WITH CHRIST BE LIFE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS

FIRST ASIAN ENCOUNTER OF JMV NATIONAL COUNCILS
CHRONICLE

Under the theme ¨

“WITH CHRIST BE LIFE IN THE LIFE OF OTHERS” the second of a series of Encounters preparatory to the 2^nd General Assembly of JMV, was held at the parish of the National Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in Muntinlupa City, Manila, Philippines from 24th to 27^th April, 2004. This encounter, convoked by the Director General, Fr. Robert P. Maloney, on the 10^th of January, 2004, was attended by 47 participants, 20 coming from other Asian countries and 25 Filipinos. Though apparently insignificant given the small number of participants, it will undoubtedly have an impact on the future of JMV in Asia, taking into account the number of members the association has in each country.

Total number of participants: 47 composed of:

• Daughters of Charity …..    15

• Vincentian Priests……....      7

• Vincentian Seminarians.      4

• Lay persons ……………...     21

The Encounter has been magnificently prepared by the National Council of the Philippines:Sonia Briones (President CoM), Fr. Raymond Regua,CM and Sister Novella Borjal, DC, and National Advisers. From the first day, dances, typical costumes, incense, colours all typical of this part of the world were a feast to everyone’s senses.

The presentation of delegates was done on the evening of the 24^th. The opening Eucharistic Celebration was presided by Fr. Regua, National Priest Advisor of the Philippines. The supper in the open courtyard was shared by all along with the families from the parish where the participants are lodged.

On the 25^th the sessions opened with a prayer prepared by the Philippines. Ana Maria Escaño officially welcomed the participants in the name of the International Council. The morning was well employed working on two conferences:

• History of the JMV, presented by Fr. Pedro Castillo,CM

• History of the JMV in the Philippines, presented by Fr. Teodoro Barquin, CM

In the afternoon each country presented the reality of the youth and the state of the association in their respective countries. The social commitment, the good integration of the Marian and Vincentian  identity of the Association, a clear insertion of the groups in the parishes and dioceses (in general, 90% of the groups function in diocesan parishes) and a great desire for the numerical growth of the Association and to present it in a dynamic and attractive manner, are noteworthy features of  the groups in Asia as also the common request of all: good formation programs both for members as for advisors.

The day closed with the celebration of the Mass animated by the Indonesian delegation and presided by Fr. Paulus Dwintarto,CM and Fr. Gusti Prihitmono,CM shared briefly with us his reflections on the readings. The supper in the open courtyard and the cultural night was lively. Each delegation displayed their national costumes, songs and dances showcasing the best of the Orient.

Tuesday, the 26^th opened with the morning prayer beautifully prepared by the Sisters from Japan. Thanks to technology, we were able to enjoy the “virtual presence” of our Director General, Fr. Maloney, who aside from being spiritually united to us, was made present through a beautiful video-conference tilted: “Spiritual Values to be Strengthened in the Leaders of JMV in the Third Milleneum”. Later, Ana Maria Escaño presented the second conference on the “Tasks and Functions of the members of the National Councils of the JMV. In the afternoon, at the workshops the groups sought to find some common lines and arrive at some commitments that would guide the journey of JMV in Asia during the next years. We placed the day´s work in the hands of God at the Eucharist which we celebrated joyfully at the end of day, presided this time by Fr. Pawel Wierbicki,CM, a Polish Vincentian missionary in Taiwan. The supper in the open air and the visit to Manila by night capped this beautiful day.

The last day began with the beautiful prayer prepared by the Vietnamese delegation followed by the presentation made by Fr. Pedro Castillo,CM  and Ana Maria Escaño of the composition and functions of the International Council and International Secretariat at Madrid together with relevant information about the functioning of the same. After the break, the workshops in the small groups worked on the lines of action taken by the First General Assembly as stated in the final Document in order to evaluate which of these have been implemented and which needed to be worked on and what would be the future line of action in order to fully implement them.

The evening revolved around the study and comments, observations, additions or deletions to the draft of the final document of this encounter.

The closing Eucharistic celebration presided by the Visitor of the Philippine Province, Fr. Marcelo Manimtim,Cm, was truly befitting of an Asian Encounter where each country represented in this meeting  enriched the liturgy with special contributions at different points of the liturgy. There was an Indian welcome to the Celebrants and the participants. Different countries took charge of the songs of the different parts of the Mass, a bible procession made the proclamation of the Word of God more solemn, and the Arati from the Indian delegation crowned the Eucharistic Prayer.

The festive supper joined together at the same table participants, sponsors and other friends who helped make this encounter truly a meaningful and successful one. Presentation of certificates of participation to the delegates and of appreciation to the different sponsors and friends whose help made this encounter possible capped this memorable event in the life of JMV in Asia.

Sr. Linda Gomez DC