing. We work hand in hand with the Support Groups whose role it is to supervise patients in the villages where our clients live.  All this is done is according to Government Policy.  Lately attention is being focused on mothers and children as there is a high maternal death rate. One of the millennium goals is the safeguarding of mothers and children and protecting them from anything that could be harmful to their health and wellbeing.   All measures are taken to ensure that mothers are taken care of during pregnancy, before delivery, during delivery and for seven days after delivery of their child.  There is also close monitoring of the new babies until they are at least 2 years old. This is to make sure that the new born babies do not contract the infection while they are in utero and while they are still small.  Usually the child’s immune system is more developed after the age of 2 years.  A BIG SURPRISE:  Unfortunately in spite of all these measures, the incidence of AIDS has gone up and it is now 23.6%.   Looking at the statistics of other neighbouring countries, their numbers have gone down and it is only Lesotho that remains with an upward movement. There are many people with new infections reported in spite of all the measures taken. What has been the cause of this? The Church has embarked on a campaign to bring about behaviour change in young people. Young people must realise that they are in charge of their own lives and that they must try to change their life style. Adults are encouraged to be faithful to one partner.  The Catholic Church is now being approached by the Media and asked to talk about behaviour change because the slogan “condomize” or advocating the use of condoms is just not working. We pray that this awareness may bring about a change in sexual behaviour. Donors who in the past have contributed to the campaign to arrest HIV/AIDS seem to have lost interest because they say that they have poured so much money into the projects and yet there is no change.  So they are turning their attention to other projects.  We do know however that people who take anti AIDS treatment, have an improved quality of life and the fear of HIV/AIDS is diminishing.  We pray that the Lord will give light, strength and power to all so that a change of mentality and behaviour will bring about a lasting solution to this problem.  We pray also for all those who have died of AIDS.  May they rest in peace!   We pray also that the orphans that are left behind may find help and support and love from all of us so that they will have a happy future.  By Hyacintha Moopisa. 

IN THIS TIME OF ADVENT, HERE IS AN INITIATIVE THAT LINKS WITH OUR CORPORATE COMMITMENT: Moved by our passion for God’s Reign, to discern the calls of the Spirit in the signs of the times we discern :
LIVING CHRISTMAS DIFFERENTLYIN THIS TIME OF ADVENT, HERE IS AN INITIATIVE THAT LINKS WITH OUR CORPORATE COMMITMENT:Moved by  our passion for God’s Reign, to discern the calls of the Spirit in the signs of the times we discern : Especially in the voice of the poor by committing ourselves with courage and daring to seek with them conditions of life that ensure dignity for all. By being alert to all that destroys and threatens the life of our planet, working as a body, in close collaboration with the members of our family and with others, to ensure sustainability.Take action to transform situations and structures that impede communion. The Collectif Chrétien  (a Christian group), “Living differently”, is launching its 11th season of awareness and action in favor of environmental preservation and creation. It proposes that we reflect on the conditions for preserving and sharing among all common goods such as water, air, earth, peace, health, justice and education.  During this Christmas season, the group is suggesting that each person become aware of the wealth of these goods: the power to breathe quality air, to drink water without any restriction, to have access to free education … and invite everyone to become informed about what is happening to them and be committed to seeing that they are accessible to all and shared among all.   Preserving these assets is the responsibility of each individual but also of politicians and citizens who are required to take joint action to regulate their use. Through this campaign, the 25 community partners want us all to “live Christmas differently, giving  Through this campaign, the 25 group partners want us all to “live Christmas differently by offering one another a society based on sharing and respecting the inalienable dignity of every person. We suggest that we ask ourselves a few questions during each week of Advent and see what action we can undertake.1st Week of Advent    Water   Some questions ·     Water is God’s gift to all, Am I careful how I use water every day?·     Water is the heart of human activities: Am I informed about the issues of water use in my area (water, agricultural use, industrial use …)?·     Water is the source of life: Am I aware of the impact of my daily activities on the quality of rivers, seas and oceans, groundwater?Proposals for actions·    I inform myself about the management of water in my town or local community. ·      For Christmas, I offer my home or apartment for water saving devices (to be placed on the shower, toilets, rainwater collection for watering the garden …) ·      I become involved in an action at the service of the common good, by joining or supporting an association or environmental groups working specifically for the water quality in my area, by challenging local officials, particularly if there are pollution problems in my area.In my prayersI refresh myself through contact with water. This water signifies a new birth for each of us.And if we pay attention to the mystery that lives in us, each one has to give birth to the child of God that we are. In church, Lord, we pray for all those births to be lived so that your Christ may become flesh in each of our lives.We must WATCH, wherever we are, in the mundane things of everyday life. This is where God wants to look for us, change us a little. “Without our being aware of it.” The waiting is coupled with the PRESENT. The event takes place in the course of everyday life Father Christian de Chergé (Tibhirine) This is an opportunity to reread the texts of ScriptureEZ 16.4-9, 23.40, 34.26, 47.1 to 12Ps 104Is 41.17 to 20, 5.10-14 2RJohn 4Jn 19.28-34Mt 3, 11-17Jn 3, 5-61 John 5, 6-8And give thanks for the beauty of creation (Fish, water courses…) for every birth or rebirth.

