Thank you for giving me this opportunity to address you ... to be able to share with you a little of who we are and hopefully to further develop our relationship with the Society in a firm and trusting partnership ... as members of the same international, multi-cultural, multi-racial, and even multi-faith family. We are all pilgrims on the same journey.

In my invitation to address the General Chapter, I was asked to share the vision and potential of AMASC today and for the future; what are our priorities and orientations; what questions and hopes do we have for further collaboration with each other across national boundaries and with RSCJ?

* * * * * * * * *

When lying in my bed in Sydney, Australia, planning my address to you, I suddenly wondered if all in the Society knew of AMASC. And I considered that probably there are numbers among you who do not, as incredible as this may seem to us !!! ... as we see ourselves as an integral part of the world of the Society of the Sacred Heart. We would not exist if it were not for the Society and the influence it has had on our lives.

So how do we see ourselves • how do we see our relationship with the Society • what are our aims and objectives, our mission and goals. What is our vision and most importantly among this audience, • what opportunities do we envisage in future collaboration with the Society.

What is AMASC?
Association Mondiale des Anciennes et Anciens du Sacre Coeur is a unique world body of women and men all of whom had the privilege of receiving an education based on • a philosophy of love of God and of one another; o respect of the uniqueness of each individual; • the knowledge that we all have certain gifts and talents and have responsibility to personally foster, develop and use them for the benefit not only of ourselves but for others; • a strong sense of social justice which compels to action and of deep respect for intellectual values.

This educational tradition can be expressed through the goals of Sacred Heart education: • faith which is relevant in today's world o a deep respect of intellectual values o building of community as a Christian value • a social awareness which impels to action • personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.

AMASC is the body which unites all these women and men, many tens of thousands, as part of an international family of alumnae. The concept of a world association came from a request towards the end of the 1950s of the then Reverend Mother General, Reverend Mother Sabine de Valon, who saw an important and vital role the alumnae could play in fostering the work and spirit of the Society of the Sacred Heart.

National Associations of alumnae were formed and they linked together as the World Association. Alumnae of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Spain, Taiwan, USA, Uruguay and Venezuela.

We meet together now every four years at our World Council Meetings and Congresses which are focussed on a theme. Starting with the first meeting in Brussels in 1958 with the theme - "the Mission"; Rome in 196o on "The Family"; and Brussels 1965 "our involvement in the Evolving Church". It was following this meeting that AMASC was officially born in Brussels in 1966.

The first International Congress was held in Madrid 197o with the theme - "Alumnae and the World Today"; followed by Magaluf 1972 "If you Want Peace, work for Justice"; Mexico 1974 "To be Protagonists of Change"; Dublin 1978 "Living our Faith Today"; San Francisco 1982 "our Changing World"; Tokyo 1986 "Intercultural Communication "; Costa Rica 199o "Ways of Peace"; Genoa 1994 "Vocation and Vocations"; San Luis Potosi 1998 "Pray and Work" and we are now planning for the next World Congress to be held in Sydney in April 2002 on "Reconciliation".

Who attends these World Congresses and what is their effect. Many hundreds of alumnae attend, many deeply committed women. There is an incredible sense of being part of an international family; there is a wonderful sharing of ideas often at a very deep level across cultures; there is a strong building of community at an international level. It is like a ripple on a pond ... the influence on others is unknown but I believe it has remarkable ongoing effects. I know of an important project in Australia to help intellectually impaired young adults which came into being as a direct result of a meeting at the World Conference in San Francisco ... there would be many other examples.

In preparation for our World Congress in Sydney, study groups have been formed in almost every country where we have alumnae associations. The theme is "Reconciliation". The Committee in Sydney formulated a four year plan of study ... the first two years have been on reconciling oneself with oneself and then oneself with God; this year the focus is on reconciliation with ones family and community and in the final year prior to the Congress, each group has been asked to take on a practical project to create links with a group in their community of whom they know little or have had little contact and get to know one another, to appreciate the other, to break down barriers to understanding the other.

