The week beginning Monday 9th June was an historic week for the Sacred Hearts family of Ireland-England.
As seculars, brothers and sisters we came together for three days to both meet and retreat. On Tuesday - our first full day - we reflected together on what being three branches means to us and how might we give that meaning expression. What was historic about that day is that we sat down as equals, recognising that as sisters, brothers and seculars we all share - albeit in diverse ways - in the one spirit, one charism, and one mission that is part of what it means to be SSCC. As the day progressed so our understanding grew that we were less three branches and more one tree that is the Sacred Hearts Family in Ireland and England. This fruitful time together led us to commit ourselves among other things to more moments of ongoing formation, informal meetings, developing our understanding of adoration as ministry and linking that to mission.
Our second and third days together were spent in retreat - led by Fr. Tom Sinnott, a Mill Hill Missionary. He very much focused on the need for us all to find time to rest in the knowledge that we are all loved by God and always seen by God as very good.
We were delighted to have with us for the three days Sr. Aurora Laguarda (Generalate, Rome) and our own Sr, Brigid Falahee (Manila). Fr. John Roche (USA West) was with us for the Tuesday. For the jubilee celebrations we were joined by Fr. Fintan Sheeran (US) and Fr. Philip Murphy (Japan), Fr. Franciscus Waluyo (Japan) and family and friends of the Sacred Hearts family.
Blessings to all.
Derek
06/15/2014