I'm sure you are right Clare when you say that Madeline Sophie would have considered Australia as being at the very ends of the earth. but I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say we are so pleased that as it is a much smaller world now -- only taking 24 hours instead of three months from europe --- so, the thought of making such a journey did not deter you from coming here!

Thank you for your insightful address. We welcome you to the AMASC Congress, not just as a keynote speaker, but also as a full participant … as we explore ways towards reconciliation.

I would also like to officially welcome the delegates to the World Conference of heads of Sacred Heart schools who have just joined us.

I was very taken with Clare's thoughts on reconciliation …. especially when she reminded us that we are all on a journey of reconciliation -- with ourselves, our families and others who are a part of our lives.

I believe the need for reconciliation has never been as vital to the world as it is today. It was necessary before September 11, but now it is urgent and desperately necessary.

We can decide -- it is a choice -- whether to go into ourselves, shut others out … or open our hearts, step into others shoes, learn to listen with our hearts, to empathise, to be more tolerant and have generosity.

Over the next few days my hope is, that we will not only share ideas, but also learn to open our hearts.

I was moved by Clare's request for pardon on behalf of the Society, for any hurt caused alumnae by past acts, as the Society embraced changes following Vatican II. Thank you Clare. On behalf of AMASC I accept and appreciate your apology.

Let me in turn, ask the Society's forgiveness for any alumnae words, actions or lack of understanding of your changes that I know caused you and other members of the Society deep hurt and sometimes, rejection.

In the true meaning of reconciliation let us put this behind us, always mindful of the other in an effort to make sure this never again happens in the future. Let this Australian World Congress, mark another step forward for us all to move on… with mutual trust, appreciation and love.

As members of the Family of the Sacred Heart, let us all join together in friendship - religious of the Sacred Heart, Principals, Alumnae as well as staff, parents, past parents and pupils - to form a successful collaboration.

I've had the privilege of serving the Alumnae as World President for the past four years -- and One of the most amazing experiences for me has been to meet so many of the alumnae from very different cultures and to discover that we're not all that different after all. Having been involved with AMASC since the 1970's I knew this of course, but it has been greatly reinforced for me during my mandate.

We may be from different cultures but the fact is … we share the same values --- values that bind, values that we have been fortunate enough to learn and experience through our Sacre Coeur education.

At the 1998 World Congress in Mexico the late Uruguayan theologian Teresa Porcile declared that the Heritage of the Sacred Heart is generosity, discretion; it is inwardness, industry. She suggested that its "genius" is relationship --Completely integrated within itself, so that relatedness can create relationships. She also suggested that perhaps this charism of relationship, this function of relationship is the great treasure of the Family of the Sacred Heart.

As Clare pointed out…and let me quote…."little by little we came to realise that we did not 'own' the charism, which Madeline Sophie received and gave to us as a Society. Rather, as the 1994 Chapter in speaking of spirituality said: ' it is a gift to be shared, a treasure others help us discover.'"

Teresa had a special understanding and love of the charism of the Family of the Sacred Heart and she had accepted to be a speaker at this conference. it is a matter of great sadness to me that her untimely death from cancer last year has robbed us of her presence.

i am sure IF SHE WERE HERE, She would have challenged us - as she did in Mexico - when she asked if a civilisation of love could become possible, as a result of the culture of the heart?

could THERE arise an economy of the heart? An economy with heart?

Only a civilisation that puts love first will be able to heal the world that Clare so rightly describes as "sick" … a world that will "perish" without major changes.

There is no time for powerlessness in the Family of the Sacred Heart. In my heart, I know that we can make a difference.

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I'd like to take this opportunity, clare, to thank you for allowing me to represent AMASC at the General Chapter in france in 2000 and to share with you the findings of the in-depth survey that I carried out, prior to joining you in France, of each National Association … covering their aims & goals, their current relationship with the Society of the Sacred Heart, their interest in collaboration and their visions for the future.

I was pleased to be able to report THEN that most members of AMASC are united in their belief in the sacred heart philosophy and values. Most National Associations are eager to collaborate with the Society And to support your mission of "education that transforms", both in schools as well as in life-giving projects in third world countries.

One of the aims of AMASC is to to cooperate actively and effectively with the Society of the Sacred Heart in its different tasks and options.

Today Clare, you have invited us to join forces, make proposals and take action with parents, friends and the Society -- in common projects for the benefit of persons or groups who are the victims of marginalisation or injustice. We accept that challenge.

Your mention of the Society's decision to apply for NGO status with the Department of Information at the United Nations, is an exciting development and will provide huge opportunities for AMASC and the Society to collaborate. You will be able to link with our website to share accurate information concerning vital issues involving children, women, education, peace.

These are issues that are particularly relevant to the first aim of AMASC o to be at the service of humanity for the construction of a more just and more cohesive society with an increased awareness of its social responsibilities and in the name of a committed faith lived in its twofold personal and community dimension".

Another aim ofAMASC is a commitment to o being present in international organisations with a constant concern for discernment and open-mindedness. We are present in WUCWO (the World Union of Catholic Women's Organisations) and OMAEC (World Association of Ex-Students of Catholic Schools) and now, through the Society we will have this link with the United Nations.

Clare has told us that collaboration is on the level of "being", not just "doing". she spoke of the mutuality of friendship.

That goes without saying. As I said earlier, Sacre Coeur tradition and values are based on relationships. The remarkable thing about our Sacre Coeur links is the ability to meet another --- alumnae and rscj --- from any corner of the world and almost instantly begin a conversation at a depth of shared values.

Through out International Hospitality Network, alumnae have opened their homes to provide hospitality to share their culture, to share ideas, visions and hopes. And this World Congress offers a wonderful opportunity for us to make connections and allow friendships to form.

Clare, you spoke of the power of the individual. Collectively we can be such a force for good and individually too we can make a difference. I would like to end by sharing an incredible story about the influence of one of our alumnae here in Sydney - who is in our audience today.

Ten years ago Sonya Gidley-King, after a bout of cancer, decided she was going to devote herself to doing something "really useful". She was then in her 60s.

She asked us all if we had any scraps of leftover yarn so that she could knit squares that she made into wraps … 'made with love to give with love' to people in need and VICTIMS OFnatural disasterS.

She now runs an organisation called "Wrap with Love". She has 20,000 'love wrap workers' and has made 61,000 wraps that have been delivered to refugees around the world in such places as Kosovo, Vietnam, rawanda, East Timor and Afghanistan. she gives to people on all sides in conflicts without political, racial or religious discrimination.

Not only is she delivering the basic Christian message of Love to those in deep need …. but she has also given meaning to the lives of many lonely people in nursing homes who now have a purpose in life as they busily crochet, weave or knit "with love".

Sonya has brought her some of her 'Wraps with Love" to the Congress. And tomorrow during Walkabout she would like to give each international guest a wrap to take home to her country 'to give with love' to any needy person.

Thank you Sonya for your inspiration; for making a difference through generosity and love.

Clare, thank you too for your inspiration and for sharing your vision of the values and mission of the Society. We assure you of our love and friendship and look forward to a deeper collaboration with the Society and all constituencies of the Family of the Sacred Heart.

I am proud to be a member of this special family. Our mutual education was based on love. Love of God, deep respect and love of each other. Each person is unique, has special characteristics and gifts. Let us continually build on this knowledge and experience …. to bring integrity, generosity and hope to our world and to work together for justice and peace

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