Our World Congress in Sydney will focus on looking at who we are as alumnae/alumni of the Sacred Heart and reconciling that perhaps we are not all the same, we are culturally different, are of multi-faiths, have different appreciations and focus as alumnae of the Sacred Heart but then we shall move on to what is it that binds us -- the values, the goals, the mission of our Sacred Heart education as well as the bonds of our shared educational experiences. We shall also look at ourselves as part of the wider world and our role as citizens of the world and our responsibilities in developing community wherever we are; and we shall also look to practical ways of implementing our goals. We have invited Mary Robinson, a distinguished alumna of Mt Anville, Ireland, the past president of Ireland and the present High Commissioner for Human Rights to the United Nations ... to be our Keynote Speaker at our Conference. A woman who deeply understands the need for reconciliation in our world.

From a world perspective, AMASC is part of major international associations.

AMASC is actively involved in WUCWo (UM0FC) the World Union of Catholic Women's organisations. Several AMASC members have been Presidents of WUCWo and currently Camille Farrell represents AMASC and is also on the Board of WUCWo. WUCWo is recognised by the Church as officially representing women organisations and it is actively involved in making woman's voice heard in the Church. This organisation has the broadest world base --- from village women in Africa, Asia, South America and the Pacific to sophisticated academics in the developed world. It is a truly representative world association in which we play a significant role. It is also through WUCWo that we have a voice and ear at the UN. We were able to put the Jubilee 2000 project on the WUCWo agenda.

We are also active in OMAEC, the World Association of Ex-Students of Catholic Schools with our alumnae holding Vice-President roles. I was recently invited to become a Vice-President but had to decline due to my existing heavy commitments. Maria Victoria Beruete, a Spanish alumna, is currently a Vice President of OMAEC. Another outstanding alumna, Nancy Dargell of Geneva represents OMAEC at UNESCO. oxford educated Nancy, a French alumna is in her 80s but with an intellect as sharp as ever. OMAEC is really only active in Europe and South America but is trying to spread further. AMASC Board Members Dominique Archambeaud and Maria Casabonne de Machiavello represent AMASC in these continents. It was very active during the state aid debates in Europe in the 1960s and 1970s.

So what are the stated aims of our World Association:

First • 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

Secondly • to cooperate actively and effectively with the Society of the Sacred Heart in its different tasks and options

Third • to be present in international organisations with a constant concern for discernment and open-mindedness.

Fourth • to create and maintain friendship and solidarity among all the National Federations and Associations so as to bring about true international collaboration

Are these just high-minded statements or are they lived? Perhaps to many tens of thousands who call themselves Alumnae of the Sacred Heart, these aims are not even known ... but by many thousands they are lived as an integral part of their daily lives. In some parts of the world, the alumnae associations are active in incredible social works and in other parts, alumnae are ever present in the life of their parishes and involved in all sorts of social works and social justice groups. I think immediately of the alumnae association in Bogota Colombia and the major projects they run in child care, kindergartens and day activities for the elderly ... and I know in Sydney how almost every major social justice, and charity has our alumnae actively involved ... court work, safe havens for women & children, street kids, family support, indigenous rights, etc. etc.

The Japanese alumnae support alcoholics and drug addicts in their rehabilitation and support children of broken homes, and I understand that they also help rscjs in their individual projects especially taking care of refugees in Japan, and specific projects in Peru, the Philippines, Taiwan and other countries where there is need.

Seven years ago, one of our Australian alumnae, Sonya Gidley-King, after a bout of cancer when she was 67 years old, decided she was going to devote herself to something "really worthwhile". She asked us all if we had any scraps of left-over wool and she started knitting squares which she made into shauls; she gave them to street kids, not as a fashion garment but to give them warmth knowing that it was "knitted with love". Seven year later, she now runs an organisation called "Wraps with Love" and she has 6o,ooo knitters around Australia and has made 47,ooo shauls which have been delivered to refugees all around the world ... in Ethiopia, Kosovo, Vietnam, East Timor ... to people on both sides without political discrimination ... as well as to street kids of the major Australian cities ... Not only is she delivering the basic Christian message of Love to those in deep need, but she has also given meaning to life to the thousands in nursing homes who now have a purpose in life as they ferociously "knit with love". They have much to do in the short time left of their lives!

