Dear European Presidents,

I was delighted by our meeting in Brussels. Again, a huge thank you for not having spared the least effort in order that the European Bicentenary celebration, with the strong participation of your association, schools and RSCJs, became one of the defining moments in the history of AMASC.

Kathleen and I have received a great number of enthusiastic responses. These express how much the Sacre-Coeur spirit is felt beyond the borders of countries or generations, and how great the desire is to revive this encounter in the near future. These responses deserve a response and confirmation. This is the reason why Sr. Chantal and Kathleen, Dominique and I, have decided to call a new meeting of European Presidents this year. This will take place in Joigny, France from 11 May-13 May.

We would like to gather, together, the fruits of our reunion in Brussels and express our gratitude for the huge efforts of the Belgian alumnae, to exemplify the cooperation necessary for the realisation of new ideas emanating from schools and associations and show our lasting consciousness of the life and work of St Madeleine Sophie Barat.

 I would be grateful if you could send me a summary of your impressions of Brussels. I would be particularly interested to know how each association envisages its own renewal and that of links with the schools, as well as the practical methods by which you might arrive at this. Italy and Hungary have already sent very interesting reports, which I greatly appreciated.

I know that each association also celebrated lovely and memorable Bicentenary events in their own country. How it would be nice to have news of these. Some reports for our May meeting would give a wonderful picture of the diversity within our European association.

Finally, I would like to remind you of the AMASC Congress in Sydney in 2002. Its theme will be reconciliation, and each President would have received material on this subject. Alex Fernon, who is in charge of this programme, asked in her Christmas message if she could know, at your earliest convenience, about your progress on the first two phases of the study plan and your plans for the third stage. I am sure you have created study groups in order that we may effectively meet our obligations. Reconciliation is enriching for all of us, more than a duty.

In 2001, I wish you all the courage, serenity and joy of a life lived in common in the spirit of M.S. Barat.

Best wishes to all and looking forward to seeing you again soon
Charlotte

---

Back to News from National Association