Hello everybody,

We are sending our greetings from Slovakia . We are the first country to start the project “What ´s up in.............?” (“What´s going on in....?”)

Let us introduce it to you:

1. This project was born at the Associates meeting in Belgium (July 2010). We have again experienced a special time of love, union and friendship. We want to continue building of a big Associates' family. This means to know each other better and pray for each other.

2. Every two months one country is going to write their news. A link person from each group will load this letter and bring it to the meeting. This means that associates all over the world will think of and pray for the specific country at one time. J

It would be nice if you briefly introduce:

•  Your activities or say what you do, how you keep the spirit of the Congregation

•  Write your intentions – this period of time is just yours so take your chance – we all will pray only for you J

•  All additions are possible, depends on your creativity

The list of countries which already offered their contribution:

Nov /Dec: Hungary

Jan/Feb.  : France

March/Apr : Belgium

May/June: CABO VERDE

July/Aug : GB

NOTE: We have moved it one month forward compare to what was said in Belgium

Other countries are invited to join.

Send your report to: stephane.gilson@gmail.com

„ What´s up in Slovakia ? “

We are the group of five members and we meet with sister Ria. We all have been friends for many years and some of us taught at the Congregational School for nurses. So our association with the Congregation came as something very natural.

Hera we are :

Evka, Sister Laura, Andrejka, Lubka

Evka Machova

My name is Eva. I am 56; I and my husband Pavol have got 2 daughters. They are both married.

I have been working in a chemical research for all my life. I come across with young people building their career and I do my best helping them.

I love looking after my two – year old grandson and I am also keen on outdoor activities especially hiking. I read books whenever I can.

I regularly meet with other associates; we share a lot, especially encouragement to live everyday life.

Andrejka and Helenka J.

Helenka Janosikova

She is a new head teacher of 2 schools – a secondary and a primary one. It is a big challenge and at the same times a very demanding job. She likes to relax in the nature where she goes for a ride or a walk.

Lubka Zahorova

I live in Bratislava , although my roots are in a hilly district of Orava. I have been teaching secondary school students for 17 years. First I started my career at Catholic school of Peter Fourier for nurses. I met other Associates here and we started to build our little group. Now I teach Slovak and the literature in a state school. I occasionally write articles for a Christian women´s magazine called MIRIAM. I enjoy going to the theatre, I also love hiking, walks and swimming.

Andrejka Kunikova

My name is Andrea. I am a teacher of subjects associated with nursing. I like singing, drama and active sporting – swimming, hiking, biking, skiing. I like happy and optimistic people who share the joy and hope with others.

Helenka Pilatova

I am an English and Maths teacher at Catholic Primary school . I am married to Peter.

I was lucky to be present at International Associates meeting in Brussels (July 2010), which fired my heart with CND´s matters.

I do not regularly meet with our group because I live a bit far from Bratislava . In my future I wish to be useful in some kind of organisation for women or children in needs.

I love enriching my soul in the nature, especially sunsets are my enjoyment.

Sister Ria Liskova

She became a sister during the totalitarian regime. She works as a deputy at the same school as Helenka Janosikova. So they are both in charge of this big institution. Ria loves the nature and gardening.

We meet once a month in Bratislava at CND´s flat or at one of the Associates ´home . It is a special time for everyone to share her news, time for praying, a short lecture usually done by sr.Ria or one of the associates( the themes are various – Peter Fourier, Mother Alix, documents of the church, spiritual life,etc.) Every year we enjoy the international visit of sisters who come to Slovakia . They tell us about the associates or sisters from different countries.

We try to be “Associates in action” as well. This includes:

•  The project of adoption. We have adopted a Congolese girl Gloria. We support her scholarship through monthly donation

•  Helping a family in need. A mum with 9 children. We help with shopping of groceries, second hand clothes or toys, financially)

Our plans:

•  Meeting with community of sisters in Malacky or Senec (in December 2010)

•  Meeting with Hungarian Associates (summer 2011)

Please pray for:

•  Helenka J. and sister Ria – may the Holy Spirit leads them , may their school is a safe and friendly place for each child / student

•  Lubka – may she has the courage to share her faith among the students and colleagues who are seeking the light in their lives

•  Helenka and her husband Peter – may God blesses their marriage with children (according to His will )

•  For all of us – may we find the way to be useful for the Congregation and may we become the light for other people wherever we are

•  For young people who the sisters and associates all over the world work with

This is all from us. We send our love to you all and we thank you for your prayers and the time you spend with us.

Lots of love from

Evka, Andrejka, Helenka J. and Helenka P., Lubka and sister Ria