International Formation Community
Quezon City, Philippines
New foundation for mission commences in the Philippines. On the 21 May 2009 Sisters Therese de Dassel from Australia and Gertruda Youn from Korea arrived in the Philippines to establish the base community for the International Formation Community. They will be joined by Sister Fillys Madziya from Zimbabwe in September. Sister Patricia Mary Bell, Congregational Councillor was in the Philippines to welcome the Sisters and assist them to settle into their new home and culture.
In 2010 the candidates will arrive to commence their two (2) year Spiritual/Canonical Program (Novitiate). All Novices now in the Little Company of Mary will do their two (2) year Spiritual/Canonical Program in the Philippines. The Novices will participate in the various modular programs on Formation arranged by the Association of Women Religious in the Philippines.
The International Formation Community in the Philippines provides a Formation Process that will enhance the spiritual, physical, psychological and emotional maturity in an International environment, where there is sufficient peer group interaction and diversity of cultures so that the individual will be in touch with the Internationality and Spirituality of the Congregation and the global Church.
Leaders’ Meeting
19 - 25 April 2009
Kingston Lodge, Kingston Upon Thames, London
The Congregational Leadership Team, Province/Region Leaders and one Councillor from each of the seven (7) Provinces/Regions gathered to reflect and dialogue about the future of the Little Company of Mary. Our meeting gave us an opportunity for reflection and discussion, to review our current reality, our varied ministries, our statistics and our finances and to plan for the future. We were ably assisted by Sister Raymunda Jordan OP as our facilitator.
The theme for our meeting was:
"As women of the Gospel, followers of Mary Potter
We journey forward with faith, hope and courage”
This meeting gave us a great opportunity to reflect on the signs of the times and to see where and how as women Religious we respond to these challenging times and what are the next steps for us as a Congregation.
Our final liturgy concluded our time together as we prayed and were sent forth around the theme:
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future – to a known God”
LCM Gathering in the Philippines 2007
In September 2007, 33 Sisters gathered in the Philippines at Betania Retreat House in Quezon City to participate in a programme designed especially for them.
The aim of this Gathering was:
To experience the Internationality of the Congregation. To further our understanding of membership and leadership, so we can take up our roles for Mission in the Little Company of Mary. To engage in the opportunity of liberating new life for Mission.
We will do this by:
- Coming together out of our own culture to enhance and develop our relationships in the Congregation
- Strengthening our unity by reflecting and sharing our hopes and dreams for Mission in the Little Company of Mary
- Supporting and encouraging one another on our life journey
- Having the opportunity to experience another culture
- Furthering our understanding of Mariology, Mission, Culture, Vows, Membership and Leadership in an interactive environment