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During these encounters, they counted on the presence of the National Council. They also celebrated the 200th Birth Anniversary of St. Catherine, together with the members of the Association all over the world, as they have expressed in the different postcards that they sent the International Secretariat.

Site Features Home Cover Page Presentation News Updates Antivirus	International Europe FRANCE Some weeks ago, JM France organized different regional encounters: - Grand Sud Region in Lourdes on April 26 - 29 - Eastern Region in Fain les Moutiers (May 6-7) - Region of Grand Ouest en Velues-les-Roses (Normandy) on May 6-8 During these encounters, they counted on the presence of the National Council. They also celebrated the 200th Birth Anniversary of St. Catherine, together with the members of the Association all over the world, as they have expressed in the different postcards that they sent the International Secretariat. On June 11, they shall be closing the celebration of this Bicentenary with a Marian Celebration in the *Chapel of Rue du Bac.* SPAIN On April 29, Fr. Juanmi, CM from the Province of Salamanca, died in a vehicular accident. He is a VMY Advisor, Promoter of the Popular Missions and an enthusiast of the National Encounter of Bengalbon wherein he animated the liturgy with much passion, depth and joy. In his correspondence to all the VMY communities of Spain, Fr. Antonio Otero, Visitor of the CM in the Province of Salamanca, expressed: “Juan Miguel had three great loves: his priesthood, the Congregation and the young people. These “loves” of his are those which made him happy and fulfilled as a person and a Missionary. From this feeling of happiness in his Vincentian vocation, he took the strength to work day and night without reserve. His good-natured smile, one that is of a big boy’s, has been his passport in entering hearts and inciting joy and hope. But, what he tried work on was to perceive a certain hunger for faith and analyze the events of God, like what St. Vincent said.” From his privileged place now where he shall eternally be happy with the Father, we ask him to continue loving andanimating the Association. On May 27, the Annual Youth Encounter of the Association was held in Madrid. Some 1,500 people participated, among them were members, catechists, moderators and the national officers. The theme for the Encounter was “Don’t Hold Back! Follow Me!” The young people received the clear invitation of not holding back in generosity, bravery, gestures of peace and deepening in the Christian and Vincentian spirituality through workshops, games, celebrations and merrymaking. We were invited to “travel around the world,” putting into “action” our capacity to share, receive and take risks. It was a privileged time to discover and enjoy the reality of the JMV in the national level, as the desire to be “young people” who proclaim the Kingdom of God beat strongly. Faith was shared in prayer and celebration with the guiding hand that has been and will always be the unconditional support, the Blessed Virgin Mary. And as has been customary in these types of encounters, the musical event in the evening set the rhythm, mood and happiness that transpired throughout the day. ITALY AM Italy has started the formation courses of its members who are in the process of becoming moderators in the Centers. On April 29-30, near the DC House in Fasano (BR), the first formation session, “TOGETHER IN ORDER TO BECOME…” took place. Members from the Alta Apulia, Baja Apulia and CampaniaCenters participated. The course was facilitated by Sr.Anna Luisa Rizzello and Fiorenza Casarubia, member of the National Council. The first part of the course focused on the study of the person of the moderator: What is a moderator? What are his/ her functions? What is his/her role in the Center? What should his/ her title be? etc. Happy with the positive result of this activity, they are now planning to do the course in other areas. On May 13 – 14, the National Council held its meeting in Romewherein they discussed among others the following: Preparation for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, together with France, Portugal and Spain, during the first week of August. Mission Experience in Albania with the participation of many Italian members. They will be going to Mollas in different schedules to work on the formation of VMY groups. Project “*Growing…Trying” with the objective of motivating youth empowerment, as what was asked by our Director General during the AG 2005. Each group is invited to organize a social project wherein the members will be the