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Acknowledgments: Day 1: Article from Toronto Gathering Day 2: Sr Gerardine Mullens IBVM Irish Province Day 3: Sr Gerardine Mullens IBVM Irish Province Day 4: Sr Julie Stapleton IBVM USA Province Day 5: Mrs Marie Gaspar School Principal at Bowbazar in the Indian Province Day 6: Ms Michelle McCarty Director of Ministry at Mandeville Hall, Australian Province Day 7: Sr Julie Stapleton IBVM USA Province Day 8: excerpts from Trafficking Conference in Poland courtesy of Imelda Poole Prayers, references and reflections Poore, Sam Hamilton, Earth Gospel: A Guide to Prayer for God’s Creation. Upper Room Books, Nashville, 2008. Cannato, Judy, Field of Compassion, Green Press Initiative, 2010. Daniel Groody articles can be found on the Internet by typing in his name or Notre Dame University USA.

Mary Ward Week 2012Mary Ward Week 2012Mary Ward Week 2012Mary Ward Week 2012Mary Ward Week 2012Mary Ward Week 2012Mary Ward Week 2012Mary Ward Week 2012Mary Ward Week 2012Mary Ward Week 2012Mary Ward Week 2012Mary Ward Week 2012

Setting sail on the journey Setting sail on the journey Setting sail on the journey Setting sail on the journey Setting sail on the journey Setting sail on the journey Setting sail on the journey Setting sail on the journey Setting sail on the journey Setting sail on the journey Setting sail on the journey Setting sail on the journey of this new year.of this new year.of this new year.of this new year.of this new year.of this new year.of this new year.of this new year.of this new year.of this new year.of this new year.of this new year.

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The Summer DayThe Summer DayThe Summer DayThe Summer Day by Mary Oliverby Mary Oliverby Mary Oliverby Mary Oliver

Who made the world?Who made the world?Who made the world?Who made the world?Who made the world?Who made the world?Who made the world?Who made the world?Who made the world?Who made the world?Who made the world?Who made the world?

Who made the swan and the black bear?Who made the swan and the black bear?Who made the swan and the black bear?Who made the swan and the black bear?Who made the swan and the black bear?Who made the swan and the black bear?Who made the swan and the black bear?Who made the swan and the black bear?Who made the swan and the black bear?Who made the swan and the black bear?Who made the swan and the black bear?Who made the swan and the black bear? Who made the grasshopper?Who made the grasshopper?Who made the grasshopper?Who made the grasshopper?Who made the grasshopper?Who made the grasshopper?Who made the grasshopper?Who made the grasshopper?Who made the grasshopper?Who made the grasshopper?Who made the grasshopper?Who made the grasshopper? This grasshopper I mean This grasshopper I mean This grasshopper I mean This grasshopper I mean This grasshopper I mean This grasshopper I mean This grasshopper I mean This grasshopper I mean This grasshopper I mean This grasshopper I mean This grasshopper I mean This grasshopper I mean ––––––––––––

The one who has flung herself out of the grass,The one who has flung herself out of the grass,The one who has flung herself out of the grass,The one who has flung herself out of the grass,The one who has flung herself out of the grass,The one who has flung herself out of the grass,The one who has flung herself out of the grass,The one who has flung herself out of the grass,The one who has flung herself out of the grass,The one who has flung herself out of the grass,The one who has flung herself out of the grass,The one who has flung herself out of the grass, the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,

who is moving her jaws back and forth, instead of up and down,who is moving her jaws back and forth, instead of up and down,who is moving her jaws back and forth, instead of up and down,who is moving her jaws back and forth, instead of up and down,who is moving her jaws back and forth, instead of up and down,who is moving her jaws back and forth, instead of up and down,who is moving her jaws back and forth, instead of up and down,who is moving her jaws back and forth, instead of up and down,who is moving her jaws back and forth, instead of up and down,who is moving her jaws back and forth, instead of up and down,who is moving her jaws back and forth, instead of up and down,who is moving her jaws back and forth, instead of up and down, who is gazing around with her enormous complicated eyes.who is gazing around with her enormous complicated eyes.who is gazing around with her enormous complicated eyes.who is gazing around with her enormous complicated eyes.who is gazing around with her enormous complicated eyes.who is gazing around with her enormous complicated eyes.who is gazing around with her enormous complicated eyes.who is gazing around with her enormous complicated eyes.who is gazing around with her enormous complicated eyes.who is gazing around with her enormous complicated eyes.who is gazing around with her enormous complicated eyes.who is gazing around with her enormous complicated eyes.

Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face. Now she snaps her wings open and floats away.Now she snaps her wings open and floats away.Now she snaps her wings open and floats away.Now she snaps her wings open and floats away.Now she snaps her wings open and floats away.Now she snaps her wings open and floats away.Now she snaps her wings open and floats away.Now she snaps her wings open and floats away.Now she snaps her wings open and floats away.Now she snaps her wings open and floats away.Now she snaps her wings open and floats away.Now she snaps her wings open and floats away.

I don’t know exactly what prayer is.I don’t know exactly what prayer is.I don’t know exactly what prayer is.I don’t know exactly what prayer is.I don’t know exactly what prayer is.I don’t know exactly what prayer is.I don’t know exactly what prayer is.I don’t know exactly what prayer is.I don’t know exactly what prayer is.I don’t know exactly what prayer is.I don’t know exactly what prayer is.I don’t know exactly what prayer is. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall downI do know how to pay attention, how to fall downI do know how to pay attention, how to fall downI do know how to pay attention, how to fall downI do know how to pay attention, how to fall downI do know how to pay attention, how to fall downI do know how to pay attention, how to fall downI do know how to pay attention, how to fall downI do know how to pay attention, how to fall downI do know how to pay attention, how to fall downI do know how to pay attention, how to fall downI do know how to pay attention, how to fall down

into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,

which is what I have been doing all day.which is what I have been doing all day.which is what I have been doing all day.which is what I have been doing all day.which is what I have been doing all day.which is what I have been doing all day.which is what I have been doing all day.which is what I have been doing all day.which is what I have been doing all day.which is what I have been doing all day.which is what I have been doing all day.which is what I have been doing all day. Tell me what else should I have done?Tell me what else should I have done?Tell me what else should I have done?Tell me what else should I have done?Tell me what else should I have done?Tell me what else should I have done?Tell me what else should I have done?Tell me what else should I have done?Tell me what else should I have done?Tell me what else should I have done?Tell me what else should I have done?Tell me what else should I have done?

Doesn’t everything die at last and too soon?Doesn’t everything die at last and too soon?Doesn’t everything die at last and too soon?Doesn’t everything die at last and too soon?Doesn’t everything die at last and too soon?Doesn’t everything die at last and too soon?Doesn’t everything die at last and too soon?Doesn’t everything die at last and too soon?Doesn’t everything die at last and too soon?Doesn’t everything die at last and too soon?Doesn’t everything die at last and too soon?Doesn’t everything die at last and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to doTell me, what is it you plan to doTell me, what is it you plan to doTell me, what is it you plan to doTell me, what is it you plan to doTell me, what is it you plan to doTell me, what is it you plan to doTell me, what is it you plan to doTell me, what is it you plan to doTell me, what is it you plan to doTell me, what is it you plan to doTell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life?with your one wild and precious life?with your one wild and precious life?with your one wild and precious life?with your one wild and precious life?with your one wild and precious life?with your one wild and precious life?with your one wild and precious life?with your one wild and precious life?with your one wild and precious life?with your one wild and precious life?with your one wild and precious life?

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but that is what our commitment is. We take risks all the time, of criti-cism, of being ignored, of being put down even by our own congrega-tions or hierarchy, of being silenced, all have experienced some degree of that. But, is not that the cost of discipleship, which all the prophets have risked since the voice of Isaiah? Through the ages his voice comes to us, be not afraid I am with you."

For those who wish to see more of the conference and its papers go to www.renate-europe.net

May Christ set you as a seal upon his heartMay Christ set you as a seal upon his heartMay Christ set you as a seal upon his heart as a seal upon his arm;as a seal upon his arm;as a seal upon his arm;

for his love is as strong as death,for his love is as strong as death,for his love is as strong as death, his passion as fierce as the grave.his passion as fierce as the grave.his passion as fierce as the grave.

