The International Formation Center (CIF) held its third encounter for the members of the Vincentian Family (April 10-May 11). This group was composed of men and women from various congregations and associations as well as from many different countries, speaking distinct languages. The largest group of participants were members of the Congregation of the Mission: Alfredo León Navarro (Peru), Arturo Ernesto Hernández Gutiérrez (Mexico), Francisco Ivo Nascimento Sousa (Brazil), Silvio Alfredo Batista Mitozo, (Brazil), Franciscus Hardjodirono (Indonesia) and Stephanus Rudy Sulistijo, (Indonesia). There were also members of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy: Blasius Perang (Indonesia), Rofinus Banunaek (Indonesia); The Sisters of Mary of the Miraculous Medal: Ivančica Fulir (Croatia), Marie-Reine Avade (Benin) and Rolande Alafia (Benin); Daughters of Charity: Luz de María Tumialán Francia (Peru). Sisters of the Holy Faith: Verónica Maguire (Ireland); Servants of the Precious Blood: Cunegonde Arlette Gómez (Benin); Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul (Gijzegem): Nsafu Florentine Nzebo (Congo).
We were happy to see an increase in the number of lay participants: Andrés Lizondro (Panama), Carlos Centeno (Panama), Mónica Cobos (Ecuador), Orlanda Rodrigues Alves (Brazil), Claudio Gastón Minuche Córdova (Ecuador), Wirawan Margo (Indonesia). As you can see a very varied group. Indonesia, Brazil and Benin had the largest number of participants and the majority of lay persons were from Latin America.
This group of men and women of various ages and vocations revealed the intercultural and international elements of the Vincentian Family. Because of the absence of the Sub-Director, the participants helped in various tasks and I was very pleased with this group because it was obvious that they wanted to learn. Even with the reality of language difficulties it became clear that, in the words of Pope Francis, we spoke the universal language of charity.
During the time together, there were various presentations: Evangelize through use of the means of communication, Vincentian presence in means of communication, saints of the Vincentian Family (Elizabeth Ann Seton and Frederic Ozanam) [presented by Joseph Agostino CM and Javier Chento], St. Vincent: resources and bibliography, Vincentian studies, Vincentian spirituality and ethics [presented by André Motto], the Miraculous Medal: historical context and the apparitions (presented by Jean Daniel Planchot], theology of the poor: Vincentian option for the poor and service on behalf of the poor within the context of the Vincentian Family [presented by José Antonio Ubillús, CM]. During the time of this encounter we added a new element to the prayer component, namely, continuous readings from the Bible [the first two chapters of the book of Genesis] … will we at some point come to read the book of Revelation.
The three pilgrimages that we undertook enriched us in our understanding of the Vincentian charism and also reminded us of the fact that life itself is a pilgrimage and during that pilgrimage we must be attentive to our spiritual development. Our first pilgrimage included Richelieu, Perigueux, Sarlat-La-Canéda, Le Berceau, Buglose, Pouy, Dix, Lourdes, Angers. Our second pilgrimage included Gannes, Follleville and Amiens and our third pilgrimage included Taizé, Châtiillon, Annecy. We also took two tours of the significant Vincentian places in Paris and added visits to those places where poor persons are being served. During the time of our encounter Father Tomaž (Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission) and Sister Kathleen Appler (Superior General of the Daughters of Charity) visited us, enlightened us with their insights and helped us to deepen our love for the Vincentian Family.
Proposal for next year: 30 participants and so please take note of the dates: May 3rd – May 27th, 2019. … for more information write P. Andres Motto, CM andremotto@gmail.com
