At the end of June there was a five-day meeting of the European novices and candidates in Brussels, attended by members of the England-Wales, Belguim-France-Netherlands, Central Europe, Spanish and Polish Provinces. On the first evening we simply spent some time getting to know one another, accompanied by an introduction to a tasty selection of confectionery from each other's nation and some rather weird and wonderful games that each province had brought!

The following day we explored different images of the Sacred Heart. We had each been asked to bring an image of the Sacred Heart that was particularly significant for us at that moment. We spent a wonderful morning sharing them and slowly built up a jigsaw of images that demonstrated the multitude of qualities that are to be found in the Heart of Jesus. Later, we also explored how imagery of the Sacred Heart has changed in the Society over time, beginning with Madeleine Sophie's time, through the Second Vatican Council to today.

For three of the days we were joined by Helen McLauglin, former Superior General, who led us through a series of reflections on Jesus as a man of relationships through the doorways of: the Constitutions, Scripture and Rublev's icon of the Trinity. Through the gentle rhythm of Helen's input, personal prayer and group sharing we deepened our understanding of the personal relationship that Jesus is calling each of us to.

We also enjoyed the hospitality of local RSCJ communities, and the chance to relax and enjoy visiting the city together.

It was a very rich trip that enabled us to deepen our relationships, both with each other and with the loving God who has brought us together.