Lasallian Global Women’s Symposium
Auckland, New Zealand
As the sun is rising over Auckland harbor. New Zealand is stunning beautiful, the harbor reminding me of the San Francisco Bay harbor as the view stretches out to the ocean dotted with islands and filled with sailboats.
Women from across the Lasallian world continue to arrive at Crowne Plaza in Auckland for the Lasallian Global Women’s Symposium that is set to begin in a few hours.
The hotel lobby is filled with women from Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand and the United States–a total of 108 women representing 14 countries and 4 Brothers, including Superior General Brother Robert Schieler will be in attendance.
This evening, the symposium will begin with a traditional Powhiri, a formal ritual of our Maori hosts as they welcome us to their land. As we gather together to begin our day of reflection, conversation and planning, I know that we are in the thoughts and prayers of so many Lasallian colleagues back in DENA and RELAN. I am most grateful for the thoughtful reflections that many of you shared with me as part of my preparation to participate in this symposium. Please know that has informed my thoughts and considerations as I enter into this experience. Hold us in prayer and we shall do the same.
Peace.
Maryann Donohue-Lynch
Associate Director, DENA Office for Mission and Ministry