FLOODS … WHICH TOOK AWAY LIVES, PROPERTY, LIVELIHOOD; SHATTERING ALL THEIR HOPES FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE
FLOODS …   WHICH  TOOK  AWAY  LIVES,   PROPERTY,   LIVELIHOOD;   SHATTERING   ALL   THEIR   HOPES   FOR   A   BRIGHT FUTURE JOURNEYING  THROUGH  THE  FLOOD  WATERS  HOPING  FOR  NEW  PASTURES…We thank you very sincerely for your concern, prayerful support and every effort you made in contributing towards our displaced people. They too are very grateful for the help given.  We continue to look for those who need assistance to earn a living, as many are not able to find work. People in their little tents… are grateful for every little kindness to them….This is one of the places we have visited… People who moved to the desert areas……  Preparing their food; contented with …Ladies waiting to receive the food…We have reached out to young girls who have being making bricks and earning a very low salary. An income generating goat project is started in the village of Ditchkot (close to Gojra) and 40 families are being helped. We are happy that the young girls will now be freer to spend their time in learning to read and write and rear the goats as well.   In a village near to Rangpur we distributed nourishment to the children and medicine to the sick. Many thanks for all your contributions.  Theresa and the sisters from Pakistan.         

This year the Holy Family General Leadership Team, through Marian Murcia, became a member of the European Council of Religious Leaders, and of Religions for Peace at the international level. (cf. Letter to the Institute, March 2010 page 2 para. 4)
The object of this small effort, the “JPIC email” – is to share with you something that touches on JPIC in our world. To raise awareness; to increase solidarity; to hold the situation or the theme in our prayer… to add to the contribution to JPIC that members of our Family are already making all over the world…  Small efforts, yes, but “In a family, if there is one person who practices mindfulness, the entire family will be more mindful. Because of the presence of one member who lives in mindfulness, the entire family is reminded to live in mindfulness. If in one class, one student lives in mindfulness, the entire class is influenced” (Thich Nhat Hanh) This same principle applies to ‘mindfulness’ of the cry for justice coming our world, of the woundedness of our planet, of our interconnectedness with the whole universe… and ‘one member’ can also mean one community, one unit, one group of Associates…  This message will hopefully help to raise awareness in the Holy Family of the evil of cluster Bombs, and the need for their eradication…  JPIC Generalate. SUPPORT FOR THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST CLUSTER MUNITIONS This year the Holy Family General Leadership Team, through Marian Murcia, became a member of the European Council of Religious Leaders, and of Religions for Peace at the international level. (cf. Letter to the Institute, March 2010 page 2 para. 4) Almost 2 years ago in Sarajevo the Religious Leaders issued a Declaration which stated “Our faith traditions call us to be with the suffering and work together for the welfare of the human family on the basis of our shared commitment to justice and peace.”  In fidelity to this commitment, these organizations have chosen to prioritize collaboration with Cluster Munitions Coalition, (CMC) an international civil society campaign working to eradicate cluster munitions.   What are cluster munitions or cluster bombs? Cluster munitions, cluster bombs or sub-munitions are air-dropped or ground-launched explosive weapons that eject smaller submunitions: a cluster of “bomblets”. Because cluster bombs release many small bomblets over a wide area they pose risks to civilians both during attacks and afterwards. During attacks the weapons are prone to indiscriminate effects, especially in populated areas. Unexploded bomblets can kill or maim civilians long after a conflict has ended. Unexploded submunitions are costly to locate and remove. Cluster munitions are prohibited for those nations that ratify the Convention on Cluster Munitions, adopted in Dublin, Ireland in May 2008. The Convention entered into force and became binding international law on 1 