Introduction

The gathering was held on the 13 – 15^th of April at Brown River. The participants were comprised of Association of the Miraculous Medal (AMM) and Vincentian Marian Youth (VMY) members from 14 mile, Laloki, Sabusa, Goldie and Brown River Substations of the Holy Name of Jesus Parish.

Transport

The arrangement was done by Vincentian Missionaries’ in which a 25 Seater bus from Holy Spirit Seminary picked the members up on Thursday 13^th April and dropped them off on Saturday 15^th April. Fr. Amith also assisted with another vehicle.

Accommodation

All the female and the children slept in the Chapel while the male used the mission stage.

Sessions

Fr. Marcin CM imparted a session on St Vincent’s’ spiritually in the Modern World. Followed by Fr. Antonius CM, Indonesian Provincial who was on visit, talked about the “Challengers faced by AMM and VMY in Today’s World” it was on the first day.

On the second day, Fr. Joseph Tuan CM gave two sessions on “You Vincentians are Leaders of Today and Tomorrow’’ and “Vincentians Quality for Leadership’’. They were very helpful and inspiring sessions given to all of us.

Food

The rations was the purchase of Vincentian Missionaries while the cooking/eating /drinking utensils were provided by the hosting members. Food preparation, serving and washing up was well organized by the four groups (Simplicity, Humility, Meekness and Mortification). Everyone was satisfied with the quantity and quality of food provided.

Rosary / Holy Mass

Rosary was recited in the chapel and on the way to the river for washing in the morning and afternoon .The Holy Eucharist celebrations were done by the Vincentian priests during the day. All took active participation in them.

Social Activities

On the night of the first day the video was shown which had the document on Vincentian Family by Fr. Robert Maloney. On the second day, all enjoyed learning to sing Vincentian Family songs that were composed and taught by Madelyn (VMY). We also took part in sports to exercise our muscles on the same day.

Finance / Contributions

Each member in the group contributed K10.00 towards the three days program.

Pastoral Visits

Some AMM members visited and prayed with sick people on the first and second days in the catholic community in the afternoons.

Evaluation

Members discussed in their four (4) respective groups on the three points:

1. Negative areas on the three days program
2. How to improve our Vincentian Family in PNG.
3. Plan the Feast of Prayer for Vocation ( 29^th April)

After discussions, the group leaders reported to the whole group. There were some amendments and general comments given by Fr. Amith and other members for clarification purposes.

Incidents

There was an unexpected incident that happened on the third day when Fr. Amith transported AMM female members to and from the river with the intention to be in time for morning mass. The little incident happened when he rushed to go back to load the second group when the three women were about to get off and the vehicle took off making them to loose their balance and fell down. Luckily they were unconscious and had minor bruises only. After the first aid treatment applied by the nurse, they had gained their strength back and felt alright.

Summary

The three days program was a very fruitful and successful one. A word of appreciation on behalf of all the AMM and VMY  to Fr. Amith and the other CM priests for their tireless commitment, time and preparations towards this vital and effective program Many countless thanks and may God richly bless you in your priestly ministry.

Reports Prepared By
Mrs. Mary Mitil and Mrs. Philo Ben.
Members of Association of Miraculous Medal.