leaders in action. They have presented and approved the Formation Document* which will be used from September 2006 to May 2007. It is such a pity that the National President, Antonella Malfatti, presented her resignation letter for work-related reasons. The National Council shall hold its new election on September.We thank Antonella for her availability for the past few months and we hope that she continues to pray and be concerned over the growth of AM. International Africa EGYPT VMY Egypt held two National Encounters: The 1st one was in Port Said City (for VMY Cairo, Alejandria and Port Said) on April 10. There were 130 members who participated.It was a joy-filled encounter of sharing which focused on the topic “*Love of Jesus Christ.” All the groups helped in the organization of the said activity. The 2nd Encounter* took place in Upper Egypt on May 1 with the same activities, but from a different perspective. Members from Lower Egypt also participated. MADAGASCAR On May 2-7, VMYMadagascar celebrated all throughout the country the 200th Birth Anniversary of St. Catherine. In Tolagnaro, they celebrated it on May 21 with the participation of five groups in this area. During the program they recalled the theme of WYD 2006 “Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet and a Light unto My Path,” (Psalm 118) had a representation of the story of St. Catherine, a penitential rite and a Eucharistic Celebration. On Sunday, VMY facilitated the Mass which was attended by the different branches of the Vincentian Family. The Encounter concluded with an agape. On May 12-15, Voahanginirina, National President and International Councilor joined the members of Tsihombe (south of the country) who made their Marian Consecration. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO On March 12, VMY and the other members of the Vincentian Family welcomed Fr. Yvon Laroche, Superior General of the Religious de San Vicente de Paul in the Saint Adrien de Ngaba Parish. Together, they had a Eucharistic Celebration which was presided by Fr. Yvon. It was a friendship-filled encounter. On March 15, feast of St. Louise de Marillac, Sr. Elisabel Gonzalez, National Sister Advisor, met with some 27 members from the groups of Kinshasa in Saint Adrien. On March 16 the National Advisors met in Kintambo (Kinshasa) to plan for this year’s activity. Then, they sent us their Pastoral Plan 2006 which contains varied activity proposals on the areas of formation, celebration of faith and service following the Liturgical Calendar of the Church. On May 7, some 30 members received the Miraculous Medal as a sign of their belonging to the Association; others made their Marian Promise. RWANDA-BURUNDI Burundi continues to celebrate with joy the encounter with the Father General. On March 18, Fr. Gregory presided the Eucharistic Celebration in *Rwisabi.* Afterwards, he met with the Vincentian Family for a deep fraternal encounter. The people were really impressed over this visit, grateful for his simplicity, closeness and cheerful disposition. The said visit was rather short yet was marked with a great love that motivated many of the Vincentians who were present to continue with their commitment in favor of the poor. NIGERIA The President, John Cleton Etim informed us that: On the occasion of the visit of Fr. Manuel Ginete, CM, Delegate of the Superior General to the Vincentian Family, they had the opportunity to organize a National Formation Encounteron *April 6-8 in Ikot Ekpene, wherein they had a rosary procession, a vigil, an exposition, some discussions and conferences about “The Dynamism of a Small Christian Community and its Effective Evangelization,”“Small Scale Food Production as a Remedy to Hunger and Malnutrition” and* “Fish Production by the Youth.” During his homily Fr. Ginete challenged the young people to see Christ among the poor. During this encounter, the Bishop of Ikot Ekpene (Rev. Camilos Etokudo), CM Visitor of Nigeria (Fr. Mike Ngoka) and the Secretary of the DC Province of Nigeria (Sr. Florence) were also present. International Asia LEBANON The Preparatory Commission of the Assembly met on May 20-21 to finalize the preparation of the same. They took the opportunity to work on the Marian Consecration survey. TURKEY On April 28 the International Secretariat welcomed Sr. Maria Malpartida, VMY Turkey Sister Advisor, who informed us that the few active members of the Association are extending a service to the psychiatric patients of hospital there. PHILIPPINES We received a detailed information about the "National Summer Youth Camp” which took place in OlongapoCityon *May 5-8* with *115 participants* from the different regions