PRESENTATION

To my brothers and sisters in JMV,

         The peace and joy of Christ be always with you.

         It is with great joy that I present to you this formation guide for the use of  the councils and officers of  JMV.  As you well know, the General Assembly of 2000 in Rome, confirming the need to form members moved by the spirit of the Association, had sought some orientation on the process of formation  JMV.  What we have here responds to that desire.

         It is a document that is well written, easily understandable, and reflecting the basic orientations of the Association, that is, human, Christian, Marian, and Vincentian.  I have no doubt that this will be most helpful to the councils and officers .  Those countries who are just coming in will find contained herein an ample source of information about JMV’s mission and processes, while those who have already covered a good part of their journey can use it to renew and to challenge themselves to move even further in their formation.

         Our world today confronts us with ever newer and bigger challenges and responsibilities.  At the same time, many young people today are looking for models in becoming authentic citizens of this world, committed apostles of the Church, and untiring champions of the poor.  It is my hope that by using this formation guide, you will all be renewed in your commitment to the ideals of JMV, discerning always the signs of the times from the prism of our Marian and Vincentian vocation, and moving courageously to concrete and practical action on behalf of the poor.

         May the Blessed Mother continue to guide you in your journey towards greater participation in the work and mission of her Son, Jesus Christ, the Evangelizer of the poor.  May our Father, St. Vincent de Paul, be our constant inspiration in our efforts to be Christ’s instruments of peace, solidarity and communion.

Your brother in St. Vincent de Paul,

G. Gregory Gay, C.M.

Superior General