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These stated aims of AMASC, were formulated by the National Presidents from the values which were lived daily by so many of those who had been influenced by their Sacred Heart education. Their understanding and love and appreciation of the values espoused by St Madeleine Sophie were lived in their family lives and has had enormous ripple effects on the lives of so many ... it was a natural progression to move into the international area and organisations. We always felt we were part of an international family ... we have responsibilities in the wider world of church and humanity.

I am not talking about social status, I'm talking about deep values of the meaning of life and our role in making the world a better place for all. It is also about relationships ....

At this point, I feel I should stop for a moment to also reflect on some misunderstandings, some hurt, some disillusionment which I feel and know has been experienced by some rscj and some alumnae in their relationships with one another.

Our organisation and I guess yours too, is made up of individuals who would represent both poles of political persuasion and every hue in between. As an international organisation, one accepts that and tries to focus on the core values and let the politics fall aside. There are also many different interest groups ... those looking for spiritual nourishment, those seeking intellectual stimulation, those wishing to be actively involved in good works, those seeking justice, those wishing to build respecting, loving communities, those endeavouring to give youth hope and a deep and meaningful sense of themselves .... As an international organisation, I would hope that we can find like-minded people to link together to deepen their commitment and understanding from sharing experiences, their stories and their networks.

We are also human and frail. At the time of all the changes in the Church and the Society, there were those wanting to move on immediately and those still wanting to hold onto that which they knew and with which they felt comfortable. It was a difficult time, an exciting time, a time for experiments ... it was not just happening in the Society of the Sacred Heart, it was also happening in the Church and the world at large. But there were obviously differences of opinion in some places, especially where social changes were breaking down entrenched social mores. Where major changes were being made I know in some places some alumnae were very vocal in opposition. It even happened in easy going Australia to a lesser degree! Instead of talking through the reasons for the changes, the necessity for the changes, the desire for the changes ... with the constituencies of the schools, decisions were just announced as a fait accompli.

Schools were closed quite suddenly in some places without much or any consultation with those who loved them. I know situations vary from country to country, state aid, changing populations, etc. ... the problems are varied and often complex and presumably it was considered that there were no other options available to the Society. I presume this 'closing without consultation' happened as the opposition could have been known and there was not the energy to confront and convince any opposition. I understand if this was the case, but it caused such angst and hurt at the time, and in some places still does. I presume this applied to and within the Society as well as the alumnae associations.

So we have to put this behind us, but in doing so, let us try and think of the other and also try not to let this happen in the future. Certainly you do not want to spend your lives creating schools which only give social prestige, which only represent one class of people ... but on the other hand, you created a sense of family, you imbued many with your values for life of whom you must have been proud. open your schools wider but do not close them. You helped create many women of outstanding qualities and calibre, women of values and conviction, obvious in leadership roles throughout the world. Don't forget those you educated; they have not forgotten you and many are proud of you and grateful to you for the love you shared with them, for your lives which you shared with them, and for your generosity in giving your lives to your God.

Did you know you have an enormous fan club around the world? You have a body of support, great supporters. Women and men of courage, insight, love and charism ... across spectrums, cultures, faiths and experience.

Do you ask these supporters for help and assistance? I wish to address this a little later.

Through your schools you influenced so many for good; you encouraged others to live "for the other"; you gave many a sense of themselves, a sense of personal worth. There are many who really appreciated their Sacre Coeur education and would love others to benefit from it ... future generations. I think it is a worthwhile objective for the Society to look at the opportunities to continue and even expand your immersion in formal educational institutions ... directly in ownership or in collaboration with others. Do not forget AMASC when thinking of others. I think there could be great opportunities for collaboration here, particularly along the models taken up in Australia, the United States and Canada. The Society of the Sacred Heart sets the values, the guidelines and the expectations ... audits them annually, has the School Councils and Boards answerable to you and also to each other in networks. Your philosophy is worthwhile, has life-giving potential, encourages value-based living along the principles espoused by Christ. Plan to pass your institutions on to those who appreciate your mission, your values, your goals and tradition.