and islands all over the country. The adapted the international theme *"Committed to the Mission with Those Most Needy,"* for the said encounter. The activity started with an Opening Eucharistic Celebration presided by the Bishop of Zambales. Then, on the second day after the Induction of National Council Officers,the National Priest Advisor gave the Keynote Address emphasizing on the identity of the Association. Afterwards, the National President shared about the “Four Pillars of VMY” and a video on “The Essential Qualities of a Leader in the CoM-VMY” by Fr. Maloney was presented. The conferences revolved around the present social issues such as drugs, children, women, ecology, poverty and hunger. In the evening they held a Prayer Concert which included a meditative celebration (a la Taize,) dance interpretations, praise and thanksgiving. The day after, they took time to do a community exposure and service activity with the aged, orphans, prostitutes and the indigenous people (Aetas).They also had group workshops on the lives of the Vincentian Saints, sharing of tokens from each region and ended with a city tour. The National Council published the new “Manual of the Association” and took the opportunity presented by the camp to sell them to the members. International America HAITI On April 28 – 30, the National Council held a formation visit to the group in Fonds-des-Blancs (south of *Haiti) wherein some 40 members* participated. This visit gave them better knowledge about the Association, better integration in the parish, good accompaniment on the part of the adult members and a chance to make a follow-up on the decisions of the Assembly. The delegates of the National Council made the most of the chance by visiting a recently established group in Côte de Fer through the initiative of a Religious Sister. They were taken by surprise over the discovery of a new group which had 69 members, a Local Council with a Sister two lay advisors, 12 officers and a good pedagogical structure. On May13, the National Council met with the Local Councils to make a follow-up on the decisions taken during the 7th National Assembly. This meeting allowed them to determine the work methodology for the next three years. The different groups also shared about the activities of the last trimester and the Holy Week Mission done with the Vincentian Fathers and some members of the VMY. On May 27, the National Council held its regular meeting. UNITED STATES Fr. Dan Thiess, National Priest Advisor, wrote to share with us that the Association in the USA is gaining momentum. They started with the *“Simple Living”* project in East St. Louis wherein 200 young adults participated in coordination with the DC. Then, they will be undertaking the “Home Build” and “Teen Life” projects in June. We were also informed that they are starting to get in touch with some contacts from the other states of the country in order to establish groups there. In Chicago, the Sister Advisor,Sr. Sheila Marie Hart, informed us that on May 20, the members prepared hundreds of sandwiches and lunch bags to be distributed to the homeless in the vicinity. This project is called “*Night Ministry”* and they counted on the support of drivers who have experience in seeking for these poor people. Different charitable groups participated in the distribution and they ended with a prayer and reflection before going back to their own homes. Some members and Advisors of the Association participated in the Vincentian Family Encounter in New Jersey. The activity was keynoted by the former Director General, Fr. Robert Maloney, who gave an overview of worldwide Vincentian Family collaborations and issued them the challenge to move their efforts to the structural / systemic level. Please visit http://www.vincentianfamilycenter.com/vfg.htm for more information. In the said assembly, the Interim President, advisors and some VMY members took the opportunity to discuss about the situation of the VMY in their respective regions and planned to exert more effort in responding to the concerns of the groups. MEXICO The Diocesan, Regional and National Councils as well as the Advisors of the Association held a special meeting on April 21-23. The theme was to discuss what has been placed in the Pastoral Plan: “Transformation and Commitment for the Right Path.” The National Priest Advisor gave a talk regarding “Visits: an opportunity to GROW.” Much time was dedicated to discuss about Pastoral Plan 2006. Then, the participants drafted this year’s Pastoral Plan by regions, placing special emphasis on *Formation, Consecration and Visits* to Diocesan and LocalCenters. They also discussed about the realities that permit them better human growth. After the recollection, they ended the day with a Eucharistic Celebration and a joyful socialization. