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Faith and Light international “Up Sails!” Special edition October 2013 International meeting, Leeds 2013 “Called to bear fruit”

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Page 1: Faith and Light international “Up Sails!”

Faith and Light international

“Up Sails!”

Special edition

October 2013

International meeting, Leeds 2013

“Called to bear fruit”

Page 2: Faith and Light international “Up Sails!”

2

Editorial

Let’s continue the adventure! , Ghislain du Chéné 4

Messages…

From Pope Francis 8

From Archbishop of Canterbury 9

International meeting

Times of fiesta and of sharing 10

Opening ceremony 11

Amongst the delegates who came from all over the world 12

A few words from the founders 13

Celebration with the English communities 14

In small sharing groups 16

Sharing coffee and solidarity 17

Formation time 18

Talking time 18

Workshops 23

Time for prayer and celebrations 24

Experiencing ecumenism 25

General Assembly 26

Priorities 26

Elections 27

…Sending off ceremony… 28

Leeds Trinity University 29

Thanks a thousand times! 30

Contents

Faith and Light international 3 rue du Laos 75015 Paris, France - T + 33 1 53 69 44 30

[email protected] - www.faithandlight.org

Page 3: Faith and Light international “Up Sails!”

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“The apple of prayer”

Throughout the international meeting and

celebrations, this apple remained on the table in

the conference room and on the altar to remind

us of our absent friends from Syria, Egypt, East

and Capricorn Africa, who were not able to

obtain a visa. This way they were continually

present in our hearts and in our prayers.

A great love

In Leeds, I experienced a feeling of great love, a great love for

God and for others. All of these people had come from all over

the world; from New Zealand to Peru, from South Africa to

Norway. When I met Elaine who is about 70 years old, she told

me that she’d travelled for 26 hours to be here. I was full of

admiration for her and for her love for Faith and Light.

AGNIESZKA, Poland

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Let’s continue

the adventure !

F ollowing our wonderful international

meeting in Leeds, for many the month

of August was a time of rest and much

needed recuperation! The meeting was a

very intense time of making acquaintances,

of sharing, of communion, work celebra-

tions, parties, training and sometimes of

tensions…

And its success was even greater given the need for along and thor-

ough preparation, particularly on the part of the international secre-

tariat and the local team!

We received a very warm welcome from UK North province at Leeds

Trinity University and the name of this university reminded me of the

Lourdes meeting, when Father Jim Corkery had compared Faith and

Light – and its relationships based on reciprocity and equality – to the

Holy Trinity. So there was a certain logic in being here, five years after

Lourdes, to meet again, to take stock of the last five years and to re-

turn to our provinces with our arms full of wonderful fruits to share in

our communities.

This “Leeds” special edition will allow those who

were there to revisit what we experienced during that

superb week, and those who were not there to better

understand what took place in Leeds. This is not in-

tended to be a souvenir album, but rather a booklet to

refer to as we move forward, continuing our adven-

tures, so that we continue to bear fruit.

I will revisit five concrete elements that I have re-

tained from our meeting: Laudation, Enthusiasm,

Energy, Discernment, Suffering (LEEDS).

Editorial

Ghislain du Chéné

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First, the laudation or the thanksgiv-

ing for everything wonderful that has

happened. However if I could only recall

one thing, it would be the presence of

BISHOP PATRICK ROOKE amongst us:

newly appointed by the Archbishop of

Canterbury as representative of the

Anglican Community in Faith and Light,

he spent four days with us in Leeds. He

is the father of Susanna, a young

woman with Downs of about the same

age as Julie, and he was at ease

amongst us straightaway: his open-

ness, his friendliness and his smile en-

sured that he met many people and, I

hope, also helped progress our ecume-

nist aims.

I was very touched by everyone’s enthusi-

asm: In particular there were some very

lively evenings which helped deepen our

friendships, aided by a few glasses of beer

and some good music! However I was most

struck by the team in green t-shirts: espe-

cially the young people from local teams

who sometimes had thankless tasks – such

as running in search of headphones that

had gone missing after sessions in the

auditorium – but they always had a big

smile on their faces. I fervently hope for

more young people like them to animate

our communities which are all too quiet.

POPE FRANCIS called upon young people to

make a mess in our dioceses. I call on

young people to create a joyful havoc in our

communities!

Energy is what we bring back to our communities ; this momentum is

largely due to the presence amongst us of MARIE-HÉLÈNE MATHIEU.