August 2010, six months after being ratified by 30 states; as of April 2010, a total of 105 states had  signed the Convention. States are now beginning to operationalize the Convention, to fully implement its provisions nationally and work together internationally to prevent cluster munitions from causing further civilian suffering, to help countries currently affected by the weapons and to bring victims the care and rehabilitation they require.What is the objective of the Convention on Cluster Munitions?The Convention will end the use and address the effects of a weapon that has killed and maimed civilians for decades. Their use in conflicts over the past 50 years has demonstrated that cluster munitions are inaccurate and unreliable weapons that continue killing and maiming long after they are used. The Convention comprehensively responds to this humanitarian problem by prohibiting the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster munitions as well as committing States to clearance of contaminated areas, destruction of existing stockpiles and to assistance to individual victims and their communities. The Convention also establishes an international humanitarian law norm that must be taken into account even by States that have not yet adhered to it. Its existence has already begun to affect their policies and practice.. FIRST MEETING OF SIGNATORIES IMMINENT The first meeting of the States which have signed this Convention on Cluster Munitions will take place from 9 to 12 November in Vientiane, Lao PDR.  (Laos). This is the most heavily bombed country in the world. Unexploded cluster submunitions are still commonplace in Lao PDR nearly four decades after armed conflict ended. Government surveys have recorded more than 50,000 civilian casualties caused by cluster bombs, landmines and other unexploded ordnances since 1964, and widespread contamination by explosive remnants of war hinders development. Holding such a meeting in an affected country helps to remind government officials and other participants why the treaty exists and why it must be implemented. Peter Herby, head of the ICRC’s Arms Unit. What are the next steps for States that have ratified the Convention? States that have ratified the Convention will need to take a variety of concrete steps to implement its obligations. These include the adoption of domestic law and regulations to ensure implementation of the Convention at the national level. It entails the identification of resources for clearance, stockpile destruction, victim assistance and international cooperation to fulfil the treaty’s objectives. States with cluster munitions stocks will need to prepare timelines for completion of stockpile destruction within an eight year period and begin the process of destruction. States affected by unexploded submunitions will need to put in place specific plans for fulfilling the Convention’s time-bound clearance obligations and its far-reaching commitments to victims and their communities. Collectively, the States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions must now begin working together both formally and informally to promote adherence among States not yet party to the Convention, to develop reporting tools and to agree on a program of meetings to promote and monitor implementation. They will also need to mobilise resources to assist victims and affected countries in a timely manner. Though less dramatic than negotiating or ratifying the Convention it is these steps that will ensure that the decades of suffering caused by cluster munitions is ended and that future generations are spared.  We invite you to hold yourselves in solidarity with this historic meeting, by informing others about it, and by joining with all those from other creeds and religious traditions who work and pray for peace.  May our God open our eyes and our hearts, may He show us how to work together and “commit ourselves with courage and daring to seek… conditions of life that ensure dignity for all”  (C.C.)  That is the path that will surely lead to peace…  

Twenty-nine participants – the leadership Teams from Europe, along with the General Leadership Team, gathered in the Conference Hall in the Generalate to begin the fourth Continental Meeting to take place in 2010.