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC On May 21 the members from all the regions where the Association is present had a retreat and reflected over the topic on “THE PURITY OF MARY.” The 370 members who joined the activity dedicated this month of Mary to especially highlight on her virtues. CUBA On completing the 20 years of their presence in Cuba, they sent us a summary that underscores the situation of the young Cuban Catholic with his/ her expectations, achievements, frustrations and weaknesses gathered from the road taken. They also shared to us about their hopes to carry-on with their group survival in spite of all the odds against them. “CONGRATULATIONS, VMY CUBA” CHILE In March and in May the National Directors met and drafted the Annual Pastoral Plan, taking the Final Document of the AG Paris 2005 as their reference. They are focusing on some short, middle and long terms activities such as the Encounter of Advisors who are working on the life of St. Catherine Laboure to celebrate her 200th Birth Anniversary. They also shared to us that VMY has new Centers affiliated into the Association as well as others which are still in the process of complying with what is stated in their National Statutes on Membership. ECUADOR The National Council informed us that they are preparing for the National Advisors’ Encounter on June 2-4 with the objective of strengthening the formation of lay and consecrated advisors. COSTA RICA On May 22-28 a Formation Session was given to the local community of VMY Alajuelita about the four dimensions of our Association: Marian, Ecclesial, Vincentian and Missionary. The said activity was facilitated by Reynaldo Bejarano, member of the Association. The Association plans to hold “Edificare :VMY National Encounter 2006” *in Naranjo on July 8-9. They are expecting the participation of some 100 members from the different local groups in the country. “Edificare”* seeks to motivate the said associates under the theme*, “Young person, as a stone makes great buildings, your contribution shall bolster our future.”* International Council and Secretariat We would like to remind you that the Director General of the Association, Fr. Gregory Gay, in his May 3, 2006 Circular, invites us to join the Campaign against AIDS. He is asking us for some concrete information about this so as to enrich the conclusions which they shall be drafting in the Union of Superior Generals in Rome. We would like to request the groups and centers which are involved in this activity in one way or another to get in touch with your respective National Councils. They in turn shall summarize the said information send it directly to the Director General, with a copy to the VMY International Secretariat, not later than September 2006. In the April 27 Circular, the Commission on Spiritual Life of the International Council (Yasmine and Vohangy) invites us to make a follow-up regarding our commitment to deepen in the spiritual life of our Association, in a special way on the “Consecration to Christ with Mary” as “a way of making our life as a total gift to God through service and evangelization of the poor, choosing Mary as Mother and model.” (International Statutes 10.1) We would like to remind all VMY National Councils whom we have sent a simple questionnaire about the preparation and celebration of the Marian Consecrationso that it shall be worked on in your upcoming work sessions. Please send the synthesis to the International Secretariat on or before October 15, 2006. We wish to thank the National Councils that have responded to the communication sent by the Sub-director on February 2, 2006 concerning the Annual Contribution. Many had sent us their payment through their Visitatrixes during their meeting in Paris. We would like to thank all the countries which are collaborating in the maintenance of the Secretariat this year. We suppose that those who have not yet responded accept our proposal for their annual contribution which we presented from the Secretariat. We wish to thank you in advance for sending it to us before the end of the first semester 2006. On May 1 the Director General confirmed the appointment of Sr. Letemedhin Abraha as the new VMY National Sister Advisor of Eritrea. We thank *Sr. Lettemariam Mogos* for her generosity; she has been accompanying the members of the Association up to now. We also wish Sr. Letemedhin success in her new service. Then, on May 8, the appointment of a new National Priest Advisor in Vietnam was confirmed.