Bishop Patrick Rooke in Leeds

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Always surrounded and always be-

ing photographed, these kind of

events are rejuvenating for her! It

does her just as much good as her

presence does good for each and

every one of us. Sometimes it is said

that the future is made up of our

knowledge of the past. That means

that the origins of our movement, in

Lourdes in 1971, must always remain

alive in our collective memory, even

though, as MARIE-HÉLÈNE reminded us

in her talk, we are not called upon to

imitate our founders, but rather to re-

turn to the source of their inspiration.

It was in Leeds that we received the necessary momentum for us to

continue the wonderful adventure of Faith and Light!

Discernment is something we experienced several times: after lis-

tening to the words of JOHN SARGENT, when preparing to vote for all of

the members of the Board of Directors, when we decided on the priori-

ties for the coming five years, we made strong gestures which commit-

ted us, but also all of the members of the 1500 Faith and Light com-

munities throughout the world. All of these people who we were repre-

Marie-Hélène

with Louise and Henri Major

(former President)

Nomination Committee:

François Bal, Elaine Swain, Father Isaac Martinez and Maureen O’Reilly

Page 7: Faith and Light international “Up Sails!”

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senting are different, there are those who struggle to understand the

path which we are going to follow, and yet nobody should be left be-

hind. One I realised this myself, personally I found this time of discern-

ment quite a difficult experience.

Suffering was in not having all the

people around me who I expected to be

there. ANN EMMOTT told me just how

happy she was to see so many people

there from her province on the day of the

party in the communities: “I feel like a

mother hen with all my chicks”, she said!

I really envied her, because I was sad-

dened to see that so many provinces

were not represented (Syria, South Leba-

non and Jordan, Egypt North and Sudan,

Egypt Centre, Egypt South and Kuwait,

East Africa) and that four international

vice-coordinators hadn’t been able to

come.

And now we need to move forward; let us tell everyone about all the

wonderful things we have experienced, let us share these as much as

we can. And now, with our new roadmap, let’s continue the adventure!

Ellen (Norway) and Ann

A beautiful, large family

I became aware of just how international Faith and Light is. All of the

continents were represented and we were able to share with each

other our individual experiences within our communities. Once again

I realised that, despite or thanks to our different languages and

cultures, we are part of a beautiful, large family. My experience was

one of sharing, of reflection and of celebration that I will never

forget. I think that everyone of us can and must in their own way

share with those around us what we experience within our

communities, and try and make the world more beautiful. We must

continue the beautiful adventure of Faith and Light together!

JOSÉ, Belgium

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H is Holiness POPE FRANCIS was

pleased to be informed of the

International meeting and Gen-

eral Assembly of Faith and Light that is

taking place in Leeds from 20 to 27 July

2013, and he sends warm greetings to

all who are taking part.

The Holy Father gives thanks to God

for the beautiful witness of Faith and

Light. Through faith, you know that by

holding out the hand of friendship to a

suffering or handicapped person, you

are befriending Christ himself.

And the moment you recognize the face of Christ, even in the least of

his brothers and sisters, your eyes are opened to see the glorious light

that streams from his face, changing all who gaze upon him into his

own likeness, from one degree of glory to another (cf. 2 Co 3, 18).

His Holiness prays that the joy you bring to one another through the

friendship that you share may shine brightly for all to see, so that they

too may come to recognize the beauty of Christ’s face and learn to

place all their trust in him.

With these sentiments, the Holy Father invokes upon all the partici-

pants in the General Assembly the peace and joy of our Lord Jesus

Christ and he cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing.

Your sincerely in Christ.

ANGELO BECCIU

Substitute

Messages

Stefano and Franco (Italy)

welcomed by Pope Francis,

Pentecost 2013

from Pope Francis

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I t is my great joy to send greetings to you all as

you are gathered in Leeds for your 16th Interna-

tional Meeting. I am delighted that this country

has the blessing of hosting you for your gathering.

Faith and Light communities offer a sign of

God’s kingdom. Your coming together as persons

with intellectual disability and with your families

and friends to share friendship and fellowship

shows the power of Christ’s love in action.

The theme chosen for your meeting “Called to bear fruit” reminds us

that this love is to be taken out and shared with whoever we meet, so

that the blessings we receive may also bear fruit in the lives of others.