EUROPEAN CONTINENTAL MEETING 2010             Twenty-nine participants – the leadership Teams from Europe, along with the General Leadership Team, gathered in the Conference Hall in the Generalate to begin the fourth Continental Meeting to take place in 2010. Twenty nine instead of thirty: Maria Dobrowslava Rogalska had returned to Poland that morning, because of the sudden death of her father. Margaret MULDOON began by inviting each one to quieten down, and to enter into a few moments of silence. Next came the introductions … One by one, the participants said  who they were, what team they belonged to, and then shared some of their feelings and desires: Taking all the sharing together, the dominant points were hope, trust, desire to live something new… Margaret’s Opening Words Margaret opened the meeting on “Leadership for Mission”.  Her words addressed to all participants underlined the centrality and the meaning of mission in our lives and focussing in particular on our role as leadership teams in Europe.  What follows gives you an overview of the theme.    Our theme, “Leadership for mission” reminds us that we find our meaning, or reason for being in mission. It is the mission that gives direction. It gives meaning and meaning is what motivates people “This new awareness … gives a renewed impetus to commit ourselves with enthusiasm and energy for mission.   Our Constitutions, affirm that the service of authority ensures unity in government which enables the Institute to be faithful to its mission. Mission is larger and more all-embracing than ministry.  If our mission is not clear we will remain unclear in our ministries – if the mission is not clear we may  each individually be doing good work according to our personal preference with no reference to the group nor to the fact that it is the mission that must influence the why and how of ministry.  Not all forms of ministry are coherent with our call to live communion – God’s mission at the heart of the world.  How aware are we that when we are on ministry we are there in the name of and on the behalf of the whole?  Is the ministry of one the ministry of all or is it something that is “private” known only to the individual and perhaps the leader.  Does our ministry promote and proclaim the mission? A new consciousness within Religious Life leads to the conviction that there is a great deal more to our life witness than just ministry.  Every aspect of our lifestyle – prayer, community, personal giftedness, congregational resources, as well as ministry – contribute to the raison d’être of our existence which is to be people in mission.  Mission   being responsive to God in the world and not just a particular ministry or outreach through which we serve God or the Church.This changing consciousness marks a transition in theological self-understanding, in fact, a deepening sense of vocation.  In terms of the emerging theology of the vowed life, we seem to be at the early stages of clarifying and naming this transition.  The witness required in the name of mission is to the God who co-creates across the entire spectrum of creation, across time and history, forever inviting humans to collaborate in that global and cosmic process of birthing possibilities for new hope.  In order to respond to the call to a new world view we need to contemplate our Trinitarian God, we need to be attentive to the sacred, the mystical, that invites us into a larger view:  we need to remember that what we can see is never the whole story and that the sacred will take us beyond whatever story we are telling ourselves. We are invited to be aware of areas where we are blocked, where we believe change is not possible. We are invited to go beyond our fixed ideas, to see what we need to let go off, allowing whatever no longer brings life to die and to facilitate grieving when necessary. To hear again our Founders say to us that we must “adopt new forms and new means” for this new time, is a source of encouragement and an inspiration.   

The national group of the Priest Associates in Sri Lanka held a LIVE IN SESSION at Pandateruppu, Jaffna. There were 25 priests as participants and ten sisters as helpers and observers. The Inauguration of the session took place on 23rd at 7.00 p.m. Fr. J. Nicholas the coordinator of Jaffna welcomed the members and explained the purpose of choosing the above theme.
