17th.JULY 2010 FROM UN.,TO RUSSIA, TO "THE PERFECT PINT"
On Thursday, I went to the UN quite early as the Russian Government delegation was presenting their position and I had heard the "on the ground" reality from the very
clear picture painted by the NGO's. For some reason, their most recent population statistic came from 1994 and was 148,400,000. In their huge delegation there was a Government minister or member available for every clarification needed.
I returned to the Office for a meeting with Winifred, Clare Nolan and Argentinian Monica. We managed to link in the work of the Office with CEDAW and thought out ways of using this new process in Albania and Argentina. As previously planned, we then went out for lunch to celebrate our being together. Winifred led the way to "The Perfect Pint" in the next street - a new experience even to USA Clare! There was a real Irish touch to the meal and I cannot not resist sharing the following item from the menu as an Irish farewell -
"May you have warm words on a cold evening
A full moon on a dark night
And a smooth road all the way to your door"
Monica and I returned to the afternoon session on Russia which completed the work at UN for the week and freed us for the Training Course beginning Friday morning!
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
UNITED NATIONS, CENTRAL PARK AND MORE!
14TH.JULY 2010 UNITED NATIONS, CENTRAL PARK AND MORE!
An update of the past two very full and busy days. Argentina was heard by the CEDAW Committee all day yesterday and it was most challenging. The voluntary groups had prepared very well and had given their side earlier. Its really great to see how the process works so well. Each country is monitored for two years to see if the Government implements what they promise here! Today we had the Figi Islands We had learnt the voluntary side of their situation during a special lunch yesterday so we knew it would be difficult today. Figi is a police state - there was a coup so they have no freedom. Three persons cannot associate in case they are plotting so plenty of tension in their working situation.
For us its not all work and no play! Sr.Monica, Argentina, and I decided to go along to Central Park last evening for an open-air concert. We were delighted we did so. The New York Philharmonic was joined by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. This was a new departure for New York and we really enjoyed their marvellous music and soloists.
Monica came back here with me and then we went into the UN together this morning.
So, thank God, all is well so far. I enjoyed a meal this evening near the UN with 89 year old Sr. Rita's two nieces, Maura and Gerri, plus Gerri's 12 year old James , an only child. They came in from Connecticut and drove me back here afterwards which was very nice indeed!
An update of the past two very full and busy days. Argentina was heard by the CEDAW Committee all day yesterday and it was most challenging. The voluntary groups had prepared very well and had given their side earlier. Its really great to see how the process works so well. Each country is monitored for two years to see if the Government implements what they promise here! Today we had the Figi Islands We had learnt the voluntary side of their situation during a special lunch yesterday so we knew it would be difficult today. Figi is a police state - there was a coup so they have no freedom. Three persons cannot associate in case they are plotting so plenty of tension in their working situation.
For us its not all work and no play! Sr.Monica, Argentina, and I decided to go along to Central Park last evening for an open-air concert. We were delighted we did so. The New York Philharmonic was joined by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. This was a new departure for New York and we really enjoyed their marvellous music and soloists.
Monica came back here with me and then we went into the UN together this morning.
So, thank God, all is well so far. I enjoyed a meal this evening near the UN with 89 year old Sr. Rita's two nieces, Maura and Gerri, plus Gerri's 12 year old James , an only child. They came in from Connecticut and drove me back here afterwards which was very nice indeed!
Monday, 12 July 2010
SECURITY AND THE UNITED NATIONS!
Twalfth July 2010 SECURITY AND THE UNITED NATIONS!
I finished the training course at 1.00p.m. yesterday. This gave me time to enjoy the afternoon and lunch, recalling Fordham memories, with a girl who was studying there in my time. Pauline is from County Clare and was just anxious to chat with someone from Ireland. We both kept an eye on the World Cup final at the same time!
This morning we left the Office at 9.30a.m. to go to the opening session of CEDAW at 10.00a.m Security took over and we did not complete our admission process until three hours later!
We went to the first session this afternoon. Those that had trained from both Russia and Argentina presented their statements in great style. Afterwards, we had a debriefing session that was most useful as our Trainers pointed out the best follow-up strategy for each country. These Trainers do sessions in Geneva too so I am sure that Hedwig will be able to get involved with them in due course. The day was easy listening for us as all the input was in English. A few of the questions were answered in Russian and Spanish for which we had multi-lingual translation.
On Wednesday evening I hope to meet with a niece of Sister Rita Fleming. I am sure Maura will be interested in hearing all about Rita's 89th Birthday celebration of this week!
I have just been in touch with the Sisters in Korce but did not manage to speak with them this evening!
God bless and have a good week!
I finished the training course at 1.00p.m. yesterday. This gave me time to enjoy the afternoon and lunch, recalling Fordham memories, with a girl who was studying there in my time. Pauline is from County Clare and was just anxious to chat with someone from Ireland. We both kept an eye on the World Cup final at the same time!
This morning we left the Office at 9.30a.m. to go to the opening session of CEDAW at 10.00a.m Security took over and we did not complete our admission process until three hours later!