On April 29, Fr. Juanmi, CM from the Province of Salamanca, died in a vehicular accident. He is a VMY Advisor, Promoter of the Popular Missions and an enthusiast of the National Encounter of Bengalbon wherein he animated the liturgy with much passion, depth and joy.

In his correspondence to all the VMY communities of Spain, Fr. Antonio Otero, Visitor of the CM in the Province of Salamanca, expressed: “Juan Miguel had three great loves: his priesthood, the Congregation and the young people. These “loves” of his are those which made him happy and fulfilled as a person and a Missionary. From this feeling of happiness in his Vincentian vocation, he took the strength to work day and night without reserve. His good-natured smile, one that is of a big boy’s, has been his passport in entering hearts and inciting joy and hope. But, what he tried work on was to perceive a certain hunger for faith and analyze the events of God, like what St. Vincent said.”

From his privileged place now where he shall eternally be happy with the Father,

On May 27, the Annual Youth Encounter of the Association was held in Madrid. Some 1,500 people participated, among them were members, catechists, moderators and the national officers. The theme for the Encounter was “Don’t Hold Back! Follow Me!” The young people received the clear invitation of not holding back in generosity, bravery, gestures of peace and deepening in the Christian and Vincentian spirituality through workshops, games, celebrations and merrymaking. We were invited to “travel around the world,” putting into “action” our capacity to share, receive and take risks. It was a privileged time to discover and enjoy the reality of the JMV in the national level, as the desire to be “young people” who proclaim the Kingdom of God beat strongly. Faith was shared in prayer and celebration with the guiding hand that has been and will always be the unconditional support, the Blessed Virgin Mary. And as has been customary in these types of encounters, the musical event in the evening set the rhythm, mood and happiness that transpired throughout the day.

AM Italy has started the formation courses of its members who are in the process of becoming moderators in the Centers. On April 29-30, near the DC House in Fasano (BR), the first formation session, “TOGETHER IN ORDER TO BECOME…” took place. Members from the Alta Apulia, Baja Apulia and CampaniaCenters participated. The course was facilitated by Sr.Anna Luisa Rizzello and Fiorenza Casarubia, member of the National Council. The first part of the course focused on the study of the person of the moderator: What is a moderator? What are his/ her functions? What is his/her role in the Center? What should his/ her title be? etc. Happy with the positive result of this activity, they are now planning to do the course in other areas.

On May 13 – 14, the National Council held its meeting in Romewherein they discussed among others the following:
Preparation for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, together with France, Portugal and Spain, during the first week of August.
Mission Experience in Albania with the participation of many Italian members. They will be going to Mollas in different schedules to work on the formation of VMY groups.
Project “Growing…Trying” with the objective of motivating youth empowerment, as what was asked by our Director General during the AG 2005. Each group is invited to organize a social project wherein the members will be the leaders in action.
They have presented and approved the Formation Document which will be used from September 2006 to May 2007.

It is such a pity that the National President, Antonella Malfatti, presented her resignation letter for work-related reasons. The National Council shall hold its new election on September.We thank Antonella for her availability for the past few months and we hope that she continues to pray and be concerned over the growth of AM.

The 1st one was in Port Said City (for VMY Cairo, Alejandria and Port Said) on April 10. There were 130 members who participated.It was a joy-filled encounter of sharing which focused on the topic “Love of Jesus Christ.” All the groups helped in the organization of the said activity.
The 2nd Encounter took place in Upper Egypt on May 1 with the same activities, but from a different perspective. Members from Lower Egypt also participated.

On May 2-7, VMYMadagascar celebrated all throughout the country the 200th Birth Anniversary of St. Catherine. In Tolagnaro, they celebrated it on May 21 with the participation of five groups in this area. During the program they recalled the theme of WYD 2006 “Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet and a Light unto My Path,” (Psalm 118) had a representation of the story of St. Catherine, a penitential rite and a Eucharistic Celebration. On Sunday, VMY facilitated the Mass which was attended by the different branches of the Vincentian Family. The Encounter concluded with an agape.

On May 12-15, Voahanginirina, National President and International Councilor joined the members of Tsihombe (south of the country) who made their Marian Consecration.