LIVE IN SESSION OF PRIEST ASSOCIATES, PANDATERUPPU, JAFFNA – SRI LANKAAugust 23-26, 2010 THEME: THE CALL TO FIDELITY IN FOLLOWING CHRIST The national group of the Priest Associates in Sri Lanka held a LIVE IN SESSION at Pandateruppu, Jaffna. There were 25 priests as participants and ten sisters as helpers and observers. The Inauguration of the session took place on 23rd at 7.00 p.m.  Fr. J. Nicholas the coordinator of Jaffna welcomed the members and explained the purpose of choosing the above theme. Though the Year of Priests officially ended on May 19th 2010 -the renewal is an ongoing process and we need to continue to reflect and pray to respond to God’s call faithfully. Sr. Yolande the Provincial of the North gave a message expressing her joy over the growth of the Holy Family Association in a special way the Priests Associates. She said that that the Priest Associates are called to live the Charism of the Holy Family. Pierre Bienvenu is very happy to see from above the growth of the Association and his dream is being realized today. 150 years Jubilee celebrations are underway since the foundation of the Holy Family Association in Jaffna. Preparations have started for renewal with a programme for three years. With evening prayer followed by dinner on 1st day programme ended.   On Tuesday the 24th at 7.00 a.m. Srs. Arul and Bonnie conducted the morning prayer with the power point presentation. The Eucharistic Liturgy was presided over by Fr. Hugo. At 9.00 a.m. the input talk was give by Fr. J. Nicholas on the topic: THE CALL TO FIDELITY IN FOLLOWING CHRIST. A group discussion took place on the questionnaire how the priest associate can respond to the call of God in the present situation. The reports were presented by each group. At 11.15 a.m. Sr. Bonnie gave an input talk on THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE FOUNDER PBN. It was followed by a group discussion. At 3.30 p.m. Fr. Benet Shantha gave an input talk on FIDELITY IN LIVING THE CHARISM OF THE HOLY FAMILY. A GROUP DISCUSSION TOOK PLACE AFTER THE TALK. At 7.00 p.m. the Eucharistic adoration was conducted by Fr.Michael Savundaranaygam with a reflection on the costly discipleship. After dinner a power point presentation took place prepared by Frs. Jebaratnam and Michael on the Martillac experience which the priest associates had in February 2007.  On Wednesday the 25th at 7.00 a.m. Sr.kamala conducted the meditation with power point presentation. Sr. Francisca Perera the provincial of the South gave message expressing her joyful experience she had during the two days she spent with the priest associates. She further stated that the talks have helped all to deepen the spirituality of the Holy Family. At 8.30 a.m. the groups were asked to bring out concrete proposals and plans as follow up action.  Three priorities were selected:  1. As a sign of sharing we send aid to affected areas such as Mullaithivu and other places.  2. On the ordination anniversary day, or on the day of Priest Associates 8th February we share with needy what we treasure for ourselves.  3. We take efforts to form committees to respond to the needs of the people:  Committees for widows, peace and justice, reconciliation, unmarried, psycho-social and spiritual education, rehabilitation of drug addicts and alcoholics. At 11.15 a.m., the Eucharistic liturgy was presided over by Fr.Jebaratnam. Fr.R.M.G. Nesanayagam made his commitment and others made a renewal of their commitment during the Mass. The vote of thanks was proposed by Fr. Antony Ranjit. At 3.30 p.m. in order understand the situation of the displaced people in the camps we visited Manalkadu. On the way we took a break at karaveddy for tea organized by the parish priest Fr. Emil Paul. After visiting the IDP camp at Manalkadu we went to Point Pedro for the dinner organized by the parish priest and Dean of Point Pedro Fr. J. Mavulis. The LIVE IN SESSION came to an end with a sing song entertainment at Point Pedro. Fr. Jacob NicholasCoordinator 

Welcome to this Continental meeting! We come, as members of the General leadership team and teams responsible for leadership in the Province/Network in America, to reflect together on a way forward for leadership in the light of our last General Chapter and our reality as an Institute.
Opening of Continental Meeting Canada, 23-September – 03 October 2010 Here we share with you some paragraphs taken from the Margaret’s opening address to the participants: Welcome to this Continental meeting!  We come, as members of the General leadership team and teams responsible for leadership in the Province/Network in America, to reflect together on a way forward for leadership in the light of our last General Chapter and our reality as an Institute.  It is significant that our meeting takes places this year when we celebrate 190 years since our foundation.  There is no doubt that if our Founder were here today he would encourage us, as he did at the beginning, to “adopt new forms and new means” to respond to the reality of this new millennium.Can we truly hear our Founder encourage us again to “adopt new forms and new means” for the new reality of today? We are increasingly convinced that the consecrated life, present and future, is not an old dress that we have to try to patch patching with a piece of new cloth, but new wine that requires new wineskins (Mk 2.18 -22). Leaders have the responsibility of enabling membership to discern and to seek together these “new wineskins”. From where can life be engendered,  so that we may bring forth a renewed missionary commitment , and a maternal, compassionate love?  