17 October ? 13 December 2010

Following the Canonization of the St Mary of the Cross the 14 Brothers gathered at the General House to travel to Manizana. The Team had prepared well for our arrival and the Brothers felt very welcomed. The first week was used to allow the Brothers to slow down and reflect on their hopes for the Programme. Each Brother was invited to share the highlights of his life as a Brother. Listening to one Brother after another proved to be inspirational as well as helpful in getting to know each other.As the weeks proceed there will be time to visit the birth places of our Congregations, time to look at the transitions that are part of our present stage of life and Religious life as lived in our Communities. We expect we will be able to look at choices of the heart and the model of Mary as the First Disciple.The programme also has time for a trip to Assisi and a Papal Audience before finishing with a three day Retreat. We are all looking forward to the weeks ahead with gratitude in our hearts, towards the members of the Team and the members of our Provinces who are continuing the home ministries while we take part in this period of renewal.Brothers attendingBob Hughes, Tom Oldenski – Maristanists USAJohn Heng – Southern AficiaPaul Clet – East AisaJohn Mahon, Roger Bourke, Dominic Sullivan – SydneyOsmund McNamara, Kieran Fenn – New ZealandCharles Fernando – Sri LankaKevin Langley, David Blay – MelbourneJulian Harrison, Marcel Popelier – West Central EuropeThe teamFather Desmond Hunt SM ? IrelandBarry Burns ? New ZealandAntoine Kazindu ? Africa Central EastAnthony Hunt – Sydney