Many waters cannot quench his love,Many waters cannot quench his love,Many waters cannot quench his love, neither can floods drown it out.neither can floods drown it out.neither can floods drown it out.

Song of Solomon 8:6-7

How do you respond to the invitation to explore this How do you respond to the invitation to explore this How do you respond to the invitation to explore this How do you respond to the invitation to explore this underside of migration? While it can be overwhelming, underside of migration? While it can be overwhelming, underside of migration? While it can be overwhelming, underside of migration? While it can be overwhelming, there’s a person and story behind every statistic.there’s a person and story behind every statistic.there’s a person and story behind every statistic.there’s a person and story behind every statistic. Can you learn more so as to inform your prayer and Can you learn more so as to inform your prayer and Can you learn more so as to inform your prayer and Can you learn more so as to inform your prayer and perhaps become involved in a local group working against perhaps become involved in a local group working against perhaps become involved in a local group working against perhaps become involved in a local group working against traffickingtraffickingtraffickingtrafficking————your potential being union with Christ, Re-your potential being union with Christ, Re-your potential being union with Christ, Re-your potential being union with Christ, Re-deemer of the world?deemer of the world?deemer of the world?deemer of the world?

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In September 2011 a conference sponsored by RENATE (Religious in Europe working against Trafficking and Exploitation) was held in Po-land and Imelda Poole and 2 CJ sisters, Adina and Bohdana from Slovakia attended with 75 other women Religious from 17 European countries, inclusive of Central, East and West Europe. IBVMs in at least 6 provinces/regions are involved in this ministry. In the open-ing conference words, Cardinal Dziwisz of Krakow said:

Through your inter-congregational co-operation and interna-tional structures, you can work with redoubled power and ef-fectiveness. You are in possession of the biggest potential, which is not to be found even in the most wealthy organiza-tions: your potential is your union with Christ, Redeemer of the world.

In his keynote address on the first day, Ian Linden, a British analyst, said that in 2010 the increase in the number of people trafficked globally could be as much as 250%. Trafficking provides huge wealth to those who control it, $34b annually. It is the third major criminal activity in the world, after drugs and the illegal arms trade. As police become more effective in the drugs trade, many gangs move into trafficking.

He asked how it has happened that Europe - despite the vision of its founding fathers - could have come to experience a new form of slav-ery? The cold war divided Europe, he said, and it split the church as much as it split the political reality.

The inputs from Sr Anna Balchan, (Poland) and Marjana Meshi (Albania), on the work taking place in the countries of origin in shel-ters for victims of trafficking, expressed the reality of the courage needed to sustain this work often in dangerous and threatening cir-cumstances.

Theologian Mary Grey reminded participants that they came to the Conference to listen to the cries for help from voices that cannot speak their own story, voices of women, children and men trapped in fear and danger. "Our temptation is to stop, to say we have had enough, to talk about something pleasurable, trafficking is not fun,

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Welcome to Mary Ward week for 2012. The poem by Mary Oliver was used in the opening words for the International Gath-ering in Toronto June 2011. It expresses the freedom of the one who is secure in nature, comfortable in self, aware of the other and conscious of the presence of One greater than herself.

Throughout those spring days in Canada and with the theme Being lovers of truth and doers of justice to guide, direct and fo-cus the conversation and reflection, the other side of the lives of so many was also explored. These are those who flee their homeland for any number of reasons, those who are taken with-out consent from their homelands and those who freely migrate only to meet persecution and rejection. The keynote speaker, Fr Daniel Groody CSC, said we need to understand migration as a call to cross borders and overcome barriers, migration as a way of thinking about God and human life and an expression of the Christian mission of reconciliation.

Last year we celebrated 400 years since Mary Ward’s insight that the rule she was to adopt for her own fledgling congregation was that of the Society of Jesus. From that moment she set her course and in so doing traversed not only the physical terrain of Alps, seas and plains, but the terrain of gender inequality, ex-treme poverty and sheer not knowingness. Having left her homeland to find the will of the One she loved and followed, the journeys were sometimes difficult in the extreme, but she was able to write in 1616: One sees the danger of adverse things, but without fear, anxiety or trouble, and quiet confidence that God will do His will even in confusion.