We went to the first session this afternoon. Those that had trained from both Russia and Argentina presented their statements in great style. Afterwards, we had a debriefing session that was most useful as our Trainers pointed out the best follow-up strategy for each country. These Trainers do sessions in Geneva too so I am sure that Hedwig will be able to get involved with them in due course. The day was easy listening for us as all the input was in English. A few of the questions were answered in Russian and Spanish for which we had multi-lingual translation.
On Wednesday evening I hope to meet with a niece of Sister Rita Fleming. I am sure Maura will be interested in hearing all about Rita's 89th Birthday celebration of this week!
I have just been in touch with the Sisters in Korce but did not manage to speak with them this evening!
God bless and have a good week!
Saturday, 10 July 2010
"FROM GLOBAL TO LOCAL" TRAINING DAYS!
10TH. JULY 2010 "FROM GLOBAL TO LOCAL" TRAINING DAYS!
Yesterday, I decided to join Srs.Clare and Monica in a three-day training for CEDAW. It was called - "FROM GLOBAL TO LOCAL"! Both days have been a great help and a huge insight into the coming weeks. The 15 participants included Argentinians, two from Fiji Island and the remainder were from Russia. All had excellent English, except one or two of the Argentinians. We had a Human Rights Lawyer and legal experts followed today by a representative from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Then, those reporting prepared their statements for the United Nations meeting. All were advised to speak in English. Both days have been a great help - the organisers of the training are based in Geneva but their Office is in Kuala Lumpur. The training will be repeated for the Albanian group and I plan to join them too!
When I returned this evening a Province Leadership Team Meeting had just finished. I was delighted to meet six new Sisters including our local Provincial. Sister Ellen Kelly had graciously welcomed me to reside here. Sister cooked the evening meal, barbecue-style out on a little roof garden. We could have been miles from downtown New York! A number of the Sisters have Irish roots and we did a bit of tracing!!
Tomorrow concludes our training. We have a later start in the morning - there are plenty of Masses here so its easy to plan. Then, we move onto the United Nations on Monday for the 'real' work!
Enjoy the weekend! A special wish for a quiet and happy Twalfth to all in Belfast!
Yesterday, I decided to join Srs.Clare and Monica in a three-day training for CEDAW. It was called - "FROM GLOBAL TO LOCAL"! Both days have been a great help and a huge insight into the coming weeks. The 15 participants included Argentinians, two from Fiji Island and the remainder were from Russia. All had excellent English, except one or two of the Argentinians. We had a Human Rights Lawyer and legal experts followed today by a representative from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Then, those reporting prepared their statements for the United Nations meeting. All were advised to speak in English. Both days have been a great help - the organisers of the training are based in Geneva but their Office is in Kuala Lumpur. The training will be repeated for the Albanian group and I plan to join them too!
When I returned this evening a Province Leadership Team Meeting had just finished. I was delighted to meet six new Sisters including our local Provincial. Sister Ellen Kelly had graciously welcomed me to reside here. Sister cooked the evening meal, barbecue-style out on a little roof garden. We could have been miles from downtown New York! A number of the Sisters have Irish roots and we did a bit of tracing!!
Tomorrow concludes our training. We have a later start in the morning - there are plenty of Masses here so its easy to plan. Then, we move onto the United Nations on Monday for the 'real' work!
Enjoy the weekend! A special wish for a quiet and happy Twalfth to all in Belfast!
Friday, 9 July 2010
TRAVEL AND NEW YORK GOOD SHEPHERD
GOOD SHEPHERD SISTERS,
337 EAST 17TH. STREET,
NEW YORK 10003
9TH. JULY 2010
All went well yesterday following my early morning exit from Kilmacud, courtesy of Dolores. I was surprised when Immigration was very efficiently completed in Dublin thus freeing up our arrival in New York. Aer Lingus hospitality - cold drinks on entering the plane, lunch, plus tea and scones just before arrival shortened the journey. Also, I had a Dublin rugby enthusiast beside me and he regaled me with fragments of their story and plans for his coming holiday in Long Island! This left little time for the films that were available on our personal screens!
We arrived an hour ahead of schedule and it was great to meet Winifred. We came here directly. This is a very solid four or five storey building where we live on the second floor. Paulette joined us later - Sister is responsible for the many Good Shepherd Services in this part of New York, including the three groups of teenagers with problems that live in this house.
Winifred and I went off to a nearby Mass and later began to make a plan for the next few weeks. By the way, it is hot here - its being billed almost as a problem with all sorts of hints on how to keep cool. We'll take it one day at a time please God.
I promise to keep in touch!
337 EAST 17TH. STREET,
NEW YORK 10003
9TH. JULY 2010
All went well yesterday following my early morning exit from Kilmacud, courtesy of Dolores. I was surprised when Immigration was very efficiently completed in Dublin thus freeing up our arrival in New York. Aer Lingus hospitality - cold drinks on entering the plane, lunch, plus tea and scones just before arrival shortened the journey. Also, I had a Dublin rugby enthusiast beside me and he regaled me with fragments of their story and plans for his coming holiday in Long Island! This left little time for the films that were available on our personal screens!
