Did you know that the England Delegation of the Sisters Hospitallers experienced a key moment of renewal and discernment during their Assembly Delegation? Under the theme “Clothe yourselves with compassion,” this gathering encouraged reflection on the dynamics of renewal outlined by the XXII General Chapter, emphasizing the central value of hospitality.
Isma Law, Business Support Manager for the England Delegation, plays a key role in the day-to-day operations of the management team. She had the opportunity to participate and shares her experience in her own words.
As the Business Support Manager in the English Delegation, could you tell us a little about yourself and your role within the Sisters Hospitallers?
Hello I’m Isma and this is my first time working for a Charitable organisation. I have been at Sisters Hospitallers since 2021 and in my role no two days are the same. I support the head office, and I also assist the three centres. My role encompasses recruitment, administration, project management, personal assistance and also creating some training materials, and I am typically the ‘go-to person’ for anything system related.
In supporting the Management Team, how do you feel you contribute to the Sisters Hospitaller’ mission?
Although I am not hands-on with care delivery, the various types of support that I give to the teams at Sisters Hospitallers is ultimately aimed at helping those we care for. These efforts indirectly contribute to the broad context of the Hospitaller Mission, and I feel privileged to be a part of it.
What has participating in the Delegation Assembly meant to you, and what has your personal experience of this space for discernment been like?
We were halfway through the previous Chapter, “Practice Hospitality,” when I joined, so it was wonderful to participate in the delegation assembly as this was a new experience for me. During the delegation gathering, the spiritual conversation gave us all an equal opportunity to contribute and reflect on what others had said and we were able to identify similarities and also gain new insights from the various viewpoints.
What was the most important learning that you took away from this Assembly?
It affirmed that the people we care for are truly at the centre of everything we do.
How do you think this process of reflection and discernment will impact the future work of the Delegation Assembly?
Our organisation encourages co-responsibility from everyone, and by involving different people from various roles within the charity the discernment process formed a dynamic and comprehensive approach to setting meaningful goals and making informed choices. I think this will impact the future work of the delegation assembly by having shared responsibility for the outcome of the future works, based on the idea that we all have a role to play in creating a better world.
Are there any special or moving moments that you experienced during the Delegation Assembly that you would like to share?
There was a great spirit of collaboration and solidarity, and I thoroughly enjoyed participating. It’s wonderful to work for an organisation where your voice is heard, and your contributions are deliberated.
What inspires or motivates you to continue to work with dedication within the England Delegation?
The special way in which we work, provides an extraordinary sense of fulfilment which is aligned to my personal values. It is inspiring to work for Charity that has a clear sense of purpose, where work is rooted in a deep-seated commitment to uplift others and improve society. During my time with the English Delegation, I have embarked on a meaningful journey that instils a shared sense of responsibility which allows me to contribute to a cause greater than myself, making a significant difference in the lives of others in the little way I can.
What message would you give to the people who are part of the Hospitaller family?
The people are what truly makes us special. I am honoured to be a part of the inclusive and diverse Hospitaller Family, and I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with like minded people to transform the lives of others.
