Religious Sister Imelda Poole IBVM made MBE for her work to end modern slavery
Sr Imelda heads up a network of European Religious fighting trafficking and exploitation - RENATE.
Sister Imelda Poole, IBVM, has been made Member of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her achievements and services to end modern slavery. Sr Imelda heads up a network of European Religious fighting trafficking and exploitation - RENATE. Sr Imelda became President of RENATE after more than 11 years working in Albania where the IBVM founded an NGO called Mary Ward Loreto.
Tributes have poured in following the announcement of the award. The British Ambassador to the Holy See, Sally Axworthy, said: “I am delighted to learn that Sr. Imelda Poole has been awarded this honour by Her Majesty The Queen. It is well-deserved recognition of Sr. Imelda’s outstanding service in combatting human trafficking and modern slavery, through the European religious sisters’ anti-trafficking network RENATE which she leads, and through Talitha Kum, the religious sisters’ worldwide anti-trafficking network. Sister Imelda is a key ally in Her Majesty’s Government’s campaign to eradicate modern slavery. It is wonderful to see such a distinguished friend of this Embassy honoured in this way.”
On Twitter, the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who is president of the Santa Marta Group which works to prevent human trafficking and modern slavery, said: "I congratulate Sister Imelda on her award, from Her Majesty the Queen, of the MBE for her work against human trafficking.” He added: “Sister Imelda, and her many colleagues in other religious Congregations, have long been champions in this important work. Her hard work, determination and her compelling advocacy constantly bring support and encouragement to all involved in this struggle, myself included."
Sister Poole joined the IBVM (Loreto Sisters) whilst still in her teens. She studied English and history at Manchester University and followed this with a PGCE in Theology and English. After her studies, she worked with disadvantaged people in Glasgow, London and Manchester before going to Kenya where she experienced life with the Kipsigi tribe. On her return to England she worked with marginalised people near Middleborough before later becoming involved with the campaign to eradicate human trafficking and modern slavery.
The Mary Ward Loreto NGO in Albania has led to numerous projects being set up. One of these is called Mary Ward Loreto Women in which six Mary Ward centres have been established to work on prevention, advocacy, awareness, and rescuing of women. The centres have worked with 3,000 women, and set up 16 economic empowerment businesses. They also have a project for men aimed at changing patriarchal culture and promoting gender equality. The work with men is to address depression, anger and fear, drug and alcohol addictions related to unemployment and their changing role in society. Mary Ward Loreto is also promoting ethical and democratic best practice in Albanian schools and in all of the projects.
The network of European Religious fighting trafficking and exploitation, RENATE, has a five-year strategic plan that includes combating human trafficking in all forms. It is currently focusing on child kidnapping and trafficking. In February, RENATE spear-headed the anti-child trafficking campaign in Europe for the day of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of slaves.
COR AGM 2018 - Sr Pat Murray IBVM
Sr Pat Murray’s slide presentations from the 2018 AGM:
Please find attached Sr Pat Murray’s slide presentations:
The Narrative of Communion - Part 1
The Narrative of Communion - Part 2
and her notes in 3 attachments:
Conversation 2 and
The Day of Prayer for Vocations Sunday 22nd April 2018
This day flows from the broader culture of vocation, and is when the universal Church asks the Lord to send more labourers to the harvest.
The Day of Prayer for Vocations this year will be celebrated on Sunday 22nd April 2018. This day flows from the broader culture of vocation, and is when the universal Church asks the Lord to send more labourers to the harvest. The theme for this year is ‘It’s Your Call’.
The President, Executive Committee and the Secretariat wish you blessings for the Sacred Triduum and a joy-filled Eastertide
The President, Executive Committee and the Secretariat wish you blessings for the Sacred Triduum and a joy-filled Eastertide
UCESM - "WIDEN THE SPACE OF YOUR TENT" (Is 54:2)
“During these days we have had the opportunity to experience our unity through diversity.”
