From March 22nd to 27th 2010 the MSC Provincials of the eight European Provinces met for their annual conference in the MSC "Oasis" retreat centre in Steinerskirchen in Bavaria, Southern Germany.

The Irish Provincial, Fr Pat Courtney MSC attended together with Fr Dan O'Connor MSC, a member of the Provincial Council.  Also in attendance from the Irish Province was Fr Carl Tranter MSC, the permanent secretary of the European Provincials' Conference.

The Superior General of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Fr Mark McDonald MSC and one of his Assistant Generals, Fr Tino Fernandez MSC, were also present for the meeting.

The yearly Conference has become an important opportunity for the European Provinces to collaborate more closely and support one another in Mission and leadership.

A significant amount of time at this year's meeting was given to sharing on the themes of mission, vocations and formation, retirement provision and strategic planning across Europe.

While it is true that the membership of the European Provinces is ageing and diminishing, in stark contrast to parts of the world such as India, Indonesia and The Philippines where the Congregation is blessed with many young vocations, still there are signs of hope in Europe.  Four of the eight Provinces (including the Irish Province) have recently admitted candidates into formation in Europe and have further potential candidates in vocational discernment.

The MSC retreat Centre, "Oasis Steinerskirchen"

A considerable amount of time was given to discussing the possibilities for collaboration in the area of vocations promotion and initial formation of candidates.  It is planned to hold a gathering for all those in the ministry of Vocations promotion some time in 2011.

It is also hoped to begin new efforts at common formation across Europe in the near future.

The meeting was held in the MSC "Oasis" Retreat Centre at Steinerskircken.  Formerly, this was the novitiate of the South German/Austrian Province but was refurbished as a retreat centre over 20 years ago.  It now caters for groups of young people from nearby schools and colleges across three local dioceses and for groups of adults from local parishes.

The adjoining farmland is managed by Brother Martin MSC and is completely organic.  The retreat Centre operates on organic principles and uses meat, fruit and bread from its own farm.  In the last 12 months the centre installed solar panels and now all of the electricity, heating and hot water is provided by solar energy.

MSC Superior General, Fr Mark McDonald, reflecting at the Jewish memorial in Dachau.  The inscription in Hebrew reads, "Remember"

At the end of the Conference the group took a day to visit the nearby former Concentration Camp at Dachau, north of Munich.  After a very moving guided tour of the camp thoughout the morning, the Superior General led a celebration of Eucharist in the chapel of the Carmelite Sisters convent which adjoins the camp.

In the afternoon the Provincials visited the city of Augsbrg and had a guided tour of the Cathedral before being treated to an evening of typical Bavarian food and beer!