We arrived an hour ahead of schedule and it was great to meet Winifred. We came here directly. This is a very solid four or five storey building where we live on the second floor. Paulette joined us later - Sister is responsible for the many Good Shepherd Services in this part of New York, including the three groups of teenagers with problems that live in this house.
Winifred and I went off to a nearby Mass and later began to make a plan for the next few weeks. By the way, it is hot here - its being billed almost as a problem with all sorts of hints on how to keep cool. We'll take it one day at a time please God.
I promise to keep in touch!
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
HEALING MINISTRY AND NEW YORK " CEDAW"
6TH JULY 2010 HEALING MINISTRY AND NEW YORK "CEDAW"
Brother David Jardine, Anglican OFM, Director of the divine Healing Ministry here in Belfast came to breakfast this morning. He had requested to come and that was his only free time. I was glad to have the opportunity to thank him and his team for their daily prayer support especially since breaking my arm. He was delighted to see for himself that all is well, except for physio. that I will start tomorrow.
Later, tomorrow, I set off for Dublin en route to New York for the CEDAW meeting. The Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women begins on Monday next with Albania, Argentina and Australia reporting on their progress in recent years in relation to Human Rights and Trafficking issues. I look forward to meeting the Sisters from Australia and Argentina, plus Sisters Clare and Winifred. I am sure we will have a valuable experience over the next few weeks.
The computer travels with me, so watch this space for a little update now and then, please God.
Brother David Jardine, Anglican OFM, Director of the divine Healing Ministry here in Belfast came to breakfast this morning. He had requested to come and that was his only free time. I was glad to have the opportunity to thank him and his team for their daily prayer support especially since breaking my arm. He was delighted to see for himself that all is well, except for physio. that I will start tomorrow.
Later, tomorrow, I set off for Dublin en route to New York for the CEDAW meeting. The Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women begins on Monday next with Albania, Argentina and Australia reporting on their progress in recent years in relation to Human Rights and Trafficking issues. I look forward to meeting the Sisters from Australia and Argentina, plus Sisters Clare and Winifred. I am sure we will have a valuable experience over the next few weeks.
The computer travels with me, so watch this space for a little update now and then, please God.
Sunday, 4 July 2010
WEST OF IRELAND, KNOCK SHRINE, LILA, USA
INDEPENDENCE DAY, USA, 2010 WEST OF IRELAND, KNOCK SHRINE, LILA, USA.
I returned to Belfast last evening having had a really good week in the West of Ireland. We had great weather and as we had the Atlantic Ocean on three sides of the house all was delightful. My sister Bernie drove which meant we could set our own pace.
Highlight of our week, apart from spending time at various nearby beaches, was a two-day visit to Knock Shrine. There was an apparition of the Blessed Virgin witnessed by 15 persons at this village Church in 1879. Two Commissions of Enquiry accepted the testimony of the group as trustworthy, so Knock draws many pilgrims. Our hometown, Clonakilty Church Choir, was invited to sing Mass in the Basilica on Saturday, 26 June, for the National Pilgrimage of St. Joseph's Young Priest's Society. We enjoyed the excellent singing and met lots of friends including our sister-in-law, Elma. Two Archbishops Concelebrated the Mass; there were six or seven Bishops among the large group of priests. The huge crowd included more than 100 Youth 2000 members; in Belfast our Contemplative Sisters host this group for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament each evening so we know a number of the group.
On our return to Dublin, there was a message from a school friend who was arriving from Vienna, en route to her community in Florida. Lila is a Sister of St.Clare and we were happy that we managed to meet her for a few hours. I then returned to Belfast.
An email this morning from Sr. Winifred helped to remind me of Independence Day. I wished her a happy celebration and now wish the same to each one, especially other USA blog readers!
Miropafshim and God bless!
I returned to Belfast last evening having had a really good week in the West of Ireland. We had great weather and as we had the Atlantic Ocean on three sides of the house all was delightful. My sister Bernie drove which meant we could set our own pace.
Highlight of our week, apart from spending time at various nearby beaches, was a two-day visit to Knock Shrine. There was an apparition of the Blessed Virgin witnessed by 15 persons at this village Church in 1879. Two Commissions of Enquiry accepted the testimony of the group as trustworthy, so Knock draws many pilgrims. Our hometown, Clonakilty Church Choir, was invited to sing Mass in the Basilica on Saturday, 26 June, for the National Pilgrimage of St. Joseph's Young Priest's Society. We enjoyed the excellent singing and met lots of friends including our sister-in-law, Elma. Two Archbishops Concelebrated the Mass; there were six or seven Bishops among the large group of priests. The huge crowd included more than 100 Youth 2000 members; in Belfast our Contemplative Sisters host this group for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament each evening so we know a number of the group.
On our return to Dublin, there was a message from a school friend who was arriving from Vienna, en route to her community in Florida. Lila is a Sister of St.Clare and we were happy that we managed to meet her for a few hours. I then returned to Belfast.
An email this morning from Sr. Winifred helped to remind me of Independence Day. I wished her a happy celebration and now wish the same to each one, especially other USA blog readers!
Miropafshim and God bless!
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