This year's AGM took place in Woodlock Hall in All Hallows College in Dublin. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

The AGM culminated in the launch of our 2015 Annual Report that highlighted 55 member organisations who worked in 53 countries last year transformed the lives of over 2.5 million people through a series of development projects focused on education, health, income generation and livelihoods and human rights. Chairperson Lucy Franks, CEO Heydi Foster, and Vice-Chairperson John Guiney proudly launched this year's report. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

Chairperson Lucy Franks, and CEO Heydi Foster read some of the stories about incredible missionaries like Gena Heraty in Haiti, Sr. Anne Griffin in El Salvador and Sr. Mary Courtney in Zambia whose work inspires so many. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

Our missionary movement spans an incredible 60 countries. Last year, saw the highest number of countries receiving visits; 28 countries were visited by staff, mentors, researchers, auditors and the media; and projects in Zambia. These visits were a combination of financial audits, monitoring, evaluation, research, media and communications, member engagement and fundraising scoping. Chairperson Lucy Franks, CEO Heydi Foster, and Vice-Chairperson John Guiney read about some of the achievements in the annual report. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

This year's annual report shares world class examples from some of our members. For example, the Brickfield school project run by the Loreto Sisters in India aims to bring education to 2,500 migrant children in West Bengal, the Good Shepherd Sisters in the DRC developed three programmes to deal with the complexities of child labour by promoting economic empowerment of girls and women, education and carrying out advocacy initiatives and the scale of the Franciscan International’s work on human rights is particularly noteworthy. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

2015 was a monumental achievement, we spent €15.5 million supporting 55 members working in 53 countries across our four sectors of education, health, income generation and livelihoods and human rights to benefit over 2.5 million people. Chairperson Lucy Franks, CEO Heydi Foster, and Vice-Chairperson John Guiney flick through the report. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

Mission Development Officer Emer Kerrigan with the Jesuit Missions, and Vice-Chairperson Fr. John Guiney opened the 2016 AGM with a thought provoking prayer. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

This year's AGM illustrated the global reach of the missionary movement. Sr. Shirley Aeria and Sr. Rita Ballard from the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood enjoy the proceedings. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

Justice Desk Coordinator Sr. Sheila Curran with the Association of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland (AMRI) provided a key note address on the global situation of refugees and migrants. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

"There are 60 million refugees in the world today & half are children. Contrary to popular belief most are located in poor countries," said Justice Desk Coordinator Sr. Sheila Curran with the Association of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland (AMRI). Photo: Naoise Culhane.

Misean Cara Chairperson Lucy Franks delivered a vibrant report on the progress of the past 12 months. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

"Missionaries have been working towards the achievement of these Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for decades and are continuing to do so," said Chairperson Lucy Franks. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

"2015 was a very successful year because of you. Our biggest achievements are not numbers, data or metrics – it’s the faces of the people whose lives have been transformed. During the last year I have been inspired by the stories, smiles and tears of joy of missionaries in Ireland; Haiti, El Salvador and Zambia to name a few. I feel now more than ever that our family is unified and striving for the same goal – together we are transforming lives and communities around the world," said CEO Heydi Foster. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

Sr. Juliet Iwuagwu from the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception listens as CEO Heydi Foster highlights the key achievements from last year. Photo: Zélie McGrath.

Gerry O'Neill a member of the Audit Committee speaks with Financial Controller James Murphy and Board Director Andy Cole. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

Project Officer Don Lucey chats with Catherine Brabender from the Notre Dame des Missions. Catherine travelled from Australia to attend the 2016 AGM. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

Sr. Felicia Matola from the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa asks a question during the Q&A session. Photo: Zélie McGrath.

This year over 120 missionaries attended our AGM from Ireland, the UK, Australia, Uganda, and Ethiopia showing the wide reach of the global missionary movement. Photo: Naoise Culhane.

After the business of the AGM was completed, a special consultation to gather feedback for the new Misean Cara Strategic Plan was conducted. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Photo: Seth Wheeler.

Mission Development Officer Maureen O'Dwyer from the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary (Chigwell) stresses a point during the strategic plan consultation. Photo: Seth Wheeler.

Mission Development Officer Sr. Carmel Flynn from the Society of the Sacred Heart explains what a postcard from Carcassonne means to her. Photo: Seth Wheeler.

Attendees listen as groups report back after the strategic plan consultation. Photo: Zélie McGrath.

Chief Executive Jenni Barrett from Edmund Rice Development makes a comment after the strategic planning consultation. Photo: Zélie McGrath.

Mission Development Officer Ngozi Okoli from the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary reports back on her group's recommendations. Photo: Zélie McGrath.

Mission Development Officer Sr. Geraldine Henry from the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul reports back on her group's recommendations. Photo: Tara Finglas.

Mission Development Officer Ronan White from the Columban Fathers and Sisters of St. Louis reports back on his group's recommendations. Photo: Tara Finglas.