The reflections for this year come from some who attended the gathering and while each one is different, the thread running from day to day invites you to sit with – kneel down in the grass or walk through the fields – the gift of creation and the challenge of our present day to create a field of kindness or care with inten-tionality to produce an environment fecund with healing...life to the full is possible – but not without our choosing it one small ac-tion at a time. Judy Cannato Field of Compassion p. 6

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Yours the morning, O God,Yours the morning, O God,Yours the morning, O God, yours the afternoon.yours the afternoon.yours the afternoon.

As I make my pilgrimage through the day,As I make my pilgrimage through the day,As I make my pilgrimage through the day, reawaken me to your presence,reawaken me to your presence,reawaken me to your presence,

your wisdom, your wonders.your wisdom, your wonders.your wisdom, your wonders.

Discerning the set of the sailDiscerning the set of the sailDiscerning the set of the sailDiscerning the set of the sail

In the process of living, the winds of circumstances blow on us all in an unending flow that touches each of our lives.

What guides us to different destinations in life is determined by the way we have chosen to set our sail. The way that each of us thinks, makes the major difference in where each of us arrives. The major difference is the set of the sail.

The same circumstances happen to us all. We have dis-appointments and challenges. We all have reversals and those moments when, in spite of our best plans and efforts, things just seem to fall apart … In the final analysis, it is not what happens that determines the quality of our lives, it is what we choose to do when we have struggled to set the sail and then discover, after all our efforts, that the wind has changed directions.

When the winds change, we must change. We must struggle to our feet once more and reset the sail in the manner that will steer us towards the destination of our own deliberate choosing. The set of the sail, how we think and how we re-spond, have a far greater capacity to destroy our lives than

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Into your strength, this day,Into your strength, this day,Into your strength, this day, let me come again let me come again let me come again –––

my heart undivided, my hope undimmed.my heart undivided, my hope undimmed.my heart undivided, my hope undimmed. Set free my soul, unbind by love,Set free my soul, unbind by love,Set free my soul, unbind by love,

that I may serve youthat I may serve youthat I may serve you serving earth.serving earth.serving earth.

How do I act in the presence of otherness?How do I act in the presence of otherness?How do I act in the presence of otherness?How do I act in the presence of otherness?

Do I reach toward a connection with the other?Do I reach toward a connection with the other?Do I reach toward a connection with the other?Do I reach toward a connection with the other?

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The dignity of our diversity is the wealth of us.The dignity of our diversity is the wealth of us.The dignity of our diversity is the wealth of us. Elizabeth Johnson

The Time of the Great TurningThe Time of the Great TurningThe Time of the Great TurningThe Time of the Great Turning

13.7 billion years ago creation was initiated.

The first humans emerged 2.6 million years ago.

470 years ago Copernicus observed

that Earth orbits the sun.

In 2012, we are aware that we live in the time called The Great Turning. Imagine---we IBVMs, colleagues and co-workers, have the ability to consciously re-direct our milieu to become a field of compassion. (See the Introduction to Field of Compassion by Judy Cannato).

Boundaries and prejudices are being erased by those who compassionately turn to the migrant, the prison inmate, the homosexual, the trafficked, the other. The 18 inches be-tween our head and our heart are being reduced! Jesus teaches us how to cross the human/human divide.

Let us go to the deeper place and work and pray for life to the full for all planetary pilgrims.

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any challenges we face. How quickly and responsibly we re-act to adversity is far more important than the adversity it-self. Once we discipline ourselves to understand this, we will finally and willingly conclude that the great challenge of life is to control the process of our thinking.

Learning to reset the sail with the changing winds rather than permitting ourselves to be blown in a direction we did not purposely choose requires the development of a whole new discipline. It involves going to work on establishing a powerful, personal philosophy that will help to influence in a positive way all that we do and that we think and decide. If we can succeed in this worthy endeavour, the result will be a change in the course of our mission, and in how we feel about the things we value as well as the times of challenge. If we can alter the way we perceive, judge and decide upon the main issues of life, then we can dramatically change our lives. Jim Rohn

May the One who can May the One who can May the One who can scoop the ocean with one hand scoop the ocean with one hand scoop the ocean with one hand –––

the One who is profoundly presentthe One who is profoundly presentthe One who is profoundly present to each grain of sand to each grain of sand to each grain of sand –––

hold you firmlyhold you firmlyhold you firmly and carry you gentlyand carry you gentlyand carry you gently

this day.this day.this day.

