Sr.DENISE COGHLAN

A Long time campaigner against Land-mines and Cluster Munistions, Sr Denise Coghlan has been awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s birthday Honours List in Australia.
This award is in recognition of Sr Denise’s long service to International Humanitarian Aid, both in refugee camps in Thailand and continuing JRS’ presence in Cambodia over the last 18 years. 

The evening at the Australian Ambassador’s residence , Wednesday November 19, 2008 began with a cocktail reception.  As friends and colleagues of Sr Denise arrived, the atmosphere of pride and excitement grew.  Khmai and Internations J.S staff from all over Cambodia, as well as colleagues and friends from international organisations were there with one purpose.  To celebrate the great achievements of Sr Denise, a Mercy Sister from Brisbane,

We were delighted that Fr Mark Raper, SJ, the President of JCEAO was present for the occasion.  He himself was a recipient of the same award in 2001.  Fr Gabriel Je, SJ, Superior of the Jesuits in Cambodia, presented Sr Denise with flowers after the Australian Ambassador pinned her medal.

There were many photo opportunities with various groups wanting photos with Sr Denise.  What is uppermost in the mind and heart of Sr Denise at present is the up and coming conferences in Geneva and Oslo, where it is hoped that all governments will sign the Oslo Treaty, banning all production, selling and use of Cluster Munitions.

Let’s celebrate with Sr Denise, and pray for the success of the December 3 signing in Oslo.