VISIT TO FORTALEZA, 2008

The visit of Yasmine to the “Land of the Light” (Ceará) started with a meeting with the Provincial Advisors. Sr. Lenice das Neves and Fr. Francisco J. Oliveira. During this meeting they discussed about the Association and the reality of Brazil. On the afternoon of May 15, Yasmine visited the Seminary of the Congregation of the Mission. On May 16, she went to Ipu to meet the VMY group of this city; in the evening they celebrated the Eucharist at the ParochialChurch and they took dinner with the participation of some VMY ex-members.

On May 17 the Serra Regional Encounter (VI Mariama) took place with the participation of 6 groups. Through chants, plays and talks the members were able to know the International Dimension of VMY better. The day was marked by the coronation of Mary that was carried out by the representatives of all the present groups. In the evening Yasmine and Sr. Lenice travelled from Sao Benedito (State of Ceará) to Sao Luis (State of Maranhao).

May 18 was dedicated to visit the 4 groups of the MaranhoeRegion at their respective meeting places. This part of the visit concluded with the Eucharistic Celebration at St. José de Ribamar Parish as well as with the cultural show performed by the group of this city.

When they came back to Fortaleza, Yasmine was welcomed in the Provincial House of the Daughters of Charity, having the chance of greeting the present communities and knowing the “Provincial Archive” that had been renewed on occasion of the 50 anniversary of the DC Province. On the night of May 19, she visited “San Vicente de Paul Centre” and shared dinner with two VMY groups of this district.

On May 20, after a tour around the city, Yasmine met the Fortaleza region. As well as the presentation of the groups, the participants enjoyed a show of folkloric dances of the region; it was performed by a professional dancing group. The meeting with the young people and with the Fortaleza Advisors finished with a walk around the “Dragon del Mar” (a cultural centre).

An evaluation meeting with the VMY provincial Council marked the end of the visit to this Province. At noon, Yasmine, Sr. Lenice, Sr. Corina (Visitatrix) and the lay representatives of the Province went to Recife to attend the 5th National Assembly of VMY Brazil.