The World Leadership Community held its annual meeting in Egypt from January 31 to February 9, 2025, at the welcoming home of the Combonian Sisters in Mokattam. Their warm hospitality was key to the success of our gathering. The primary goal of choosing Egypt was to connect with the community and be near the Middle East during these difficult times.

We began our meeting with a silent spiritual retreat, presenting various aspects of our lives to the Lord—family, professional, communal, and spiritual. This practice helped us set aside personal concerns and focus on our World Community, allowing us to listen to the voices of the community and the Holy Spirit.

As is our tradition, we started by listening to the World Community through online meetings with regional teams, different apostolic teams, and the team reviewing the General Principles. After a day of listening, we categorized our experiences using the parable of the Sower: some themes were like seeds by the roadside, others among stones and thorns, and some in good soil. This discernment process helped us prioritize our Community’s goals for the coming year and develop an action plan.

A highlight of this year’s gathering were the meetings with the community in Egypt and the Jesuits. The Jesuits warmly welcomed us in Cairo at their Holy Family School, where we enjoyed a meeting filled with affection and partnership. We joined the Christian Life Community in Egypt for their monthly prayer meeting in the school’s chapel, followed by a joyful time of sharing stories and dancing. Additionally, we met with Bishop Claudio Lurati, Archbishop of the Latin Church in Egypt, to foster new opportunities for cooperation and presence within the Church.

As a Leadership Community, we were deeply touched by the warmth and depth of our meeting, and we could feel the support and prayers of the One community with us throughout.

Grateful,
Inji Fayez