Coming
back to college after nearly five years absence has been something
of a deja- vu experience. Once or twice I even caught myself walking
up towards my old room on A Wing! Everyone has been very welcoming.
Our first
week together allowed the outgoing members of the GC to brief us on
current issues in the context of past experience. Their dedication,
efficiency and energetic application are all apparent. The weight
of responsibility being passed on to us has been considerably lightened
by the wisdom accompanying it. We all wish Jac, Bernard and Jakob
a good long rest with fruitful reflection, that they may be refreshed
for future challenges.
Following
this, Brendan, Jos, Michael and I then continued with our own meetings
which included a day of team process. We have vowed to work together
as a team and I believe we have begun well and are fully aware of
the ongoing challenges this presents. Openness to each other will
prove to be a key instrument.
My first
trip was to attend the Jubilee celebrations in Vrijland on 15th August.
From the moment I set foot in the grounds of our magnificent Mill
Hill complex I was showered with warm words of welcome and encouragement.
It was a happy reunion with many from the past and a grateful reminder
of those who have heavily influenced my formation and development.
The Jubilee
Eucharist was a true celebration of work well done and mission accomplished.
Looking across at the sea of Mill Hill faces, I marvelled at the depth
and breadth of experience, knowledge and wisdom made holy in that
sacred space.
I came
away from Vrijland knowing that our senior members are indeed given
the best possible care at all levels of their lives, which is, after
all, their just desert. It is also clear that those doing the caring
are greatly enriched by their presence.
A quick
visit to Sjaak de Boer in the Hague included a fascinating guided
bicycle tour around its ancient quarters late at night. His enthusiastic
ministry of raising justice-awareness among the movers and shakers
of the diplomatic community is clearly bearing fruit in the many functions
and festivals on his parish agenda. Fundraising for the parish development
projects abroad would be the envy of many a mission.
Now that I am back in Mill Hill, it is time to take up duties of administration
and address the issues and directives of he chapter.
One of
the most difficult and painful tasks facing us is our departure from
St. Joseph’s College. We have formed a Sale Committee which
will deal with all the processes of marketing and selling. I will
chair this committee of Jos Boerkamp, Mark Connolly and Aidan Hart
who is our professional property consultant. He will ensure that we
will strike the best deal in selling the property with as little land
as may be necessary to achieve the best possible price.
St. Joseph’s
College belongs to us all. To some of us it may be but a distant memory,
to others a real home, both current and in the past. Whatever our
feelings around the college, it does constitute a core element in
our society’s history and identity. As such we will endeavour
to keep everyone well informed of developments, especially through
this newsletter.
The General
Council and British Regional Council, in full consultation with those
living in St. Joseph’s, will be jointly responsible for the
movements of our members and associates away from the college.
We have
formed the Transition Committee consisting of Jos (chairman), Mark
Connolly, Ruth Purcell, John Smith and me.
Its brief it is to co-ordinate the disposal, relocation, and distribution
of the contents of the college. Special arrangements will be made
regarding the archives, library and Milcom. This will all require
careful negotiation and sensitive decision-making. We invite you contact
this committee with any requests, suggestions and ideas regarding
this task.
At the
end of this month, I will be returning to South Africa to complete
my handover and bid farewell to the people there. At the end of October,
Michael and I are planning to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo
in this their Centenary Year. This will be followed by a month of
General Council Meetings in November.
I would
like to end by thanking all of you for your various messages of congratulations
and support, written, by word of mouth and by hidden intention. They
are all very much appreciated.
Please
continue to pray for us that we, as a General Council team may take
up our responsibilities with hope and enthusiasm, in the spirit of
the Chapter. Lord, show us the way.
All good
wishes,
Tony
naar
bestuur
algemeen