On March 12, VMY and the other members of the Vincentian Family welcomed Fr. Yvon Laroche, Superior General of the Religious de San Vicente de Paul in the Saint Adrien de Ngaba Parish. Together, they had a Eucharistic Celebration which was presided by Fr. Yvon. It was a friendship-filled encounter.
On March 15, feast of St. Louise de Marillac, Sr. Elisabel Gonzalez, National Sister Advisor, met with some 27 members from the groups of Kinshasa in Saint Adrien.
On March 16 the National Advisors met in Kintambo (Kinshasa) to plan for this year’s activity. Then, they sent us their Pastoral Plan 2006 which contains varied activity proposals on the areas of formation, celebration of faith and service following the Liturgical Calendar of the Church.
On May 7, some 30 members received the Miraculous Medal as a sign of their belonging to the Association; others made their Marian Promise.

Burundi continues to celebrate with joy the encounter with the Father General. On March 18, Fr. Gregory presided the Eucharistic Celebration in Rwisabi. Afterwards, he met with the Vincentian Family for a deep fraternal encounter. The people were really impressed over this visit, grateful for his simplicity, closeness and cheerful disposition. The said visit was rather short yet was marked with a great love that motivated many of the Vincentians who were present to continue with their commitment in favor of the poor.

On the occasion of the visit of Fr. Manuel Ginete, CM, Delegate of the Superior General to the Vincentian Family, they had the opportunity to organize a National Formation Encounteron April 6-8 in Ikot Ekpene, wherein they had a rosary procession, a vigil, an exposition, some discussions and conferences about “The Dynamism of a Small Christian Community and its Effective Evangelization,”“Small Scale Food Production as a Remedy to Hunger and Malnutrition” and “Fish Production by the Youth.”

During his homily Fr. Ginete challenged the young people to see Christ among the poor. During this encounter, the Bishop of Ikot Ekpene (Rev. Camilos Etokudo), CM Visitor of Nigeria (Fr. Mike Ngoka) and the Secretary of the DC Province of Nigeria (Sr. Florence) were also present.

The Preparatory Commission of the Assembly met on May 20-21 to finalize the preparation of the same. They took the opportunity to work on the Marian Consecration survey.

On April 28 the International Secretariat welcomed Sr. Maria Malpartida, VMY Turkey Sister Advisor, who informed us that the few active members of the Association are extending a service to the psychiatric patients of hospital there.

We received a detailed information about the "National Summer Youth Camp” which took place in OlongapoCityon May 5-8 with 115 participants from the different regions and islands all over the country. The adapted the international theme "Committed to the Mission with Those Most Needy," for the said encounter.

The activity started with an Opening Eucharistic Celebration presided by the Bishop of Zambales. Then, on the second day after the Induction of National Council Officers,the National Priest Advisor gave the Keynote Address emphasizing on the identity of the Association. Afterwards, the National President shared about the “Four Pillars of VMY” and a video on “The Essential Qualities of a Leader in the CoM-VMY” by Fr. Maloney was presented. The conferences revolved around the present social issues such as drugs, children, women, ecology, poverty and hunger. In the evening they held a Prayer Concert which included a meditative celebration (a la Taize,) dance interpretations, praise and thanksgiving.

The day after, they took time to do a community exposure and service activity with the aged, orphans, prostitutes and the indigenous people (Aetas).They also had group workshops on the lives of the Vincentian Saints, sharing of tokens from each region and ended with a city tour.

On April 28 – 30, the National Council held a formation visit to the group in Fonds-des-Blancs (south of Haiti) wherein some 40 members participated. This visit gave them better knowledge about the Association, better integration in the parish, good accompaniment on the part of the adult members and a chance to make a follow-up on the decisions of the Assembly. The delegates of the National Council made the most of the chance by visiting a recently established group in Côte de Fer through the initiative of a Religious Sister. They were taken by surprise over the discovery of a new group which had 69 members, a Local Council with a Sister two lay advisors, 12 officers and a good pedagogical structure.

