To the Responsibles of the European National Fraternities

Dear Friends,

Our next European meeting will take place in France, near Mulhouse, at the Abbey of Oelenberg, from July 15-19, 2011.

For this meeting, we suggest the theme: “Simplicity of life, sustainable development and Christian living.”

Nevertheless, countries which have chosen their own theme are invited to stick to it and present the work they have done on it. That will prevent a multiplication of themes ad infinitum and allow those countries which so wish to preserve their autonomy. As usual, a key task of each country will be to offer the assembled delegates a report on the life of its fraternities.

The theme which we suggested for 2011 will allow us, like Brother Charles, to free ourselves in order “to dare to meet” Him who is quite other, and our less affluent brothers from different continents. They are often the first victims of the climate change brought about by our unbridled rhythm of production and consumption.

Please let us know eventually what theme you are working on, and let us have the fruit of your reflections as soon as possible. That will help us to prepare the 2011 European meeting.

We remind you that Monique Potevin’s mandate will end in 2011 and that it will be necessary to find a replacement. A letter on this matter will be sent to you in August.

The 2011 meeting will be a preparatory stage for the international assembly which will take place in August 2012 in Germany. As you can see from the attached declaration from the international team, its theme will be “daring to meet”.

The themes of different national teams can of course be integrated with this overarching theme, which we shall launch in 2011 and study more deeply in 2012. The windows and doors into it are manifold.

In fraternal union.

Bernadette Masereel, Monque Potevin

Antoinette and Henri Roberti