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Each day, every momentEach day, every momentEach day, every moment you place you place you place your hand of blessingyour hand of blessingyour hand of blessing upon the brow of creation.upon the brow of creation.upon the brow of creation. In your touch, in your words,In your touch, in your words,In your touch, in your words, everything flowers,everything flowers,everything flowers,

everything rememberseverything rememberseverything remembers the deep, perfect loveliness within.the deep, perfect loveliness within.the deep, perfect loveliness within. The deep, perfect loveliness of you.The deep, perfect loveliness of you.The deep, perfect loveliness of you.

HopeHopeHopeHope at the heart of the Church at the heart of the Church at the heart of the Church at the heart of the Church… Over the past two decades, the ‘spirit’ of the universal Catholic Church has been tried and tested in many ways. Numerous mem-bers are struggling with their journey of faith because of hopes being dashed through the uses and ab-uses of other so-called members the faithful – and in many instances, through Church leaders themselves.

In the more ‘wealthy’ parts of our planet, people’s minds have been bombarded by a sense of materialism that has become rampant – causing their focus to be clouded by the lure of ‘false’ gods.

Hope at the heart of our Church is greatly needed once again…

However, in relatively recent times, things have changed… The Church has been challenged by its injustices, and many of our na-tions have flopped financially. The concept of recession has hit parts of our globe that have never known such times before. Due to greed in its varying aspects, we’ve stripped ourselves bare, and we’ve lost the clothes of avarice and luxury.

Very often, negative/harmful qualities need to be highlighted so that we can change, modify or reform our behaviour and attitudes. An opportunity has now created itself for the human condition to be-come inspired by the deep sense of spirituality that lies within each of us. Perhaps now is the time to work on the deeper meaning… Search for the divine, or a time for re-familiarisation with a higher power so that people will return to basic and holistic values. And…just like an old building, when it is stripped back, the quality

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Mary Ward…Mary Ward…Mary Ward…Mary Ward…

Mary Ward knew what it was to travel far from home, to ex-perience both rejection and welcome. She also knew what it was go to a deeper place, to search for the Glory of God, both in her head and in her heart.

Yours the seed, yours the growth;Yours the seed, yours the growth;Yours the seed, yours the growth; yours the water, yours the thirst;yours the water, yours the thirst;yours the water, yours the thirst;

yours the wild, yours the tame.yours the wild, yours the tame.yours the wild, yours the tame. You are within me, O God,You are within me, O God,You are within me, O God,

and within all creation and within all creation and within all creation ––– and you are beyond.and you are beyond.and you are beyond.

Shape and fill me this day Shape and fill me this day Shape and fill me this day and all creationand all creationand all creation with your grace.with your grace.with your grace.

How do we today walk in her footsteps as How do we today walk in her footsteps as How do we today walk in her footsteps as How do we today walk in her footsteps as Loreto people of welcome and faith, both Loreto people of welcome and faith, both Loreto people of welcome and faith, both Loreto people of welcome and faith, both inside and across the borders of our com-inside and across the borders of our com-inside and across the borders of our com-inside and across the borders of our com-munities, our provinces, our world?munities, our provinces, our world?munities, our provinces, our world?munities, our provinces, our world?

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With the rising of the sun,With the rising of the sun,With the rising of the sun, let us seek to know God,let us seek to know God,let us seek to know God,

whose coming is as sure as dawn,whose coming is as sure as dawn,whose coming is as sure as dawn, whose grace is like rain,whose grace is like rain,whose grace is like rain,

renewing the face of the earth.renewing the face of the earth.renewing the face of the earth.

