Visit to VMY Mexico 2011

Visit to the VMY in Mexico

November 18-20, 2011

NFrom November 18-20, 2011, Yasmine Cajuste (International President) and Argelys Vega (International Councilor) visited the Association in Mexico on the occasion of the National Assembly: 2011, which was celebrated within the context of the 150^th anniversary of the Vincentian Marian Youth — the Sons and Daughters of Mary in Mexico. Among the different participants in the Assembly we mention here the Visitatrix of the Daughters of Charity, Sister Graciela Rubio, DC and the Visitor of the Congregation of the Mission, Father Silviano Calderón Soltero, CM.

On the first day, Friday the 18^th, there was an Extraordinary Assembly of the counselors, a presentation by Father Honorio on the theme “To Jesus through Mary” and a tour of the zoo in Animaya and the beach in Progreso.  During the tour and mindful of the advice of the Blessed Virgin to Saint Catherine Laboure, namely, “to be faithful”, the participants prayed the rosary and this provided them with an opportunity to reflect on the different dimensions of fidelity: searching for and accepting the will of God, coherent and consistent throughout one’s life.

Saturday, November 19^th, was a time set aside for formation.  The day began with the celebration of the Eucharist at which Bishop Emilio Carlos Berlie Belauzarán was the main celebrant.  In a very familiar manner the Bishop invited the young women and men to take the risk and embrace God’s plan for their life. Later in the morning Argelys and Yasmine spoke about the international dimension, the missionary character and the need for financial independence within our Association.  There was time to answer some of the questions of the participants.  Later, the young people who participated in the International Gathering of Vincentian Youth and World Youth Day had the opportunity to share the joy that they experienced as a result of being part of the international Vincentian Family and being able to visit the chapel on the Rue du Bac (Paris, France), the place where the apparitions took place.

Throughout the day we continued to reflect on the theme “Be, and don’t just appear to be” as we studied different biblical passages, as well as the distinctive virtues and characteristics of our Association.  During the evening we participated in a Holy Hour which was dedicated to the same theme.  Since this was the last night that we would be together, there were songs and dance and other presentations in which the young people and the adults were able to demonstrate their artistic talents.

On Sunday, November 20, the National Assembly was celebrated and there was an opportunity to share with the larger Vincentian Family.  During the celebration of the Eucharist some of the young people made their solemn consecration and all those who had previously consecrated themselves renewed their promises at this time.  There was an invitation to live more authentically what we are called to be.  After the Eucharist the different delegations said good-bye and, with a greater desire to be and to serve, traveled back to their places of origin.

During the Assembly the Visitors gifted the Association with a reliquary that contained relics of Saint Vincent, Saint Louise and Saint Catherine.

This visit was very enriching for all.  Having celebrated the 150^th anniversary of the Vincentian Marian Youth – the Sons and Daughters of Mary in Mexico, we feel animated to live a profound renewal that allows us to be faithful to the Association and to the Church in Mexico, as well as to the plan of the Blessed Virgin.  So we entrust the present and the future of the Association to our Lady of Guadalupe and we give thanks to God for the witness of so many who over the years have been a part of our Association.