Post on 26-Apr-2022
Faith and Light international
“Up Sails!”
Special edition
October 2013
International meeting, Leeds 2013
“Called to bear fruit”
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
foi.lumiere@wanadoo.fr - www.faithandlight.org
3
“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
4
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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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
9
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
10
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
11
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
12
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)
13
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
14
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!
15
16
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)
17
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)
18
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)
19
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
20
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
21
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
22
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
23
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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!
30
...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”.
31
...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!
32
Go ! And make disciples
of all nations. Mt 28, 19