On the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13On the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13On the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13On the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13----16)16)16)16)

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talk-ing with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

Henri Nouwen wrote that we make two journeys in life- the outer journey as citizens of the world, and the inner journey into freedom, the freedom of spirit born of stillness and self-awareness. Such an inner journey is at the heart of our spiri-tuality. According to an old North American First Nation peo-ple saying, from the head to the heart and back to the head again, this journey is life-long.

Fr Daniel Groody CSC speaks of a ‘theology of migration’, calling us to a new understanding and a new imagining of what it means to be a migrant or a refugee. For him the true immigrant is a mirror of the human journey, a challenge to human solidarity and a reflection of Christ. The outer journey a refugee makes from persecution to safety, from fear to peace, from brokenness to liberation, echoes our own inner life journey to a place of wholeness, hope and grace where we can recognise Jesus walking beside us.

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of its true identity is to be found in its foundations. Hope must be recovered through the good works of lots of committed people - in par-ishes, schools, community projects, and in the market place. For de-spite everything, much good-will still exists. We do indeed possess the seeds of something that can help make the Church far stronger and better into the future.

Mary Ward…Mary Ward…Mary Ward…Mary Ward… Our greatest example of someone with a vibrant sense of ‘hope at the heart of the Church’, is probably our own Mary Ward. She suffered much at the hands of the Church leaders of her time; she was impris-oned in 1631, and ultimately would have been seen as a ‘failure’ to many at the time of her death. And yet, she came to be recognised fa-vourably by a later Pontiff, John Paul II, and was named by him as “A Prophet of Hope”. Can we not surely say in this year of 2012, that Mary Ward’s words…Women in time to come will do much… have certainly come to pass? - Offering hope, giving meaning and Christian expression to many of today’s faithful within the Church…

We need to find God and God cannot be found We need to find God and God cannot be found We need to find God and God cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence.

See how nature See how nature See how nature ––– trees and flowers and grass trees and flowers and grass trees and flowers and grass ––– grow in silence. grow in silence. grow in silence. See the stars, the moon and the sun, See the stars, the moon and the sun, See the stars, the moon and the sun,

how they move in silence. The more we receive in silent prayer, how they move in silence. The more we receive in silent prayer, how they move in silence. The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life.the more we can give in our active life.the more we can give in our active life.

What is God saying to me through today’s reflection?What is God saying to me through today’s reflection?What is God saying to me through today’s reflection?What is God saying to me through today’s reflection?

How can I foster/nurture hope in my own life?How can I foster/nurture hope in my own life?How can I foster/nurture hope in my own life?How can I foster/nurture hope in my own life?

As a woman, inspired by Mary Ward’s dream and vision for the As a woman, inspired by Mary Ward’s dream and vision for the As a woman, inspired by Mary Ward’s dream and vision for the As a woman, inspired by Mary Ward’s dream and vision for the Church, what are the hopes that I have for today’s Church?Church, what are the hopes that I have for today’s Church?Church, what are the hopes that I have for today’s Church?Church, what are the hopes that I have for today’s Church?

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Bless to us, O God,Bless to us, O God,Bless to us, O God, the moon that is above us,the moon that is above us,the moon that is above us,

the earth that is beneath us,the earth that is beneath us,the earth that is beneath us, the friends who are around us,the friends who are around us,the friends who are around us,

your image deep within us, Amen.your image deep within us, Amen.your image deep within us, Amen.

Life is all aboutLife is all aboutLife is all aboutLife is all about journeying journeying journeying journeying…. …. …. …. From the moment we enter this world, to the moment of our depar-ture, we are travelling, making plans, reading maps, discerning which way to go. Every morning as we get out of bed, we are destined for another stage of that journey – whether we physically go somewhere or not. On New Year’s Day, as we place yet another new calendar on the wall, we are presented with twelve clean blank pages – empty, but yet full! Full of possibilities and opportunities to make that journey even more exciting, more adventurous and more meaningful than the previous stage. As with most journeys, we get tired, worn out, run low on fuel. Often we need to break our travels for a rest or a cup of cof-fee. Our spiritual journey through life is exactly the same….. We equally need to tend to our sacred expedition by re-fuelling, checking the tires, and making sure to book in for a ‘service’ or a vehicle check from time to time. Also, we ought to pay more attention to the sat-nav, listen to the co-pilot and take time out to quietly observe/admire the beauty of our surroundings as we go.

