• The community was delighted to welcome Father Peter Baekelmans, CICM (Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary), on 19 December and to share a meal in anticipation of the Christmas event. This moment of conviviality strengthened our fraternal ties.

• On 21 December, our community was honoured by the presence of the International Community from Ghent. The meeting was a joyous occasion filled with friendship and mutual blessings. The visitors and the community felt a deep sense of unity and happiness.

• On Christmas Eve (24 December), the community joined the Christian community of the parish of Saint-Gilles. Despite the winter chill, the place was packed to the rafters. During the celebration, the parish priest reflected on the Nicene Creed (325) and Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Dilexit nos on the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ. After the homily, the creed was recited by the congregation, with a small group of children, each holding a statuette of the infant Jesus around the crib. Everyone was amazed by this creativity.

• On the evening of Christmas Day (25 December), the community organised some entertaining activities. The discovery of each person’s Christmas friend and the fun exchange of small gifts made the whole community burst out laughing. Some of them took a few pictures to immortalise this magical moment of the evening.

• The community also welcomed four Missionaries of Charity. It was another Christmas for the community, and it was a time of joy, laughter and reunion.

• On New Year’s Eve, the community spent the day in contemplation, reflection and prayer. It was an opportunity for each member to review the course of events of 2024, give thanks to the Lord for the gift of life, before making the transition to the New Year and looking to the future with hope.

• On New Year’s Day, the refined Christmas decorations created a festive atmosphere and a warm, friendly ambience in the house: garlands, candles, twinkling lights, a Christmas tree, flowers, tablecloths in gold and silver, etc. It was another opportunity to share moments of joy and sisterly love, a way of starting the New Year with lots of energy, fraternal warmth and lots of fun.

• As we stepped into the New Year, the mission momentum is in full swing for the members of the General Government:
  • Sister Angélique Dikete and Sister Mary Joseph Valiyankal have been in Mali since 2 January for the animation of the Region for the appointment of a new leadership team. We wish them a good stay and a fruitful mission there.
  • Sister Suman Toppo is preparing for her journey to the Philippines to visit the International Asian Novitiate (IAN) and the International Community in Legazpi.
  • Sister Lucy Jacob will soon embark on a canonical visit to Sri Lanka.

• On January 8th, the Community has joyfully welcomed two new members to the Generalate: Sister Matilda Wijeratne and Sister Rasamary Rasarathnam, both from the province of Sri Lanka. While Sr. Matilda joins the community of the Generalate, eventually replacing Sr. Sylvia Chabala, Sr. Rasamary will join the International Community in Ghent. 

From left to right: Sr. Lucy Jacob, Sr. Rasamary, Sr. Matilda

• Despite the unpredictable weather, we find joy in the winter season. Mornings may be frigid, but the evenings warm our hearts. Nature teaches us valuable lessons as the trees shed their leaves and stand bare, reminding us of the cycles of life.

• Amidst these changes, our two Indian runners (so they call them!) remain a constant presence in the pool, regardless of the time. They graciously invite other ducks to join them, fostering a sense of connection and community.

• We continue to be inspired by these messengers of peace and by the beauty of nature around us. Together, we try to bring hope and joy to our world!

Croi Ruah Community, Ireland

“Croi Ruah” is a new community in Ireland formed by the General Government. The community with Sr. Anne Lynch, Sr Mai Finlay and Sr Mary Lalor as its members was inaugurated on 24th June 2024. The community has chosen the name ‘Croi Ruah’ to express their desire to continue to grow into, and to experience the “Heart of the Spirit of God in all Life”. Their vision is to grow together as a community, exploring possibilities that enable them to live creatively the spirit of the GC23.

We have here a glimpse of this new community:

“We live in two separate locations, Mary in the Bungalow, Moore Abbey and Mai and Anne in Suaimhneas, Emo, Co. Laois. Mary’s ministry is in Hospice Care and Diocesan Safeguarding, and Anne and Mai continue their ministry at Suaimhneas, for further detail see www.suaimhneas.ie. Our different ministries bring richness to us as a community. We are committed to weekly meetings during which we share and explore ways of being together that are nourishing and challenging- calling each other to a deepening awareness through authentic listening to oneself and each other. We also keep abreast of relevant matters and issues that influence religious life, the environment and other areas of ministry. We are enriched by participating in on-line spirituality programmes and maximise use of technology in networking with other agencies keeping abreast of changes that affect our lives and ministry. Prayer meditation and sharing a meal is very much part of our weekly meetings. We are grateful and value the support of Sr. Mary Joseph and the General Government which enable us to move forward with a sense of freedom, in unity, hope and love.”