In March this year, we had our first experience of a World Congress of AMASC, and it seemed that a great door opened, into a world full of challenges, joys and possibilities, and most importantly, into a new family which received us as part of themselves.

We have just returned a few days ago from Portugal, where we participated in the OMAAEEC Conference thanks to the invitation we received from Mexico on behalf of Catarina Cicerone and Alessia Clemente, alumnae of the Sacred Heart.

It was an unforgettable experience, and quite different from Mexico, because there we had a large group of alumnae from our own school, and this time we found a group of people educated at other Catholic institutions, with whom we could compare different realities, experiences, opinions and ideas. In order to gain a grasp of people from different countries with distinct identities and with a particular formation based on the teachings of the Congregations which educated them into faith, we spoke to each other a great deal and found that we had so much in common - in the way we understood, spoke, desired and attempted to achieve objects in common. We all had the belief that we were in fact part of the same family.

It is so wonderful to know that we are not alone as Sacred Heart alumnae in having aspirations for solidarity and action when we face the challenges of this world. This was a most enriching experience, particularly because we were able to speak of the core values we hold as Catholics, whether it is possible to live these in the world as it is, how many times we have been in situations in which it has been difficult to live up to these values as opposed to society at large; but above all, we spoke about how none of these ideals we have mentioned are impossible to achieve.

We write this small contribution not only to express our feelings but also to invite everyone who wishes to attend the next World Conference. We would like to say that, for the young alumnae, the presence of Trish at this Conference was most important - she was with us and supported us. We would also like to thank Federica Germani Rossi, Sacred Heart alumna and President of OMAAEEC Jeunesse, who is for all the youth our "mama italiana", in the way she cares for us and steers us towards our objectives. Finally, we would like to thank and applaud the Organising Committee of the Conference and Antonio Pires, current President of OMAAEEC.