As the prospect of our 2012 journey opens up before us, we are con-scious of exciting times ahead with so many things to look forward to. We have desires for ourselves, our families, our communities and the people with whom we work... May this year’s journey into ‘the great unknown’ be blessed with peace, hope, healing, and lots of chances to grow more like the IBVM women the Lord has called each one of us to become.

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Tagore was born in 1861 in Calcutta. His ancestors belonged to Kanauj. They migrated to Bengal at the invitation of King Adisur. His father recognizing Rabindranath’s love for nature and open space, travelled with him in 1873 to the Himalayas - the turning point of Rabindranth’s life. Lessons and classrooms made Tagore miserable. His father then gave him a set of books such as biogra-phy of Benjamin Franklin, Peter Parley’s tales, Proctor’s Astronomy and a Sanskrit reader compiled by Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar and the freedom to do what he wished. Between 1878 and 1932, he travelled to more than 30 countries. In 1921, he chose Santini-ketan, An Abode of Peace, which became the centre for education with a difference: no classrooms because he associated them with prison and a factory. The heart of nature was where learning took place. On the 7th of August, 1941 he died peacefully.

Jesus, Mary Ward and Tagore set their sail with determination and courage. Their quest for freedom for others was the driving force. They went with the flow, discerning constantly. Their eagerness and zeal enabled them to flow into the larger SELF for others.

Set me free, O God,Set me free, O God,Set me free, O God, to go off with you todayto go off with you todayto go off with you today

on one wild, specific tangent after another,on one wild, specific tangent after another,on one wild, specific tangent after another, immersed and amazedimmersed and amazedimmersed and amazed

in the wonder and even terrorin the wonder and even terrorin the wonder and even terror of your immense creative beauty.of your immense creative beauty.of your immense creative beauty.

When was the last time you moved out of When was the last time you moved out of When was the last time you moved out of When was the last time you moved out of your comfort zone? your comfort zone? your comfort zone? your comfort zone?

What were your apprehensions and your What were your apprehensions and your What were your apprehensions and your What were your apprehensions and your achievements in the new place?achievements in the new place?achievements in the new place?achievements in the new place?

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It is good to give thanks to the Lord,It is good to give thanks to the Lord,It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;to sing praises to your name, O Most High;to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning,to declare your steadfast love in the morning,to declare your steadfast love in the morning,

and your faithfulness at night.and your faithfulness at night.and your faithfulness at night. Psalm 92:1-2

The Quest for FreedomThe Quest for FreedomThe Quest for FreedomThe Quest for Freedom God so loved the world that He migrated to the earth and was born in a stable in Bethlehem. When King Herod heard of the birth of the King of Kings he was upset and gave orders to kill all boys two years and younger in and around Bethlehem. But in the meantime an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and asked him to escape to Egypt with the mother and child. Joseph received more instruc-tions from the angel after the death of King Herod and he settled in Nazareth in the province of Galilee with Mary and Jesus. Jesus be-gan His mission in Capernaum. He preached in parables from the boat, by the lakes and from mountains. He set an example of how a human being can live in love and with right relations with God and others. Having accomplished His purpose Jesus migrated back to His heavenly abode.

Mary Ward was born in Yorkshire, England. At the age of five, she went to live with her grandparents in Ploughland. She returned to her family home when she was ten years old. After her family home caught fire, she moved to Northumberland. The cold was too se-vere for her, so she moved to Harewell. Her father took her to Lon-don, to meet Fr. Holtby, hoping she would be convinced to give up her ideas of a religious vocation and accept matrimony. In her travels she went to St. Omer 1606 and back to England. She trav-elled to Rome to obtain confirmation of the Institute in 1621. She founded many houses throughout Europe. She sailed again to England and in 1645 she breathed her last, placing herself in the hands of Jesus.

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Mary Ward…Mary Ward…Mary Ward…Mary Ward… Mary Ward was very familiar with the concept of ‘Journey’. Unfortu-nately for her, not by the same means of comfort and convenience that we know today. She was moving around from a very young age, and at 21, we know that she left her loving family and homeland to follow Christ more closely. This was to be a long journey, and a life-time of trav-elling that was often very difficult for Mary and her eventual followers.