“During these days we have had the opportunity to experience our unity through diversity. Gathered together as the religious of Europe, we have heard the call of God and the Church, to go out towards the people in need.
We are deeply moved by the suffering of millions of displaced people who migrate from all over the world and within Europe. As UCESM (the Union of European Conferences of Major Superiors), we want to enlarge the space of our tent to welcome them.
Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus, moved by the Holy Spirit and the challenges we heard throughout our time together, we commit to continue to support the migrant population in Europe. Through respecting and defending the dignity and human rights of all migrants we will endeavour to address their needs through accompaniment, service and advocacy.
UCESM, comprising intercultural communities in the Church in Europe, commit to stand beside our displaced brothers and sisters in friendship and prayer. We also support everyone in their right to have a home. Our hope is to be open to each one with a listening heart.
We are all called to go out, to meet migrants, to take action as a congregation and from our communities where we are. It is by uniting on this global path of understanding and action that we will be a prophetic witness of God’s love to all people. By loving each other, including our neighbour and the other, the space of our hearts will be enlarged and our ‘tent’ will encompass many more.
Snagov, 9 March 2018
Centre for Catholic Studies 10th Anniversary Celebratory Conference
Catholic Theology in the Public Academy: Searching the Questions, Sounding the Depths
18 - 20 April 2018 in Durham, UK
Programme
· Academic Colloquium featuring James Alison, Tricia Bruce, Gavin D’Costa, Alana Harris, Nicholas M. Healy, Elizabeth Johnson, Kren Kilby, Paul Lakeland, Gerard Loughlin, Paul D. Murray, Anna Rowlands, Janet Soskice, Myriam Wijlens
· Celebratory Dinners in Durham Castle’s Great Hall and St Chad’s College
· Anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving in Durham Cathedral
· Public Lecture by Lord Daniel Brennan QC, ‘Catholics in Public Life—a UK perspective’
· Parallel Paper Sessions presented by postgraduate students, early career scholars and established academics on areas relevant to Catholic theology/ Catholic studies.
Registration and Further Details
A full programme, details of costs, and registration, are available from
www.centreforcatholicstudies.co.uk, ccs.admin@durham.ac.uk, or +44 (0) 191
334 1656. The registration deadline is Sunday 25 March 2018. Places are a
limited and we anticipate this will be a very popular event, so early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Archbishop Romero Trust
Ecumenical Service at 11.00am on Saturday March 17th at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Trafalgar Square. The address will be given by Ruben Zamora, Salvadoran diplomat who knew Romero well. (See attached)
12th - 19th March 2018 marks 10 years of Dementia Prayer Week
Spread the Word in 2018
This coming year is the tenth year of Dementia Prayer Week - we like to refer to it as a Decade of Dementia Prayer - will you join us?
Thank you for all your support to date. May you be inspired and comforted by the words of Bishop David McGough in March 2017, "During this week we remember especially the often forgotten pain of those suffering with dementia, and those who care for them."
World Day of the Poor - 33rd Sunday of the Year, 19 November 2017
In his message for the first World Day of the Poor, to be celebrated on 19 November this year, Pope Francis asks all of us, whatever our means or background, to unite in love, in acts of service to one another and in genuine encounter.
“It is my wish that … Christian communities will make
every effort to create moments of encounter and friendship,
solidarity and concrete assistance.”
Pope Francis
For the Victims of Terrorism
Loving God,
Welcome into your arms the victims of violence and terrorism.
Comfort their families and all who grieve for them.
Help us in our fear and uncertainty,
And bless us with the knowledge that we are secure in your love.
Strengthen all those who work for peace,
And may the peace the world cannot give reign in our hearts.
- Author Unknown
COR General Meeting 2016 – Dr Anna Rowlands
The presentations by Dr Anna Rowlands can be downloaded here:
The presentations by Dr Anna Rowlands can be downloaded here:
Religious Life Vitality Project
The key project findings report of the Religious Life Vitality Project can be downloaded here.
The key project findings report of the Religious Life Vitality Project can be downloaded here.