Site Features

Home

Chronicle of the Encounter

Conference of Fr. Robert P. Maloney, CM

Final Document

Photos

Antivirus

First European Encounter of

JMV National Councils

Madrid, December 5-8, 2003

FINAL DOCUMENT

Madrid, December 8, 2003

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

of the Virgin Mary

          We have just held the First European Encounter of JMV National Councils in Madrid from December 5-8, 2003.  We the participants present coming from France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Slovakia, Poland, Byelorussia, Ukraine and Lebanon have strengthened some CONVICTIONS: 

1. Mary is in the origin of our Association. 

2. Encounters are necessary in order to know and understand the different realities and together walk towards unity in Europe. 

3. In order to live and develop itself, the Association needs to clarify and/or review its structures so that these will help achieve its ends. 

4. We are an Association of laypeople hence it is important to form the young and animators for an effective leadership. 

       After these days of living and reflecting together, we believe that the CHALLENGES before us are:  

1. Arrive at a common orientation on the Marian and Vincentian identity of the Association. 

2. Continue dedicating time and means for the integral and ongoing formation of the young and animators. 

          Some COMMITMENTS at the European level for the next two years are: 

1. Prepare simple formation materials and exchange them with other countries. 

2. Support the campaigns of the Vincentian Family:  “Fight against Hunger” and “Fight against Malaria”. 

3. Organize encounters among neighbouring countries and work together, fostering personal contacts and promoting joint actions of service, prayer and reflection.