Some 400 years later… that journey still continues by Mary Ward women right across the globe. Like our founder, may we be led by that same spirit of God on our travels, exercising vigilance and wisdom al-ways. May we not become so bogged-down in our ‘doings’ that we for-get to…Work with great tranquillity and joy, for what is not done in one year can be done in another.

May the good Lord show youMay the good Lord show youMay the good Lord show you how to be frugal, till all are fed;how to be frugal, till all are fed;how to be frugal, till all are fed; how to weep, till all can laugh;how to weep, till all can laugh;how to weep, till all can laugh;

how to be meek, till all can stand in pride;how to be meek, till all can stand in pride;how to be meek, till all can stand in pride; how to mourn, till all are comforted;how to mourn, till all are comforted;how to mourn, till all are comforted;

how to be restless, till all live in peace;how to be restless, till all live in peace;how to be restless, till all live in peace; how to claim less, till all find justice.how to claim less, till all find justice.how to claim less, till all find justice. Then you will be blessed indeedThen you will be blessed indeedThen you will be blessed indeed

and the earth itself will be blessed.and the earth itself will be blessed.and the earth itself will be blessed. through you.through you.through you.

Name some of the aspects of the ‘2012 Journey’ that I expect to Name some of the aspects of the ‘2012 Journey’ that I expect to Name some of the aspects of the ‘2012 Journey’ that I expect to Name some of the aspects of the ‘2012 Journey’ that I expect to find challenging…find challenging…find challenging…find challenging…

How am I within myself as I set out on this new calendar route?How am I within myself as I set out on this new calendar route?How am I within myself as I set out on this new calendar route?How am I within myself as I set out on this new calendar route?

Am I ready to place the next stage of my travels into the hands of Am I ready to place the next stage of my travels into the hands of Am I ready to place the next stage of my travels into the hands of Am I ready to place the next stage of my travels into the hands of the Divine Pilot?the Divine Pilot?the Divine Pilot?the Divine Pilot?

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Grounded in the gospel and nourished by the Grounded in the gospel and nourished by the Grounded in the gospel and nourished by the Bread of Life, we follow Mary Ward’s way of Bread of Life, we follow Mary Ward’s way of Bread of Life, we follow Mary Ward’s way of freedom and justice, seeking to be a prophetic freedom and justice, seeking to be a prophetic freedom and justice, seeking to be a prophetic voice, risking new ways, new paths, that God’s voice, risking new ways, new paths, that God’s voice, risking new ways, new paths, that God’s love be known.love be known.love be known.

IBVM Constitutions Vol. II 7.3

Called by God Called by God Called by God Called by God

Mary Ward was called by God to be and to do something dif-ferent. She called the church to recognize the new form of religious life she shaped. She was a catalyst, introducing a new dance step that was not acceptable in her lifetime. After her many encounters with the church and many failures, the perseverance she had led to a new direction for women reli-gious within the Catholic community.

If we, like our founder, are different, what flows from us will be different. Remembering that we have all that we need, is it time to risk new ways, new paths that God’s love be known?

In this 21st century, we IBVMs, colleagues and co-workers are called to glorify God through the dance of our contempla-tive prayer and our active ministry as we live with each other in community. The Divine is in the dance.

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Broken was the snare and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124: 7-8

StarStarStar---flinging Spirit,flinging Spirit,flinging Spirit, you stop, stoop, you stop, stoop, you stop, stoop,

kneel, and embracekneel, and embracekneel, and embrace everyone and everything in everyone and everything in everyone and everything in need of your love and care.need of your love and care.need of your love and care.

May I join you today inMay I join you today inMay I join you today in caring for your creation,caring for your creation,caring for your creation,

embracing my role embracing my role embracing my role within the family of life.within the family of life.within the family of life.

To what new way of seeing am I being called?To what new way of seeing am I being called?To what new way of seeing am I being called?To what new way of seeing am I being called?

Have I experienced any new dance steps?Have I experienced any new dance steps?Have I experienced any new dance steps?Have I experienced any new dance steps?