About 31 members were in attendance, enjoying the usual camaraderie—sharing stories, asking questions, listening, and praying together. Kevin Hughes’ prolific presentation on Pope Francis’ letter DIVINE LOVE, HUMAN LOVE AND SENSIBLE LOVE, begged the question: How does Christ’s love impact me and the way I treat others?
“If you cannot find Christ in the pagan on the street, you won’t find him in the Tabernacle.” — St John Chrysostom
Cor ad cor loquitur (“Heart speaks to heart”) — St John Henry Newman
With the prophetic prompting of the late Pope Francis, we were invited to reflect: can the neo-gnosticism and neo-pelagianism within and around us give way to love, mercy, reparation, compassion, forgiveness—a civilisation of love, the way of the heart? Can we, in prayer, feel our own heartbeat in unison with the heart of Christ and the heart of our world—despite the noise of social media, technology, global unrest, and personal cravings?
Can we still dare to move from the structures of sin to the structures of grace—toward the love of Christ that embraces and saves us? Can we allow ourselves, once again, to be loved by Jesus and to see a new vista open up before us and for our apostolic mission, inspired by the words of our founder, Herbert Vaughan?
The Jubilee Year, with the theme Pilgrims of Hope, and the Scripture passage “Hope does not disappoint us” (Romans 5:5), with the backdrop of Benedict XVI’s Spe Salvi (In Hope We Were Saved), we recall that faith and hope are not an activity of the mind but who have got on our back especially in dark days and times; how the Gospel is both informative and performative; how Jesus is alive, Lord, Love, Sent to proclaim a Year of the Lord’s favour, freedom, healing, sight and radical social reform.
How the Holy Doors at the Vatican, in prisons and in other Churches are a source of hope and strength to us and to many. How indulgences are real – the remission, by apostolic power, of the effects of the sins already forgiven.
We are always in need of hope—as pilgrims, not only as individuals but as a community. The Cross remains our anchor. Our next Jubilee will be 2033 please God. Plenty to celebrate and look forward to.
Finances and Property of the Region
The bursar clearly outlined the purpose of our Charity: to evangelise and to care for sick and retired members. This is carried out through the APF, Investments, and Herbert House. We are deeply grateful to donors and legacies.
There was sharing and deliberations on the possibilities of the future, on the spending on staff, on the good yet expensive care like any in the UK; on income to the Region from the parishes we run.
Motor Vehicles
Eddie presented an overview of the Region’s cars, their maintenance, and the responsibilities of drivers. All drivers were reminded to carry out routine weekly or monthly checks—on brakes, lights, mirrors, seatbelts, oil, tyres, warning lights, windscreen wipers, and so on. Drivers were also reminded to understand their insurance policy, know what to do in case of an accident, and ensure that the service book is properly recorded and stamped after each service.
Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
Eddie shared the progress made in JPIC over the years—from Freshfield to Maidenhead, from physical meetings to Zoom and webinars. He noted associations with several JPIC networks and involvement in e-campaigns, letter writing, action groups, and church services.
The 2024 theme was Just Politics, and for 2025 it will be Towards a Just Peace. On Wednesday 9th July 2025, there will be a campaign to challenge MPs on Jubilee Debt and Climate.
“Mission is at once a passion for Jesus and a passion for people.” — Pope Francis
“If you want peace, work for justice.” — Pope Paul VI
“Go and make disciples of all nations…”
Open Forum
The forum included appreciation of the work of Staff at Herbert House; There was another suggestion that a Statue of St. Joseph be acquired for HH outdoors; There was another remark stressing the valuability of our retirement homes and the decisions of the GC. Future questions were raised about the management and use of various properties, particularly concerns about underutilisation; it was clarified that only the General Council and Chapter have the authority to address and make decisions on such matters.
The Regional thanked everyone who attended, presented, facilitated, hosted, and supported the gathering—especially the rector and communications person. The Assembly closed with prayer, followed by lunch and blessings for safe travel.
Dilexit nos…
On this, the 160th year of our existence as a Society of Apostolic Life, we are reminded TO LOVE AND TO SERVE—even when afflicted by or causing terror and trauma– not even death, life, angels, rulers, present, future, powers, heights, depths or any other creature – nothing can separate us from the love of God poured out in Christ Jesus. For us, in us and around us, there is Divine Love, Human love, sensible love to sustain, prompt and propel us onto eternity. Sweet heart of Jesus, we employ, O make us love thee, more and more.
Emmanuel Mbeh, MHM
