Since returning to work after the holidays I have spent time reflecting on what is happening around me and what needs to happen in the year ahead. At present we are surrounded by Congregational history. We have just read the script for a documentary-drama on the Story of Suzanne Aubert. Jessie Munro has nearly completed a draft copy of Suzanne Aubert’s letters for publication and Madeleine Le Jeune who normally resides in Paris has been in New Zealand for the last six months writing the life of Suzanne Aubert in French. Sisters Margaret Anne and Josephine Gorman continue to write the Positio for Rome which is an important document for the process of Canonisation. All this activity highlights for me how important it is to have a good archives in which the original material can be kept and made available for research. I appreciate how many people are involved in the writing of books and in the development of a historical drama.

I have reflected on what it means today to have a good understanding of ones history and on how the people of the past influence us in the present? There is enough material on this question to write an essay. While I was reading about the ups and downs of the past, the word that hit me was ENCOURAGEMENT. It is easy to see that many things in life do not change a great deal; the people who have gone before us have managed life’s ups and downs amazingly well and it is worth reflecting on the creative ways in which they did manage. I appreciate how faithful they were in recording events of the past. This is as true for family history as it is for Congregational history.

While reflecting on the past a row of cheeky little faces appear before me representing the challenges and problems that were pushed aside at the end of the year with the thought that they might disappear. In fact they are alive and well and all clamouring for attention. I thank God for the sun, the sea, rivers and the mountain air which have all helped to relax and revive me on my holiday. This makes me realize the importance of protecting these great gifts that are given to us all. Thank you for your continued friendship and support. The Sisters and I pray that 2008 will be a good year for you all.