I thank you as movement for all you do towards building up the unity

of God’s Church.

My prayers and best wishes to you all.

The Most Reverend and Right Honourable

JUSTIN WELBY

from Archbishop of Canterbury

I t gives me pleasure to send a message of greetings

to all those attending the Faith and Light

international General Assembly.

Faith and Light commitment to supporting people with learning

difficulties or disabilities is a wonderful example of Christian faith

being put into practice. It shows those with learning difficulties and

their families and friends, that the matter in our society and that they

are valued.

DAVID CAMERON, Prime Minister

from 10 Downing Street

David Cameron

Page 10: Faith and Light international “Up Sails!”

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Times of fiesta and of sharing

On Saturday 20 July, 200

delegates from 36 countries

were welcomed to Leeds by the

young and dynamic “green

team”. 47 provinces out of the

52 were represented. There was

a joyful din, laughter, hugging

and kissing, different languages,

songs….. And for some, the

tiredness of journey that had

lasted several days was swiftly

effaced in the joy of reunion.

Despite the empty spaces left by

our friends from the Middle East

and some African countries, our

family reunion could begin…

Marijus and Rimas (Lithuania)

Roberto (Spain)

The joy of meeting again!

Hetty (Netherlands) and Piotr (Poland) “Green” team welcomes delegates“Green” team welcomes delegates

Angelo and Roberto

(Italy)

With my heart overwhelming with grate-

fulness I would like to send you my heart-

felt thanks for wanting me here, for

organising and structuring my trip. Who

would have thought it? Starting with

myself ?Like a dream, thanks to your

tenacity and the Lord’s support, that

which seemed impossible really hap-

pened. How great is my joy for the won-

ders of God and his great love which I

have seen and experienced.

SR MARIE-ANTOINETTE

Benin

Sr Marie-Antoinette

and Marie-Hélène

Page 11: Faith and Light international “Up Sails!”

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The international music team

Opening ceremony

L ed by Ghislain du

Chéné (internatio-

nal coordinator)

and Henri Major (Presi-

dent), the evening began

with a superb powerpoint

projected on a giant

screen, which recounted

the major joyful or dra-

matic events that have

marked the world and the

life of Faith and Light

since the last international

meeting in Lourdes in

2008!

Then every international

vice coordinator was in-

vited to introduce the dele-

gates of the provinces that

he or she accompanies…

Everyone was dressed in

their national costume.

The musicians accompa-

nied the songs and

dances…

Henri Major Ghislain du Chéné

To represent the international, Ghislain wore a

Ukrainian cap, a Brazilian T shirt, an Australian

scarf, an Indonesian shirt,…. And flip flops which are

commonly worn throughout the Southern Hemi-

sphere… It was certainly an eye-catching costume!

Overview of the international organisation

Currently Faith and Light has more than 1500 com-

munities spread across 52 provinces over the 5

continents, covering 80 countries and 38 different

languages.

Along with the international coordinator, 12 vice-

international coordinators each accompany be-

tween three and five provinces to guarantee unity

and allow life to grow…

Map of the Faith and Light provinces See details on www.faithandlight.org

Page 12: Faith and Light international “Up Sails!”

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Marcela (Brazil) Delegates from Poland

Amongst the deledates

who came from all over the world

Josipa and Zvonco (Croatia) Hubert (Germany) et Hetty (Netherlands)

Maggie (United States)

Father Ludo

(Japan)

Page 13: Faith and Light international “Up Sails!”

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A few words

from the founders

I am both happy and overwhelmed to be like a grandmother

amongst all of you who represent the 1500 communities

from all over the world, here for this 16th international meet-

ing. We are sad that the delegates from 17 countries from the Mid-

dle East and Africa were not able to join us. They are there in our

hearts, along with Jean Vanier. Along with him, I can attest that we

are not the founders of Faith and Light but rather astounded crafts-

men. Faith and Light is truly God’s work, who saw the distress of

people with an intellectual disability and their families. It is Him who

inspired us, as well as Camille and Gérard, the day of their pilgrim-

age to Lourdes, the town where the Virgin Mary chose Bernadette,

who was most despised, to remind the world of Jesus’ message “God

chose that which is weak to confuse the wise”. Hallelujah! Let us sing Jesus, God of Light!

