On October 6th   as “Women of the Word embracing life”  the Regional Team and the delegates to the Regional Chapter of Eur- Africa arrived in the Paragon Hotel in  Birmingham where they were to spend a week together in prayer, sharing of ideas, and giving thanks for all that has given life to the Region. They were also called to engage in discernment about the future of our presence and our mission in the Church. Another task to be accomplished was that of electing delegates to the General Chapter to take place in April 2015.

In the Spirit of the Chapter theme: “I place myself in the House of Nazareth and from there I see what I am to do” they stood on different steps of a ladder in terms of age, culture, language  and experience but united in ‘one heart and one soul.’

Reports by the Regional and Sector Leaders centred on Mission, Formation, Governance and Stewardship. The Regional Bursar considered the financial implications for our Sisters and our Mission. They engaged in group discussion on these issues, many ideas were forthcoming in a great spirit of openness, every voice being heard. The group discussions were shared and compared in the plenary sessions and after a pause for discernment the members were called upon to pass their vote in freedom.

They recognised the beauty inherent in our fragility, the fragility of old age and the enthusiasm of the young Sisters. A sense of commitment to Mission, Charism, Marist identity, Community life and Prayer was evident.

Not much rest for the Secretaries and the Regional Leader who had the responsibility of recording and signing the minutes.

The group began on different steps of a ladder but under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in the presence of Mary our “first and perpetual Superior” the Chapter finished with a great sense of unity, dedication and courage to continue being the presence of Mary in our Church and world into the unknown future secure in the hands of God.

‘Nazareth is the place of the heart; it is a place of silence and of faith; a centre point of stillness and tranquillity. 
Nazareth is the place where we can learn the wisdom that comes from seeing things from God’s point of view. 
It is, as Father Colin says, “from Nazareth” that we can get a balanced perspective on life.    (A Certain Way)