On May13, the National Council met with the Local Councils to make a follow-up on the decisions taken during the 7th National Assembly. This meeting allowed them to determine the work methodology for the next three years. The different groups also shared about the activities of the last trimester and the Holy Week Mission done with the Vincentian Fathers and some members of the VMY.
On May 27, the National Council held its regular meeting.

Fr. Dan Thiess, National Priest Advisor, wrote to share with us that the Association in the USA is gaining momentum. They started with the “Simple Living” project in East St. Louis wherein 200 young adults participated in coordination with the DC. Then, they will be undertaking the “Home Build” and “Teen Life” projects in June. We were also informed that they are starting to get in touch with some contacts from the other states of the country in order to establish groups there.

In Chicago, the Sister Advisor,Sr. Sheila Marie Hart, informed us that on May 20, the members prepared hundreds of sandwiches and lunch bags to be distributed to the homeless in the vicinity. This project is called “Night Ministry” and they counted on the support of drivers who have experience in seeking for these poor people. Different charitable groups participated in the distribution and they ended with a prayer and reflection before going back to their own homes.

Some members and Advisors of the Association participated in the Vincentian Family Encounter in New Jersey. The activity was keynoted by the former Director General, Fr. Robert Maloney, who gave an overview of worldwide Vincentian Family collaborations and issued them the challenge to move their efforts to the structural / systemic level. Please visit http://www.vincentianfamilycenter.com/vfg.htm for more information. In the said assembly, the Interim President, advisors and some VMY members took the opportunity to discuss about the situation of the VMY in their respective regions and planned to exert more effort in responding to the concerns of the groups.

The Diocesan, Regional and National Councils as well as the Advisors of the Association held a special meeting on April 21-23. The theme was to discuss what has been placed in the Pastoral Plan: “Transformation and Commitment for the Right Path.” The National Priest Advisor gave a talk regarding “Visits: an opportunity to GROW.” Much time was dedicated to discuss about Pastoral Plan 2006. Then, the participants drafted this year’s Pastoral Plan by regions, placing special emphasis on Formation, Consecration and Visits to Diocesan and LocalCenters. They also discussed about the realities that permit them better human growth. After the recollection, they ended the day with a Eucharistic Celebration and a joyful socialization.

On May 21 the members from all the regions where the Association is present had a retreat and reflected over the topic on “THE PURITY OF MARY.” The 370 members who joined the activity dedicated this month of Mary to especially highlight on her virtues.

On completing the 20 years of their presence in Cuba, they sent us a summary that underscores the situation of the young Cuban Catholic with his/ her expectations, achievements, frustrations and weaknesses gathered from the road taken. They also shared to us about their hopes to carry-on with their group survival in spite of all the odds against them. “CONGRATULATIONS, VMY CUBA”

In March and in May the National Directors met and drafted the Annual Pastoral Plan, taking the Final Document of the AG Paris 2005 as their reference. They are focusing on some short, middle and long terms activities such as the Encounter of Advisors who are working on the life of St. Catherine Laboure to celebrate her 200th Birth Anniversary.

They also shared to us that VMY has new Centers affiliated into the Association as well as others which are still in the process of complying with what is stated in their National Statutes on Membership.

The National Council informed us that they are preparing for the National Advisors’ Encounter on June 2-4 with the objective of strengthening the formation of lay and consecrated advisors.

On May 22-28 a Formation Session was given to the local community of VMY Alajuelita about the four dimensions of our Association: Marian, Ecclesial, Vincentian and Missionary. The said activity was facilitated by Reynaldo Bejarano, member of the Association.

The Association plans to hold “Edificare :VMY National Encounter 2006” in Naranjo on July 8-9. They are expecting the participation of some 100 members from the different local groups in the country. “Edificare” seeks to motivate the said associates under the theme, “Young person, as a stone makes great buildings, your contribution shall bolster our future.”

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