What can AMASC do to encourage the spread of Sacre Coeur education in a world with decreasing Religious? It is to this end, after my visit last year to South America, that I contacted the Australasian Association of Sacred Heart Schools with the suggestion that it host a meeting of world principals of Sacred Heart schools in Sydney to run parallel with the Australian alumnae hosting the World Congress of AMASC. I could see possibilities of giving alumnae the opportunity to meet the Principals and to see and understand the calibre of our Principals (half of whom I understand are not RSCJs) and conversely, let the Principals see the calibre of their alumnae ... as role models, as members of School Councils, as supporters and collaborators.

I feel in some parts of the world, there is a sense that once RSCJ are no longer available to run schools, then the schools will have to close. I do not see this to be the case. There is a school life without active rscj participation as long as the values are continually audited, expressed and lived. Together we must share the reality of this knowledge with the world. We must all grow up and take on our responsibilities .... the Society internationally perhaps should put the mechanisms in place so that instead of closing schools, that you train others to take over your roles and responsibilities as educators of values, of life. If there are no longer sufficient RSCJ to run the schools, perhaps plan to pass your institutions on to those who appreciate your mission, values and tradition. I don't want to appear too simplistic, I understand that there are often complex governmental and funding issues, but there are still huge opportunities here for collaboration, I feel.

The invitation to the Principals of the world to hold their next meeting in Sydney was extended by the Australasian Association at the recent meeting in Joigny and accepted. So the next meeting will be held in parallel to the AMASC Congress in April 2002 in Sydney. There will be opportunities for joint sessions and individual participation in some workshops, hopefully both ways. I can only speak for AMASC. We expect between 800-1000 alumnae and I understand up to 100 principals.

What role can the Society have in this opportunity? Ensuring or encouraging all Principals to be present, I guess ... and opening avenues for sharing.

Also, let us not forget that schools are not the only places where education happens. St Madeleine Sophie always emphasised that the education in Schools of the Sacred Heart was only a means, not an end, and what she wanted for all her pupils was a dedication to 'permanent formation' and a thirst for life-long learning. Your theme for this General Chapter is education, and as you go through the process of expanding and deepening your vision of your education mission, please do not forget that firstly, the thoughts and prayers of many alumnae around the world are with you, but secondly, we are eager to receive, to support and to share your vision of the continuing work of education, in all its myriad forms, in the years to come.

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What is my vision for AMASC?

on a personal level AMASC has been an extraordinary influence in my life. As a 2o year old, I spent a year in Europe ... at the university of the world ... as was the norm in a wide spectrum of Australian society in the 1950's and 60's to have a "working holiday" overseas. The world was a huge place then ... it took six weeks on the ship from Sydney to London and to make a phone call home was so expensive it was only for matters of life and death! [My children realise I was born in ancient times when I talk about these timelines of my youth!] In that world we travelled widely but mainly as tourists, making huge sweeping generalisations about the countries and cultures we were visiting from the vantage point of a train, a car or a bus. We travelled in pairs or groups, mainly with our own countrymen and women and rarely met the local people at an intellectual level. But that all changed for me when we visited Chaumatin in Madrid. We were greeted with such warmth and love by a beautiful Madre Gallo ... it was as if we were her family. It was Franco's Spain at the time, we were coming to terms with a hugely policed state, such contrasts in standards of living in the country, the culture was so foreign to us naive Australians. The Spanish culture was extraordinarily foreign to one with an Anglo-Saxon-Celtic background. Madre Gallo's welcome touched me to the core.

Years later when I was elected to the Board of AMASC I asked if I could establish within AMASC an international hospitality network. The philosophy behind this network was to give us the opportunity to meet each other ... to share thoughts, ideas, ideals, cultural similarities and differences .. to experience true internationality ... to broaden our own and other's horizons. To make us realise how we are all citizens of the one world, serving and loving the same God in many different ways. The basic ingredient of the hospitality network is to link our alumnae or alumni, or our children, to facilitate the opportunity to meet others of a different country, to listen to others' views, understand other's attitudes to life, etc. It is by these exchanges of thought that we learn to understand each other more, to pick up nuances not discernible in the written word ... to develop greater understanding of others and ourselves.

