From September 2008 to September 2009 Circles of Conversation are taking place throughout the Congregation. All our sisters are invited to participate in these facilitated conversations which normally take place over two days.

We have added two new reflections to mark the Nativity and the Jubilee Year.

The Irish Prison Chaplains submit an Annual Report to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform each year. Sr. Imelda Wickham, a Presentation Sister, is currently National Head Chaplain in Ireland.

Messages to Sr. Imelda Wickham.

Young people from Crosshaven in Ireland raise funds for a refuge for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Messages to Sr. Margaret Coleman.

In October 2008, on the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Sisters Shahnaz, Amalie and Rajani - participants in the Horizon programme -attended a commemoration ceremony at Custom House Quay in Dublin.

Messages to Sr. Maureen O' Connell.

The Asian Gathering of Formators and Leaders took place in the Philippines from 28 September to 3 October 2008. There were participants from India, Pakistan, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. Srs. Terry, Mary H, Joan, Emer and Mary D. facilitated.

Messages to Sr. Analee Garciano and Sr. Neneth Robledo.

Eileen Clear describes what can happen for good when strands of goodwill are interwoven.

Messages to Sr. Eileen Clear.

An open Unit Assembly was held in Chennai, India from November 26th to 30th. A total of 144 sisters from the Unit, travelled from far and near to be present. This article describes the experience of Being in Communion at the Assembly.

Messages to Sr. Lancia Rodrigues

World Aids Day took place on 1 December. In Zambia it is remembered and marked by everyone because AIDS has touched everyone's life - even if you are not infected you are affected. One junior Sister takes up the baton to help.

Messages to Sr. Una Harman.

Many Zimbabweans who try to make an honest living through hard work often suffer serious harassment. This can have very negative consequences for them.

Messages to Sr. Eileen Clear.

It's Jubilee times in India. Recently in Church Park, Chennai, had their centenary celebrations. Last year in Orlim and this year in Vasco- Goa it's the golden jubilee celebrations.

Messages to Sr. Lancia Rodrigues.

Sr. Mary O' Donnell, who now resides in Thurles, ministered for many years in the United States. This Summer a group of women from the parish of St. Roberts visited Ireland and called on Sr. Mary.

Messages to Sr. Jane Bonar.

After more than seventy years in publication, the Word magazine, published by the Divine Word Missionaries, has issued its final publication.

Click here to view to website of the magazine. Click here to read the final editorial and here to read a selction of stories down through the years including one by one of Ireland's greatest poets, Patrick Kavanagh.