MARIE-HÉLÈNE MATHIEU

I t is wonderful to meet you

through this video. I just wanted

to say what a gift from God Faith

and Light is! It is Jesus that wanted this

at Lourdes. Why do I say that? There are

so many people with a disability who are

unaware that they have been chosen by

God. Faith and Light sends out a sign to

the world that fragile people are impor-

tant, that they have a gift to offer our

world and a special mission within the

church.

Let us be aware that all of us are foun-

ders. Our communities need to flourish

and have deep roots, but there are still

so many people who are not aware of

Faith and Light, so many people with a

disability, so many parents. Faith and

Light must be a ray of life that reveals

the beauty of people with a disability.

Faith and Light must be fertile so that

others can also know about it.

I wish you a truly wonderful assembly.

I am there with you in prayer so that each

of you receives what you need, so that

you can return to your countries full of

enthusiasm, driven by a mission, be-

cause we are all the founders of Faith

and Light.

I wish you a good assembly and I am

praying along side you.

JEAN VANIER

Photo from the video

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Fiesta

with the English communities

A whole afternoon of meeting people, dancing from all countries

and games with the two hundred members of the English com-

munities who had come to join us at the university!

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W onderfully organised by LOUISE SAURIOL

MAJOR, the 25 small sharing groups,

each made up of 5 to 6 people, met

every day, under the guidance of their “anawim”. It

was certainly a headache ensuring that every

group was sufficiently international but also that

everyone could understand one another…. Each

group had a name referring to the fruits and the

gifts of the Holy Spirit.

In the small sharing groups we learnt to listen to one another, to get

to know one another. They are a haven of peace for a heart to heart,

where you discover all the joys, the troubles and the hopes…. A place

where you discover all the richness of other cultures, of other faiths….

A place to share the lives of our communities and to learn from one

another. The bonds of friendship developed in small groups last a long

time!

In small

sharing groups

Anne (France) “anawim” of the group “Strenght”

We all came from very different cultures

and I certainly learned a lot. All the ideas

and initiatives that were shared will help

me very much, and I will try to put them

into practice. A sharing group is also a

place that sheds light on many different

situations.

ANN (UK North)

The sharing groups were led well and with

kindness, in a spirit of communion. It was

very good to have two of our friends with a

disability there with us.

EDDY AND GABRIELLE (Switzerland)

Louise (Canada)

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Sharing coffee

and solidarity

A fter such full days, the delegates could meet for a “sharing cof-

fee”, or fruit juice or beer together. All of the money collected

has been donated to international solidarity.

Some small groups sang, danced, while others chatted and some

fell asleep after such a busy day!

Xavier, interpreter (Belgium)

and Helena (Spain)

Raúl (Spain)

Valerie (Malaysia) and Anne (Philippines)

“Fun, fun, fun”… I loved the relax-

ing evenings and yet normally I’m a

very shy person !

Glen (England)

Angelo (Italy)

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Formation times

Called

to bear fruit

Word

of MARIE-HÉLÈNE MATHIEU

B y returning to the conception and birth of the movement, MARIE-

HÉLÈNE touched all of our hearts and particularly those of our

parents and guardians, the newer and older ones alike. She

told us the story of MARIANGELA, the mother of CHICCA, who was severely

disabled. She ended up inadvertently founding Faith and Light in Italy

and as far afield as Eastern Europe…. Finding herself in Red Square in

Moscow, she said to her daughter who had already rejoined the Fa-

ther: “Look where you’ve brought me, Chicca!”…

And then there was FRANÇOIS,

the wisdom of François. The day of

his first communion, his godfather

came up to his mother and said to

her: “What a beautiful ceremony!

What a shame that FRANÇOIS didn’t

understand anything”. Yet FRAN-

ÇOIS had heard and went to find

his mother: “Do not cry, mummy,

God loves me just as I am”…

Magnificat, let us give thanks

for Faith and Light !

Hommage

« Marie-Hélène’s word is like a gospel. »

ELVIRA (Peru)

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T o help us to get in the right mood of reflection and discernment

that is so crucial for the five-year elections of the International

Coordinator, the President and the other members of the Board

of Directors, JOHN SARGENT gave a talk about his own experience of dis-

cernment at l’Arche. This was an experience based on the thinking of

IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA.

There are four stages to remember in order to allow yourself to be

guided by the Holy Spirit: digging deep, letting yourself go, allowing

life to surge forth…. In order to bear fruit.

