“I am grateful for your fidelity to your vocation and your commitment…” were the words of encouragement of Father Benoit Grière, the Provincial Superior, when he came to open our Regional Assembly on the 22^nd September 2009. 

The Region is composed of eight members living in two communities: Bethnal Green and Hitchin. Father Tom O’Brien, the Regional superior, travels frequently between the two to assure their smooth running, was reappointed for a second mandate until the next General Chapter of the whole Congregation in 2011.

(From left to right : Tom, Benoit, Damien, Christopher, Duy, Michael, Andrew and John-Marie.)

“Few in number, we have been reminded of the importance of community life and the mutual support we need from and give to each other” Father Tom said in his opening address . Father Tom went on to stress the importance of  continuing to reflect on our Mission in the Region which supports and contributes to the Mission of the whole Congregation.

The Assembly closed with the members of the Region agreeing to reflect on the following proposals with the view of adopting one of them:

-     To reach out to the younger members of the Church who are seeking to discern their personal calling as followers of Christ in the following way: offering our services to the Diocese to support the work of the University chaplains and opening a foyer at Bethnal Green.

-    To establish a centre of Assumption Spirituality at Bethnal Green which will foster and promote vocations in the church, promote the Lay Assumption in England, offer days of recollection, retreat…

-    To promote our social activity through Telco and London Citizens with a particular concern for those seeking citizenship and sanctuary in England.