The local organization of Vincentian Lay Missionaries (MISEVI) in Slovakia is still in its infancy, but has already played a major role. In early November 2013, MISEVI Slovakia hosted a European–wide meeting of MISEVI in Nitra. This younger branch of the Vincentian Family gathers together young people who volunteer to serve the poor in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul. The opportunity to do so attracted several young Slovaks seeking to work as lay missionaries.
Some 80 participants from 9 countries in Europe and the Middle East attended the meeting in Slovakia. Joining them was the Superior General, Fr. Gregory Gay, CM, who arrived with Frs. Stanislav P. Zontak, CM (Slovakia), Juventino P. Castillero, CM (Panama) and Eli P. Chaves, CM (Brazil) from the Curia. Also present were Fr. Jozef Noga, CM, Superior of the Province of Slovakia, and other CM’s and Daughters of Charity. The official welcome was given to the international consultant of MISEVI, Fr. David P. Fernández, CM, and members of the international team of MISEVI of Spain.
The motto, “Come, see, get involved,” characterized each day. According to the testimonies of the participants for this inaugural meeting of MISEVI in Slovakia, it was a time of sharing experiences, encouraging each other, and connecting to MISEVI lay missioners worldwide.
Both MISEVI and the Province of Slovakia are beneficiaries of the Patrimony Fund Project (Vincentian Endowment Challenge).
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