over the last 3o years our family has hosted over 5o young people from all over the world to stay and at least another 5o for a meal. It was such a rich experience for us all. [In several instances we have swapped children. Rikuro Kobori spent his summer holidays with us when he was 12, the same age as my sons at the time; my son Richard spent a summer in Paris with the Archambeauds when he was 16, and Paul Amboise Archambeaud spent a couple of months with us a several years ago. My son has recently been travelling in South America and stayed with an Argentinian family for several weeks whilst he was studying Spanish in Buenos Aires. He developed a really wonderful relationship with the Drisaldi family and after travelling for several months in Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia and Peru, he returned to Buenos Aires to share his impressions with the Drisaldis. It was a real 'touching of souls and minds'. They called Richard the midnight philosopher. Everything I wished for in establishing the network came to be for Richard and the Drisaldis.]

I see through AMASC the opportunities for deep international sharing. As the world keeps on getting smaller ... phone calls becoming cheaper and cheaper; email bringing instant communication; and air travel enabling more and more youth to discover the Earth, I see such opportunities for sharing of ideas, values, spirituality, concepts, and practical suggestions for solving community problems. This is one of my visions which has become is a reality for many. It is open to all.

I also see AMASC having the potential to work hand in hand with specific RSCJ projects in developing countries, or addressing justice issues in first world. We can be a force for good in the world; to be people of justice, compassion and understanding; to be men and women of hope; to be ambassadors of love, openness ... to see the reflection of God in the other. By supporting our schools, we can ensure that the values of St Madeleine Sophie continue to be sewn in hearts and minds.

My focus during my mandate is Reconciliation - a very important goal for an Australian at this time in our history and how important for a Korean. It is a value which means so much to so many. This has come out in responses and reports from around the world from the discussion groups. There has been some spectacular personal responses to this question. It brings forth many justice and human rights issues.

Communication is also a special focus. Learning how to listen to the other; sharing ideas and experiences ... to be open to the other and other ideas and ways of doing things. Let us share our thoughts, our experiences, our stories and our reflections with one another. Let us also share our cultural perspectives. We have developed the AMASC website in three languages ... and are currently in the process of opening it to "open interactive" discussion on issues. I invite you all to link into the site and add your perspectives.

It is also my experience that I have had the deepest and most effective communication with people with whom I have had initial disagreements or misunderstandings. The strife, the hurt and the amazement of misunderstanding when talked through and one expresses one's core values with the deepest integrity ... often over long protracted discussions and correspondence (thank God for the email) .... that the greatest sharing of ideas takes place. I have had several such experiences. Through such, reconciliation, growth and deeper understandings have been experiences by all parties.

In the case of international communication, perhaps AMASC can be of service to you. We are more than willing to help you establish or expand channels of communication between your communities and alumnae associations locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. These channels may be formal or informal, they can foster dialogue and also allow the alumnae to more readily support and assist you with any specific needs or projects.

I also add that at this stage of my crazily overcommitted frenetic life, communication with the inner me is a luxury for which I yearn. Hopefully this will come after we have stage the World Congress in Sydney in 2002! How many of us just communicate with the immediate ... as we juggle our lives and our many responsibilities. I crave for meaningful reflection and communication with myself at the moment. It is yet to be achieved.

What is AMASC's Vision?

From National Association to National Association through AMASC, there is a desire to share. By learning of each other's ideas and projects, we may be inspired to help others in our own country. If we can share our experiences with others, it helps not to have to reinvent the wheel.

As the Mexican Association said: We see AMASC's potential today as a big family that encourages its members with love and respect to help each other, to keep committed to serving other people. A family where strong interpersonal influence is growing, where we try to really help the Religious, where we reinculcate values which we may have lost, where we look for true meaning in our lives. We think AMASC can be a strong association that can take part in world issues, that can be a voice for the weaker, that can prevent injustice, that can speak not of plans but of facts. A coherent association trying to go further. As priorities, that we grow and serve, united in Christ to put the heart in our serving, each of us where God asks us.

The Venezuelans envisage AMASC serving as a stronghold of the philosophy of education of St Madeleine Sophie, and as a role model for the world of the 21st Century.

