To the people he served and worked with as the former Visitor of Vice-Province St. Cyril and Methodius the election of Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, 24th successor of St. Vincent, came with both joy and a sense of loss. The following tells the story of their farewells and the celebrations of his time with them.
Mercy reminds us that everything we have is a gift. Someone took the initiative in our life; someone has given us a gift (a gift that is to be developed and shared). Mercy reminds us that we are all God’s children, sons and daughters of the one God, brothers and sisters to one another. Mercy also reminds us that we will be provided with all that we need in order to live with dignity. We have happiness and joy because we can serve others. Therefore, we must always ask ourselves where we can be of service at the present moment … not at some future moment, not tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, but right now?
Mercy leads us along the path to heaven. Mercy is our service on behalf of our neighbour. It frees us from sin and enables to be fruitful, to be affective and effective in our love and service.
We are grateful to God for this gift of mercy, for the reality of mercy that is the very heart of Gospel, at the center of Jesus’ whole life. Jesus set an example for us and invites us to follow Him.
These were the words that Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, proclaimed to the guests at the House of «God`s Gift» during the celebration of the Eucharist. The priests of the Congregation from Odessa, Perechyn, Sniatyn, Storozhinets, Kharkov, from Poland and Belarus, sisters and priests from other congregations in Kiev, friends, and volunteers … all these members of the Vincentian Family gathered together on the evening of August, 3rd in order to say good-bye to Fr. Tomaž and to express their gratitude to the former Visitor of Vice-Province St. Cyril and Methodius.
The Marian Sisters of the Miraculous Medal, as usual, prepared delicious food for the buffet, which took place immediately after the celebration of the Eucharist. At that time, everyone had the opportunity to talk individually with Fr. Tomaž.
On Sunday, August 7th, another farewell to the parishioners took place in Kiev, in the church of St. Alexander. Fr. Vitaly Bezshkuryy, the rector at the cathedral had invited Father to take part in that celebration.
The celebration of the Eucharist was broadcast throughout the Ukraine … thanks to Radio Maria those who were unable to be physically present were able to join the community prayer with Fr.Tomaž via radio.
On August 9th, Fr. Tomaz, CM, Superior General, was interviewed on Radio Maria during which time he spoke about the charism of the Congregation, the founder of the Congregation (St. Vincent de Paul) and various way to recognize the face of Christ in the poor who are found in so many different places in our world. Even though Fr. Tomaz is departing for Rome, he will remain with us and will be present in our prayers.
