Twenty-eight people representing parishes and communities in Carlisle, Barrow, Grange, Garstang, Lancaster and Preston were at the Lancaster & Monze group meeting at Brettargh Holt on Sunday 5th February.

Bishop Patrick opened the meeting with a reflection on the Gospel of the day, Jesus’ healing of the mother-in-law of Peter: the healing power of Christ makes us fit to serve. The Bishop then said he was happy to announce that Bishop Emilio Patriarca had accepted the invitation to visit our Diocese to mark the 40th year of the relationship between the two dioceses. Although not finalised it was hoped that Bishop Emilio, with Sr Evan, Superior of the Holy Spirit Sisters and two others would be in the party.

Fr Tim Sullivan, who chaired the meeting, reflected on the themes of the universality and the particularity of the Church in Acts, St Paul and the Apocalypse, and on the importance of personal exchange within the early Church. He also noted the theme of the Church as communion in the writings of Pope Benedict, and concluded, ‘We are one in Christ and the Lancaster Monze link is a particular expression and celebration of that holy unity.’ He said the link with Monze as a continuation of this tradition, emphasising the need to think of ways of getting to know, and learning from, each other, rather than simply giving money, and of rooting all our efforts in prayer.

In the discussions that followed speakers repeatedly emphasised the importance of the friendships they had made, and in particular the joy and the liveliness of those whom they had met Zambia. The important thing was people, not organisations, personal contacts, not ‘committees talking to committees’. It was hoped that an increasing number of people from both Dioceses would be in touch with each other.

Several suggestions were made for maintaining and furthering links. Among them were proposals to produce a list of existing contacts between people of the two Dioceses; pray for each other; organise an exhibition of art from Monze; develop internet links; have people available to speak in schools or parishes about developing links; exchange work visits; encourage schools to establish links with children in Monze.

Fr Tim Sullivan, Fr Jerome Ainsworth, Mrs Monica Chisanga and Ms Nicola Bell were asked to set up a co-ordinating committee to generally promote, encourage and assist links with Monze. Sr Patricia Butler rshm (Carlisle); Rev Peter Williams (Preston); Mrs Monica Chisanga (Lancaster); Sr Moia Lever & Ms Nicola Bell (South Cumbria) were asked to look at possible options and make plans for the visit of Bishop Emilio and his party.

If you have a personal link with someone in Zambia or you feel you, your school or parish might be benefit from supporting this venture between the two Dioceses please do get in touch with Fr Tim Sullivan (St Maria Goretti, Preston) or any member of the committees.