Preparation for the World Meeting of Families commenced three years ago when Pope Francis announced in Philadelphia that in 2018 that meeting would be hosted in Dublin, Ireland.  In this article Sr Patricia Somers shares her experience of the event and of being a volunteer before and during the many events.

I recently returned from Sydney Australia where I spent 3½ months thanks to the generosity of my Province and Congregation.  The Australian RSC’s with whom I stayed before and after the Course I was doing there, were also most generous and hospitable to me.

During August Sr Phyllis Behan spent a week in Taizé. During the time she was there young Christians and Muslims from across France were participating in a three-day event in which they experienced dialogue for common good but also became aware of fundamental faith questions.  Here Sr Phyllis recounts her experience:

The season of creation is an annual celebration of prayer and action to care for creation. The season begins on 1st September, day of prayer for creation and ends on 4th October, feast of St Francis of Assisi. The theme of this years’ celebration is WALKING TOGETHER.  

Many Sisters of Charity were involved in the Pope’s recent visit to Ireland.
Some helped in the lead up to the event with all the preparations, whilst others volunteered at the RDS, Croke Park and the Mass at the Phoenix Park.
Many others attended the events, joined with their local parish or even stayed at home and watched everything unfold on the television. Here are just a few of their memories.

Traditionally the Sisters of Charity gather at the grave of Mary Aikenhead on the day of her anniversary to remember her legacy.  The 160th Anniversary of the death of Mary Aikenhead fell on Sunday 22nd July, 2018 and about 150 people - sisters and Friends of Mary Aikenhead - gathered in Donnybrook to celebrate Eucharist and pray together at the graveside.

The Haven is situated in Basin Lane, Dublin 8, surrounded by flat complexes and buildings in the heart of the Inner City. The area is very disadvantaged; with high levels of unemployment, poverty, and crime. The centre opened in 2008 and has grown from strength to strength. The name ‘Haven’ was chosen by the local people as they said it was their sanctuary, a place of peace and calmness where all are welcome.

Our sisters in Malawi have written to tell us about the construction of classrooms and latrines at Ndayandika Primary School. The project came into being following consultation with the District Education Manager and the Primary Education Advisor as to which of the thirteen primary schools in the parish was in greatest need of classrooms and latrines.

For the past two years, Sr Anna Marie Mc Laughlin RSC has been involved as a volunteer with the Friends of Orange County Detainees (FOCD).  In this article she explains the process the detainees have to go through, how they help each other and what this experience has taught Sr Anna Marie about caring and compassion.

Sr Angela Murphy reflects on her ministry at the Jesuit Refugee Day Centre in Wapping. The Centre aims to provide a safe and welcoming space where a personal welcome and appreciation of each person is a priority. Refugee Week, celebrated from 18-24 June was marked by several special events.

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