Then we all prayed together. It

was John’s prayer, similar to the one

that we all know well at Faith and

Light. Allowing yourself to sink into

silence and repeat words of love to

Jesus; it is the poor man’s prayer

that FATHER JOSEPH LARSEN taught us.

Our hearts and our spirits are

preparing themselves for times of

discernment and elections....

Discernment

Word

of JOHN SARGENT

Director of l’Arche, United Kingdom

“All of the teachings were in-structive, deep and nourishing. All of these words ‘tasted’ so good!”

NORMAND, Canada

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M AUREEN’s talks always surprise you with their depth and hu-

mour!

In seriousness, MAUREEN reminded us what accompaniment is: walk-

ing side by side, feeding and being fed, encouraging, helping others

overcome challenges.

It is difficult to imagine how you can achieve this at an individual

level, but the humorous, imaginative sketches were there to tell us

that, yes, ultimately if we are armed with humility and trust, anything is

possible.

God has a sense of humour, otherwise…

He wouldn’t have created us!

MAUREEN

Accompaniment

Word

of MAUREEN O’REILLY Former international coordinator

Formation times

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F ather DONAL LUCEY led us through the paths of spirituality. Not

spirituality as a way of living, as we often hear about, but rather

the meaning of spirituality. We are called upon to discover our

own gifts. The creation of the world is incomplete, and we are called

upon to contribute to its final completion. By doing so, as our lives

draw to a close, we will have made this world a better place. Then, FA-

THER DONAL introduced three topics for further reflection:

It has something to do with the divine.

It has something to do with what it means to be human.

How do the divine and the human meet ?

His reflections were full of quotations from poets and references to

musicians and painters … FATHER DONAL has an artist’s soul: “I like

paintings where there are clouds and fog… I would so like to know

what is hidden behind them...”

People with a disability

are geniuses of communion.

FATHER DONAL

Spirituality

of Faith and Light

Word

of MGR DONAL LUCEY Chaplain for UK North province

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I t was already the final day! GHISLAIN

asked us to return to the sources of our

engagement and try to deepen our sense

of mission in the world. Our first commitment is

the friendship we are called upon to offer our

friends with a disability. Otherwise we would be

like a kakapo, a very beautiful parrot from New

Zealand, which has magnificent feathers but

cannot fly.

Our second commitment is to belong to a community, and the third

is our belonging to a community of Christians.

Our mission is bear witness to the fact that every person with a

disability is a source of love once they are accepted as fully a person,

that they are a source of joy once they are accorded their legitimate

place amongst us, that they are sources of peace once we recognise

their gift in building friendships.

GHISLAIN ended his talk by strongly encouraging us to: “Go and make

disciples of all nations”.

Commitment and mission

Word

of GHISLAIN DU CHÉNÉ

International coordinator

Formation times

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Workshops

T here were many workshops in French, English, Spanish that

were organised to offer delegates training on topics as varied

as: “the identity and mission of Faith and Light”, “ the dignity

of the individual”, “the role of parents in the community”,

“Accompaniment”, “the role of the provincial team”, “ecumenical

celebrations”, “finances”… There was also a workshop in Polish and

Portuguese.

Throughout the week, on her side Midge and her small team

organised an “artists workshop” for those people with a disability who

preferred not to participate in the more ”serious” activities. They

produced some very attractive pieces which were added to the

conference room and chapel decorations daily.

Midge’s workshop (standing) and her team

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24

E very day began with the Eucharist… After breakfast, delegates

regrouped in the conference room. After the announcements

there was a mimed prayer on the day’s topic organised by one

of the different provinces.

The Sunday Catholic Eucharist was pre-

sided by JOHN RAWSTHORNE, Bishop of Hal-

lam, supported by seven chaplains. The

mass was accompanied by RAÚL, with the

orchestra and choir made up of delegates: it

was truly international.

Then we were delighted to listen to the

message from POPE FRANCIS, which he had

sent especially for our meeting…

RÉVÉREND PATRICK ROOKE read the message from the Archbishop of

Canterbury, JUSTIN WALBY, to all delegates during Holy Communion on

24 July.

Time for prayer, and celebrations

With the delegates of the province “Between the Seas”

Father Donal and Bishop Rawsthorne

This week will be great!

FATHER JOHN RAWSTHORNE

The first mimed prayers of

the morning were very inspir-

ing. It was such an incredible

experience seeing all these

people of different cultures

and ethnic backgrounds

praying and worshipping to-

gether for a common goal…

GAYE (USA)

The morning mimed prayers taught me

how to pray in a different way!

