Father Diego Luis Vásqiez, CM, Visitor of Columbia, gave a presentation entitled “Missionaries in Difficulty within the Community. Faced with this reality, what can/must a Visitor do?” The participants were very attentive to this matter concerning confreres who are physically present but mentally, spiritually, and psychologically absent to the community. As he shared his personal testimony of problematic confreres, the other visitors were able to identify with his words (this was obvious from their many various interventions).
After the break in the morning there was a video presentation of yesterday’s summary featuring interviews with some confreres about their thoughts and experience of creating a culture of vocations in their own province.
Later in the morning, Fr. Giuseppe Turati, CM, Secretary General was the first one to talk about the topic: “Missionaries in irregular situations”. He explained the canonical and juridical norms that the Visitors and their council must be mindful us in this regard.
The Procurator General, Fr. Guiseppe Guerra, CM gave further clarification with regard to the same matter, that is, confreres absent from the Congregation.
Then the floor was opened for questions. Concrete examples were presented and there was a very lively discussion. At the end of this discussion we were reminded of the need to adapt a pastoral approach in which all means are utilized in order to help the confreres.
The afternoon session got underway with a presentation by Fr. Giuseppe Guerra, CM, Procurator General and Postulator General regarding the saints and blesseds of the Vincentian Family. He spoke about those individuals whose process for beatification and/or canonization is in progress. An open discussion followed his presentation.
After a coffee break, Fr. Giuseppe Turati, CM, Secretary General, went back to the podium to discuss the state of the Congregation in terms of personnel. It was observed there was a downward trend in our membership due to deaths, dismissals and departures. Since the Curia has made use of the social media for communication purposes, he clarified the kind of communication that should exist between the Provinces and the Curia. Fr. Turati’s then presented his proposal to meet with all the Provincial Secretaries. A discussion ensued and other proposals were put forward. Nothing was finalized in this regard.
Evening Prayer was led by Fr. Cyril Nnamdi Mibata, CM. The social after dinner was a time to bond with one another. There were games, fun, laughter, drinks, and food … that was a fitting conclusion to a well-spent day!
