Partnership and Planning for the Future in Rome

Chief Executive Fiona Dowling travelled to Rome in September for various ERD meetings.

Following Fiona’s participation last year in the first inter-congregational workshop looking at “Building a Network for Mission Development and Sustainability”, she has been invited to join the steering group to advance this important project. The steering group met quarterly throughout 2025, and September was the first in-person meeting. Participating in the steering group is a great opportunity for us to learn from other congregations and to network with mission offices around the world on the best way forward for long-term sustainability. Fiona will be back in Rome in early December as the steering group have organised a workshop to bring together missionary congregations from all over the world.

ERD Board Chair Dee McMahon joined Fiona in Rome for a meeting with the Congregation Leadership Team (CLT). Congregation Leader Br. John Casey and CLT member Br. Amandi Mboya met with Fiona and Dee to explore future plans for ERD. It was a positive meeting that built on the progress made at the May Dublin gathering. Fiona and Dee also managed to visit Frances Collins, the Irish Ambassador to the Holy See, and had a positive exchange at the Embassy.

The trip ended at St. Peter’s Square, where Fiona, Dee, Br. John and Br. Amandi attended the Andrea Boccelli concert! We look forward to more fruitful gatherings with the CLT in 2026.