JEANNE (France)

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25

O n Wednesday evening, we

gathered in the chapel for

an ecumenical prayer vigil

like the Taizé prayer. The following

day, when we were preparing for a

time of discernment, and were seek-

ing enlightenment for both heart

and mind, the theme of the day’s

prayer was: “Come, Holy Spirit”.

There were meditative songs, a

reading from the Gospel (John 14,

15-20), moments of silence, an in-

tercession prayer… We were invited

to venerate the cross. Everyone

could leave their feelings of joy, suf-

fering and hope at the foot of the

cross…

The washing of the feet celebration took place within the small

sharing groups. Each person washed the feet of their neighbour and

received their blessing. The connections that had been forged in the

meetings in the small sharing groups were now firmly sealed… We are

all there to serve each other….

I wish to thank your movement for

all that you do to build unity in

God’s church.

Most reverend JUSTIN WELBY

Archbishop of Canterbury

Experiencing

ecumenism

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26

T he President, International Coordinator and Treasurer’s re-

ports described, as far as possible, what had happened over

the last five years both at a provincial and at a community level,

as well as the five years of work of the Board of Directors and Interna-

tional coordinating team… There were international formation ses-

sions, 20th anniversary celebrations for Faith and Light throughout the

world… The publication of “Up Sails!”, which started out with only 4

pages and has now grown to 24… Life… And then we were overcome

with emotion when HENRI MAJOR said his goodbye..

Priorities 2013-2018

ALAIN SAINT MACARY, the for-

mer international vice coordina-

tor for L’Arche, spent a year

working with a small interna-

tional team to define the move-

ment’s priorities for the five years

to come. After consulting the

provinces on their needs and the

difficulties they are facing, Alain

presented the new priorities to

the assembly:

Renewal

Openness

Community support

Leadership

Flagship events

After discussions at a provincial

level, the document was adopted

by the Assembly.

The General Assembly

Every part of the Assembly was

great and sent out a strong mes-

sage. It was an act of Thanksgiving

that leaves my heart brimming over.

SR MARIE-ANTOINETTE, Benin

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27

Hoda

T hank you to GHISLAIN DU CHÉNÉ (France) who ac-

cepted a second mandate as international coordina-

tor for the next five years… supported by the INTER-

NATIONAL COORDINATING TEAM made up of 12 vice interna-

tional coordinators: FRED SEAGREN (USA), MARIA-SILVIA DE

JESUS TAVAREZ (Brazil), LUCIA CASELLA (Italy), AMGAD EDWARD

(Egypt), ANN EMMOTT (United Kingdom), JUDEX VIOLETTE

(Mauritius), KRISTINA JANINAUSKAITE (Lithuania), JOANNA

KOCZOT (Poland), AGATHE DESFOSSÉS (France), LUDOVIC DE LA

QUINTINIE (France) and RAÚL IZQUIERDO (Spain). A process of

discernment is underway for the remaining one vice-

coordinator.

…And welcome to the new members of the Board of Directors:

ANNE-MARIE PIKE (New Zealand) President, HODA ELTURK

(Lebanon) Vice-president, GÉRARD CHAURAND (France Inter-

national Treasurer, ARTKIN MUVISHI (Zimbabwe), TIM (USA)

and MARIA-CECILIA BUCKLEY (Brazil), Qualified members.

Artkin Maria-Cecilia Tim

The elections

Gérard

A huge thank you to all the members of the previous Board of Directors for all

that they have achieved, from 2008 in Lourdes up until 2013, and all done ex-

tremely competently and enthusiastically! HENRI MAJOR, President, ROLAND TAM-

RAZ, Vice-president, LOUIS DE VOGÜÉ, International Treasurer, YVES-BERTIN HIRWA

and CLAUDE AND DENISE GRAVEL, Qualified members.

THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE HAS BEEN RENEWED. AMALIA JIMENEZ (Spain)

and MARY GRIMES (Ireland) join the existing team with MAUREEN O’REILLY

(USA) and FATHER ISAAC MARTINEZ (Peru).

Anne-Marie

Ghislain

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28

I t wasn’t a closing ceremony, after which everyone returns to his

or her country feeling nostalgic…No, it was a sending off cere-

mony! We were all invited to return to our countries and to our

provinces bearing many fruits.

