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Conference of Fr. Robert P. Maloney, CM

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First European Encounter of

JMV National Councils

Madrid, December 5-8, 2003

Report

The First Encounter of the JMV National Councils of Europe took place at “Colegio Inmaculada Marillac” (Madrid), from December 5-8, 2003.  The Councils of Europe and Middle East had been invited to this event.  Representatives of 10 countries met together with the members of the JMV International Council and Secretariat met

* Includes the Czech Republic

** Includes la Croatia  

Four countries were not represented:  Hungary, Egypt and Syria, where the Association already exists and Kosovo, where the Daughters of Charity are thinking of establishing it. 

What follows is a summary of the main activities of the Encounter: 

Day 1: Friday, December 5

The Encounter began at 6:30 PM with a beautiful prayer to the Holy Spirit, followed by the presentation of the members of the International Council and Secretariat. 

A few minutes later, Gladys Abi-Saïd Dib, JMV International President, welcomed the different representatives in their own language.  She stressed on the greatness of the Lord who works marvels for us and calls us to love until infinity, being his hands, feet, eyes and heart in the world. 

There was then a short presentation of the different groups as well as of the expectations expressed in the registration forms.  The main ones were: 

Know more about JMV and its work methodology from an international perspective

Share experiences – discover the vitality of JMV in other countries – learn from others

• Draw up common lines of action and create bonds

• Have access to formation materials

• Improve cooperation with neighboring countries

• Strengthen together our sense of belongingness to the Vincentian Family

• Exchange projects of mission and service. 

Some participants posed their difficluty with regard to the languages spoken since we did not consider having simultaneous translation;  Ana Maria Escaño responded by announcing that the conferences had translations into French, Spanish, Polish and English.  

 The first day ended with general announcements and dinner marked by simple joy. 

Day 2: Saturday, December 6

            The Morning Prayer animated by Italy created a propitious atmosphere for the conferences of this day.  Some Provincial Presidents and Advisors of JMV – Spain made themselves present on this day.

After that, the Director General, Fr. Robert P. Maloney, presented his conference on the “spiritual values to be fostered in the leaders of JMV leaders in the third millennium”.  He invited us to look at the environment in which we live in order to discover the paradoxical phenomenon of de-Christianization in European countries on one hand, and the spiritual hunger of the young dissatisfied with the values that permeate our present world on the other hand.  Using the image of fire, Fr. Maloney invited us to be leaders capable of “transmitting meaning”, of living a harmonious relationship with others and being creative in the “organization” of the life of JMV.  

The questions that accompanied his conference nourished the work in the linguistic groups and aroused many questions among the participants.  The groups had the opportunity to take note of some obstacles in their faith, such as the present social values, materialism and family problems.  They were also conscious of the things that help the Association such as the spiritual thirst of the young, their desire to be acknowledged and our Marian spirituality. 

In the afternoon we had internet connection with National Councils of other continents.  Hence, Mexico, Mozambique and the Philippines presented the situation of the Association in their respective continents and countries.  It was a very enriching experience.  The presentations of JMV in Portugal, France, Spain, Italy and Slovenia that followed strengthened our conviction of belonging to the same family despite distances and different realities.

The Eucharistic Celebration presided by Fr. Maloney at the end of the day gathered together all the branches of the Vincentian Family.  Animated by JMV – Spain, this Mass filled with symbols (for example, the bandannas of the countries) made us remember that, like John the Baptist, we are called to be prophets guided by the Word of God, itinerants and animated by a universal vision of the Mission.  The agape that followed allowed us to get to know each other better.  Those moments characterized by joy and sharing encouraged each one of us to continue the joint service to the poor  in our respective places. 

Day 3: Sunday, December 7 

 We began the day with a Eucharistic Celebration animated by JM – France, characterized by its simplicity and joy.  It was followed by the conference of Fr. Pedro on the “Challenges of the members of the National Council in this third millennium”.  A very enriching conference that aroused many comments and the decision to take on some challenges for the Councils of Europe in the coming years.  Above all, the question regarding the relation between the Marian and Vincentian dimensions of the Association was posed.  Gladys replied to this concern saying that it treats of the same reality expressed with a different terminology according to the diversity of the countries.  She called the attention of the Councils for the need to be attentive to the values hidden behind the words and to be ready to make the necessary changes for the renewal of the Association. 

During mid-morning, Sr. Asuncion, Francisco Pires and Pamela Mantuhac  presented the work of the International Council and Secretariat.   The participants also visited the beautiful Basilica of the Miraculous Medal located in Garcia Paredes Street. 

In the afternoon, Gladys Abi-Saïd Dib recalled to us the lines of action adopted during the First JMV General Assembly held in summer 2000.  The linguistic groups met again to evaluate the work done during these past three years.  During the plenary session we realized that despite what has been achieved (publications, activities, visits, encounters, etc…) much more still needs to be done in the next two years. 

Other participants of the Encounter then presented the situation of JMV in their respective countries:  Byelorussia, Ukraine, Lebanon, Slovakia and Poland.   In this way we discovered the wonderful work that JMV is doing in Eastern Europe and Middle East. 

After the prayer animated by JMV - Portugal and dinner, JMV – Spain offered us a “Madrid by night” tour.  This visit by bus allowed everyone to be acquainted with the most emblematic places of this capital city of Spain.  The stroll on foot around the Puerta del Sol  was marked by the purchase of some reindeer horns and wig humorously worn by some participants.  A big thanks to JMV – Spain for this wonderful time! 

Day 4: Monday, December 8

The prayer prepared by Slovakia on the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception made us reflect on the role of Mary in the mystery of our salvation and about her maternal and caring presence in our life. 

The conference of Edurne Urdampilleta, member of the International Council, presented the important lines of the document prepared by the International Council, which is under consultation “Formation Processes in JMV”.  She stressed on the need to work for the integral development of the young person, on the task of animators and catechists and on the importance of having a realistic view on the Europe of today. 

The Eucharistic Celebration presided by Fr. Jan Trzop, of the Vice-Province of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Ukraine, was truly a thanksgiving prayer for all that has been lived during this Encounter and for the commitments that were reached.   

Although some delegates already had to leave back for their respective countries, in the afternoon the participants discussed the Final Document of the Encounter, which gathers the convictions, challenges and commitments of the JMV National Councils of Europe.  These commitments highlight the urgency to have simple and dynamic means for formation, on the importance of communication among members and Councils of the different countries and support in the joint action-campaign “Fight against Malaria”. 

This European Encounter is the first that we propose to hold in each continent before the Second JMV General Assembly, in order to promote communication among countries and prepare together for the following Assembly.  The next ones will be in Manila (Philippines) for the Councils of Asia; in Lima (Peru) for the Councils of Latin America; and in Nairobi (Kenya) for the Councils of Africa.  In this way we will be able to live the unity that strengthens us and will allow us to LIVE, CONTEMPLATE and SERVE, with and like Mary, following the style of St. Vincent de Paul.  

Yasmine Cajuste

JMV International Secretariat

11-12-03