Hosted by Marymount International School, London
June 27 – July 3, 2025
Sister Margaret Fielding’s opening words to us began with the following quotation from Gustav Mahler: “Tradition is not the worship of ashes; it is the preservation of fire.” We “Pilgrims of Hope” traveled to the campus of Marymount London, each one of us carrying in our hearts the flame of continuing the RSHM educational vision in our schools. Later, Mahler’s words, further enhanced by Sister Margaret’s reference to how the Institute began, “… the fire that inspired Jean Gailhac… that today animates and holds in unity the mission of the Global Network of Schools” resonated among all of us at the meeting. That included Heads of seventeen of our twenty-one member schools plus RSHM Sisters from New York, Belo Horizonte, and on the last day, Upminster.
This year’s Heads’ Encounter was of paramount importance to establishing a clear vision of the future of the Global Network. The first and last days of our 2025 Encounter were dedicated to the Network’s strategic plan, masterfully led by Sarah Gallagher, Head of Marymount International School in Rome, and aided by members of the Coordinating Committee who, in dialogue with their area heads, shared necessary survey results and feedback. During the past year, not only was the Network’s Mission Statement reviewed and some minor clarifying concepts added, but the very first Vision Statement for the Global Network was created and approved which states:
Rooted in the Charism and Mission of the RSHM, we envision schools that form globally competent, spiritually grounded leaders dedicated to building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.
As we move forward for the next five years in living out the Network’s Mission and Vision, we will be guided by the following four Goals and their respective performance indicators that will be revisited and reviewed annually by the Network Heads:
- Strengthening Catholic identity and Mission continuity,
- Collaborating on academic innovation and holistic development,
- Developing systems for financial sustainability and resource optimization,
- Embracing technological advancement and digital equity.
The Heads’ Encounter also served as an opportunity to strengthen our formation as spiritual leaders of our educational communities. Our “Pilgrims of Hope” experiences included time for personal and group prayer on the grounds of Marymount’s peaceful, lovely campus and Sunday Mass at St. Ann’s Church, an interactive activity and video shared by Father David O’Malley, SDB on how the Good Shepherd can guide our care of those entrusted to us, a presentation on the “ministry of encouragement” as a leadership model by Father Michael Holman, SJ, and a thought-provoking reflection and prayer by Sister Gemma Simmonds on the importance of living the present moment while navigating the daily challenges that accompany our lives.
We “Pilgrims of Hope” spent a whole day at Aylesford Priory, a site that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries. After Mass, accompanied by the celebrant Father Michael, we contemplated the inspirational artwork of Adam Kossowski as well as the relic of St. Simon Stock, and prayed at the High Altar dedicated to Our Lady.
On our last afternoon together, we confirmed that Portugal would host the 2026 General Conference, and set tentative hosts for 2027 and 2028 in the Americas. Jacqui Landry spoke about her first year of service as Mentor to new Heads of Global Network schools. Jacqui’s theological and administrative background, her appreciation of and dedication to the RSHM charism and mission, and her outgoing and generous personality have been a gift to us all, but especially to three of the six new Heads who were still with us that afternoon as they expressed their gratitude for her time, wise advice, and willingness to listen.
Our Heads’ Encounter closed with the Commissioning Ceremony of the Network’s Coordinating Committee and words of thanks to all who planned, carried out, and participated in the 2025 Heads’ Encounter.
