Those of us involved with mission in Australia and elsewhere are gearing up for what is sure to be a wonderful few days of reflection, inspiration and fellowship at the Mission: One Heart, Many Voices conference in Sydney next week.

The inaugural Mission: One Heart, Many Voices conference, held a couple of years ago, was a huge success, both because of the outstanding speakers, but also the rich diversity of people engaged in Mission who attended over the three days.

Sometimes we think that that such gatherings live or die by the speaker’s list, and perhaps to an extent that is true. But the more conferences I go to, the more I am becoming convinced that the shared wisdom in the room is what makes them such a fulfilling experience.

When you get a room full of people engaged in all kinds of Mission activity, you can’t help but be inspired. And when that inspiration is further enhanced by shared prayer and shared stories, it becomes an experience that really takes hold of both your head and your heart.

I came away from the last Mission: One Heart, May Voices conference bubbling with fresh enthusiasm and ideas for new things. I’m heading into next week’s conference with an open heart and mind. Who knows what blessings I will find there.

We are delighted that our Chicago-based confrere, Fr Steve Bevans SVD, who was a keynote speaker at the last Mission conference will be back again this time to offer us fresh insights into the practical living out of Mission, especially in the context of looking after God’s creation, the earth and all that inhabits it.

As we await the Encyclical from Pope Francis, which is expected to explore those same areas, Steve’s presentation and the presentations from all the highly acclaimed speakers will give us plenty of food for thought, prayer and action.

I hope to see you there. For more information on the Mission conference, click here.

Yours in the Word,
Fr Henry Adler SVD
Provincial