The Brazilians see AMASC as a worldwide net of communication and solidarity, spiritually united and accomplishing its targets with an enormous amount of love, trust, respect and generosity, spreading not only to those who have received such special education but also to all people who care about our charism and work. Their vision is to build a better world, conciliated and reconciled in our daily relationships, just like St Madeleine Sophie, who worried and took care of the intellectual and spiritual education 200 years ago.

The English see AMASC as effectively integrating and rationalising the different views and aspirations of the constituent bodies worldwide.

The Australians hope that through our international network, that a voice will hopefully be provided where our Christian ideals on human rights and justice issues could be heard and acted upon. They also felt that AMASC has the potential to achieve much in collaborating with other organisations, such as WUCWo.

The Koreans consider that through an intelligent mind, a humble heart and hard work to enquire into friendliness and peace and to dedicate themselves to love for humanity with their ultimate goal of peace.

The Belgians wish was to continue our network in the world. They considered that even though we are quite small in terms of the world's needs, we can bring about a lot to promote peace, understanding and new ideas, because when you know people and friends from other parts of the world, you have less prejudices, less wrong judgements and ideas. If we are faithful to all the AMASC priorities, it is already a good result! It is the role of the world conference in Sydney to give vision.

The French like to see the continuing renewed warm relationship developing between AMASC and the Religious. on the question of supporting human rights, national disasters, etc they do not feel AMASC to be well enough informed nor strong enough as an NGo [Non Government organisation] to make an important contribution in this area.

The Peruvians considered AMASC very important and felt AMASC needs to be present in education, politics, and the media.

Colombians considered AMASC had its own energy as an association which shows the reality of the alumnae and helps to pass on the values which they received from their education to society and their families. They also felt it was important to publicise the good works by the members of the associations especially to the younger members so that they will be interested in helping and continuing to do so.

The Uruguayians strive to support the family as the fundamental unit of society, thus contributing to establishing peace. They are working within the Association to promote unity and to support one another and whoever may need them.

The Americans see AMASC as a link between the countries of the world and the RSCJ. They hope this will help make the RSCJ aware of the importance of their mission of education; to carry on the traditions and history begun by St Madeleine Sophie. They consider that as many of our community leaders today were educated at Sacred Heart schools, that we need to continue to educate leaders for tomorrow.

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What is the actual situation around the world and what is our vision for the future?

Over the last year I surveyed all the National Associations on their relationship with the Society of the Sacred Heart. I asked them if they currently assisted you and how.

• Did they assist with your institutions, with your social welfare projects?

• Did they offer themselves as volunteers?

• Did they provide financial assistance?

They were asked if you ever asked them for assistance, either at provincial level or by rscjs individually.

They were asked for their visions of their own associations and their vision for AMASC.

• Did they support the international hospitality network and what possibilities did they see this network offering?

• Did they see AMASC supporting justice and human rights issues, and national disasters?

• Did they want this support to be given in AMASC's name or at their local association level or as individuals?

We asked if they saw opportunities for National Associations through AMASC supporting projects in developing countries, or in their own first world countries with homeless and with migrants.

We asked if they saw opportunities to support National Associations who are needing finances for specific projects.

• Were they interested in raising funds for the RSCJ International Solidarity Fund which provides financial support to special projects undertaken by individual rscjs or communities of the Society?

We even asked, that if we did become supporters of the RSCJ International Solidarity Fund, did they see future opportunities for National Associations or individual alumnae applying to the RSCJ Fund for grants for specific projects themselves.

So what were the responses to these questions?

• Overwhelmingly there is huge support and love for the Society of the Sacred Heart.

• Nearly all associations support their schools where they still exist, either financially, as volunteers, or on School Councils.

• Many alumnae support social welfare projects in their communities both in the name of their Association or individually.

• Nearly all supported the elderly RSCJ by keeping in contact and visiting them.

• Several countries supported individual RSCJ's projects.

• Several countries had been asked by individual RSCJ's for assistance with welfare project; an equal number had never been asked for help.

Few countries had been asked for help by the Provincial although most countries said that they offered to give support.