Where can we find the secret of a love that leads us to revitalize our Consecrated Life and open ourselves to all generations, creating new ways of relating on inter-personal, social, political and cosmic  levels? Many would say that the new religious life that is slowly emerging needs a spiritual leadership that is directed by the Gospel. A leadership that includes and values the gifts and rich experiences of the different generations within institutes; a leadership that administers the changes through listening, sharing, discernment co-responsibility and openness to the will of God who journeys with the human story; a prophetic leadership, capable of seeing in another way the present reality, expressing a vision of the future that is creative and bearer of hope. A leadership centred in Christ that incarnates with audacity the prophecy that is born of a love that is passion for God and for humanity. We have before us a prophetic role that nobody could have imagined forty years ago. It often takes the appearance of a dark path: no-one has yet passed that way, no-one can show us the way. But the Holy Spirit, the Great Connector, He, She, will guide us and we know we can trust her. Somehow, we are still and always at the beginning, en route to another intensity. It is your responsibility, as leaders, to be bearers of this vision,  to give to your communities the power and freedom to live in hope.Margaret Muldoon    

Solidarity with Southern Sudan trains teachers, nurses and pastoral personnel in several locations throughout Southern Sudan. This initiative was inspired by the 2004 Rome Congress on Consecrated Life,
SOLIDARITY WITH SUDAN MISSION STATEMENTSolidarity with Southern Sudan trains teachers, nurses and pastoral personnel in several locations throughout Southern Sudan. This initiative was inspired by the 2004 Rome Congress on Consecrated Life, Passion for Christ Passion for Humanity.This project, Solidarity with Southern Sudan (SSS or Solidarity) is an act of communion between religious institutes of men and women, which are members of the Unions of Superiors General (USG and UISG), and the Church in Southern Sudan under the direction of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SCBC).After decades of civil war, when the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed in January 2005, the bishops of Southern Sudan invited the USG/UISG to consider the needs of their people. Following a consultative process it became clear that projects related to education, health and pastoral care are needed if the goals of the CPA are to be achieved. Solidarity with Southern Sudan is a project that seeks to promote the Kingdom of God in partnership with the local church and the people of Sudan through the establishment and development of teacher and health training institutes and those pastoral services deemed most urgent. In recognition of the dignity of each person, SSS commits its community members to embrace and act out of a spirituality of justice, peace, and the integrity of creation marked by: proclamation of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ through our life witness and committed action, through our community life together. vulnerability and powerlessness, placing ourselves at the service of the people of Southern Sudan. appreciation and respect for local cultures, learning from the values of others which enrich and challenge our way of living.dialogue and mutuality, recognizing the Spirit of God at work in each person and each faith tradition.solidarity and accompaniment, empowering and supporting the Sudanese people as they rebuild their lives, their communities, and their societal structures.reconciliation, promoting mutual understanding to heal past hurts and build right relationships.reverence for all creation, committing ourselves to recognize the sacredness of life and to protecting life in all its forms.hope, shouldering the struggle together with the Sudanese people in their journey of peace and reconciliation.We as an institute do not participate in this project through the contribution of personnel, but as far as we can, we are closely involved through other means of assistance, We would also like to join this initiative of Prayer for peace in Sudan. From September 21st 2010 (UN International Day of Peace) and January 1st 2011 (World Day of Prayer – Catholic Church) Solidarity with Southern Sudan (SSS) in collaboration with:Catholic Relief Services (CRS)Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SCBC)Catholic Aid for Overseas Development (CAFOD) is initiating a prayer campaign for peace in Sudan called “101 Days of Prayer for a Peaceful Referendum in Sudan.”During the 101 days many prayer and peace-building activities are being planned within Sudan.  We invite the international community to join in solidarity with the people of Sudan at this important time in their history.  Please join with us and invite members of religious congregations, dioceses, parishes, schools, families, friends, JPIC and other networks to do so.  The peace prayer, a booklet of prayers and reflections and other materials will be available shortly on the Solidarity with Southern Sudan website: www.solidarityssudan.org   Prayer for PEACE in Sudan  Lord Jesus, you who said to us;“I leave you peace. My peace I give you.”Look upon us your sisters and brothersin Sudan as we face this momentof referendum.Send us your Spiritto guide us.Give us the wisdom we need to chooseour future where we will knowyour true peace.You call us out of slavery, oppression,and persecution so that we mayhave life in abundance.Grant us peace with one another.Give peace among ethnic groups.Help us to work together for the good of all.We ask this in your name,Jesus our Lord.Amen.Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.