The International Formation Center, located in Paris, convokes the III Encounter of the Vincentian Family (April 10th– May 11th, 2018).
The Vincentian Family is composed of more than 225 branches of consecrated and lay persons. These many men and women follow in the footsteps of Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac, Frederic Ozanam, Elizabeth Seton and many other saints and they want to continue the mission of Christ by proclaiming the Good News of Jesus love to the poor (proclaiming that news by spiritual and corporal service).
As a family, we have concluded our celebrations in commemoration of the 400thanniversary of the origin of our charism. If we do not understand our charism then we will not be able to live an authentic Vincentian spirituality. This formation session provides the participants with (1) an opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of the charism and (2) an opportunity to visit those places where our founders lived and ministered.
Objective:
To offer the members of the various branches of the Vincentian Family formation with regard to the Vincentian charism … and to do this through deepening their understanding of Vincentian ethics and spirituality and through an analysis of the present-day social reality. It is hoped that this will, in turn, result in a greater globalization of charity in service on behalf of those persons most in need.
Themes: among the themes we highlight the following:
- Outstanding figures in the Vincentian Family
- Vincentian ethics and spirituality
- What is the Vincentian Family?
- Systemic change
- How to work together so that the dignity of the poor is respected.
Methodology
We have opted for an “in person”, face to face methodology. This will involve intensive sessions with supporting didactic material (workshops, expositions, videos, written material). There will also be time for meditation and for prayer. Our focus will not only be on the past but looking at the present and projecting ourselves into the future. Our reflection will be done in light of Vatican II and the prophetic teaching of Pope Francis. The individual experience of each participant is most important: your ministry with those who are poor, the manner in which you collaborate with members of other branches, your story, etc..
A significant part of this formation session will be the visits to the various Vincentian places, that is, the places where the numerous Vincentian saints lived and ministered in accord with the Vincentian charism. Thus, we will visit other places in Paris and other cities in France.
Dates: April 10thto May 11th, 2018
Languages: This session is for those individuals who speak Spanish, English or French (simultaneous translation will be available)
Place: the Motherhouse of the Congregation of the Mission located at 95 Rue de Sevres, Paris … easy access to public transportation for travel to and from the airport.
Registration: all registrations must be received by March 25th, 2018
To register or to receive further information contact:
Father Andrés Motto, CM: Director of CIF
Translated:
Charles T. Plock, CM
Eastern Province, USA