In relation to the RSCJ International Solidarity Fund, several countries said they saw an opportunity for alumnae around the world raising funds for this Foundation; others felt the issue needed to be discussed further and others said that they were not in a position to do so, especially where the alumnae were elderly and due to no existing schools, their numbers were dwindling.

Why did we send such a questionnaire? As of June this year, AMASC became an Non-Government organisation (NGo) when it became an entity in its own right having had its new constitution accepted by the Belgian Government. This new status if awaiting formal ratification of the Belgian Crown.

What is this going to mean for AMASC?

There could be significant opportunities to obtain government grants for worthwhile social welfare or development projects through the Belgian Government and also through the Council of Europe. They are not direct grants but dollar matching grants. There could be major opportunities for AMASC to support a major project either independently or in collaboration with the Society and apply for matched funding as well. There could be opportunities here which we should investigate. And perhaps we can further develop opportunities to attract young alumnae/alumni volunteers to assist in your mission, to support the program which is under experimentation in the United States.

* * * * * * * *

AMASC is an entity in its own right. our members come from all corners of the globe, representing many cultures, races, and faiths ... a diverse group of mainly women, and latterly some men, who are bound together by a love of the values, spirituality and friendships fostered through their education by the Society of the Sacred Heart.

Relationships are an important part of AMASC, one with one another and each with her or his God. Building community and sharing our gifts is another strong value, as is a deep respect for intellectual values. We were made aware of our social responsibilities as citizens of the world to a point where many are called to action. our internationality gives us a special bond and opportunity for understanding.

In my conclusion, I let the Mexican Association speak for us all: They asked that they would like me to say to the General Chapter: that we really appreciate the work the RSCJ do throughout the world; that we would like to be included in their work programs; that we will never forget the education we have received from them. They added: "Thank you, you have given us the best years of your lives."

Whilst being an independent body, we would like to assist you in your work. We would like to talk to you further about providing assistance for some of your projects. We would like to see ways in which we can collaborate in your various options, especially education, social welfare and development projects. We would like to be collaborators where we can be effective. Do you have projects where you would like support?

* * * * * * * *

Before I invite you to ask any questions, I would also like to share with you an incredible experience I had soon after taking over the Presidency of AMASC. It is a story of networks ... but one has to feel that God works in amazing ways .......

I was approached early last year by Ana Elena Reyes Retana, my Advisor from Mexico, asking for my support in sending a report on the plight of the peoples of Chiapas in Mexico to Mary Robinson at the United Nations Human Rights High Commission. I replied immediately that I would certainly be prepared to do so as she was asking support for people in her own country. I insisted that the article must be signed. She sent the article, written by two teachers from the School, who had recently visited

Chiapas and were shocked at the situation there. I recommended that it should be developed further and sent it back to her.

A day or two later, I heard on the radio in my car as I was driving to my office that a Bishop of Chiapas was visiting Sydney and would be speaking that evening at a Catholic Worker's Club in an industrial suburb of Sydney. So that evening I took myself to the meeting and afterwards I met with Don Samuel Ruiz, the Bishop of San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, and asked him what could the international community to to help him. He said four things: (i) to pray; (ii) to encourage people to make a pilgrimage to where a large group of his parishioners were executed; (iii) to support Caritas as it supported his people; and (iii) not to take any notice of official news from the Mexican Government but instead to read the web sites of the Dominicans. I came home and immediately emailed Ana Elena in Mexico City with my news and this information. She was stunned. Then a week later, I received an invitation to the opening of Ngalia, an Aboriginal legal support group with which I am involved which was to be held at the prestigious Law Society of New South Wales the following week. The guest of honour was to be Dr Julian Burger from Geneva, the officer responsible for Indigenous Peoples at the office of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights. Again I emailed Ana Elena and urged her to have the rewritten report to me within days. It arrived by email, I was able to produce it and personally hand it to Dr Burger as well as have discussion with him. He wrote to me later from Geneva expressing his appreciation for the report. How can one explain those incredible events. It was just meant to be.

Thank you for giving me the privilege of this opportunity to address you at your General Chapter. Let us pray that we all move forward with a deeper respect for and understanding of each other, an enthusiasm to cooperate and collaborate which creates the energy and joy to achieve great things.

 TRISH BURNS