Our evening began joyfully with a

surprise performance from the

“green” team, who had choreo-

graphed a magnificent routine dur-

ing their free time (what free

time ?!)In clear voices, Catherine,

Lucy and Mandy performed the gos-

pel “All Good Gifts around us” and

“Your song”, a song which ends

with the words: “How wonderful life is

now that you’re in the world”.

Next to the altar, there was a tree

lit up brightly. One after the other,

each international vice-coordinator

called up the provincial coordinators

who he or she accompanied. On a

card depicting a fruit, everyone read

the engagement prayer for their prov-

ince and then attached it to the tree.

They then received a candle which

they placed on the altar. All this was

interspersed with songs from each

country…

We were so involved in our meditations that nobody thought of taking

any photos!

Soon afterwards the altar was all lit up and the tree was bedecked

with fruits. The chaplains gathered around the altar to bless the as-

sembly, the candles were lit and a joyful song rang out!

The night was already well advanced, some had already left and oth-

ers would be leaving a few hours later… We lingered a long time, chat-

ting, embracing each other, saying goodbye…“Go and make disciples

of all nations!”

Sending off ceremony

Catherine et Lucy Catherine Lucy Mandy

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29

It has been great to welcome the Faith and Light Conference here…

One morning at breakfast, I was sitting at a table by myself and I

began to worry about a couple of issues.. Then I felt a hand on my

shoulder. I looked up and it was a man with Down’s Syndrome. He

was staring gently into my eyes. He repeated a phrase in an Eastern

European language, all the time gazing at me and smiling. Then,

slowly he twice traced the cross on my forehead with his thumb

before heading off. It was a very blessed moment : my day was

transformed.

FATHER PAUL GROGAN, University chaplain

Leeds Trinity University

N estled in the middle of the

charming English countryside,

the Catholic Leeds Trinity Uni-

versity welcomed us with open arms.

It was a real pleasure organising the

meeting with DEBBIE and DAMON. Even

our most challenging and fanciful re-

quests were always met with kind-

ness, and everything was done to find

solutions.

Every delegate awarded a score of 10 out of 10 for the reception,

the meals, the bedrooms, the auditorium, the chapel… for everything!

And… as a gift, the university offered its polo shirts and sweatshirts

for sale, with its logo and colours… There was a rush…. And the €720

raised were donated to International Solidarity.

Thank you Debbie and Damon!

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...to the “green” team There were 34 of them! 34 of them running around all over the place to

respond to the needs of the delegates or International Secretariat, however

small.….They were always inseparable from their walkie-talkies.

There were there throughout the house, and could even be found serving the

wine at the evening meal. It is thanks to you, our friends, that our meeting

was a perfect success! Thank you to EUAN, the reporter for the daily newslet-

ter “Hello Leeds”, and to LUKE, our photographer.

These “green” heads certainly knew how to manage everything effectively!

Many thanks

ANN MARIE SHARON FATHER DONAL MIDGE PETER

...to the International Secretariat team

Once again, GUÉNAËL, CÉLINE and CORINNE

showed their care and professionalism in

adapting to any situation that came their way.

Accomplices, indefatigable, and there every-

where you looked, the delegates christened

them “the three Musketeers”.

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...to the interpreters AUSTIN interpreted into Japanese, LISA

and REBECCA into English, ANTONIO and

VERENA into Spanish, XAVIER and BRIDGET

into French, ZBIEGNIEW and EWA into Pol-

ish. It was tiring work, particularly as the

interpreting booths were not actually in

the conference room. You can see them

here behind their screens…

There was not one mistake! Bravo for

your very professional performance!

...to the musical team RAUL (Spain) led an interna-

tional team of musicians and

singers brilliantly! There wasn’t

one wrong note! We know just

how much music and songs make

the success of a meeting. So

much of the credit must go to you.

And for our precious supporters

Thank you to our French friends “FABER FAMILY” and more than 80 other families…

MADAME TABBAGH who donated the monies col-

lected at the funeral of her husband, MICHEL

(Provincial Coordinator) for Faith and Light Interna-

tional.

SECOURS CATHOLIQUE, Caritas France

BICE (International Catholic Child Bureau)

and to all the Faith and Light

communities in the world who contributed to

solidarity for the other delegates. Thank you, dear friends.

See you soon!

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Go ! And make disciples

of all nations. Mt 28, 19