VMY Athens, Greece

“Together in Faith. Together in Hope. Together in Love for Christ”, a refrain from its official hymn. These are the inspiring words that capture the very existence of VMY Greece. Established on October 28, 2009, VMY Greece is comprised of Filipino youth members presently residing in Athens, Greece and is under the guidance of the Spiritual Director of the Filipino Community of Athens, Greece, Sister Emma Rivero of the Daughters of Charity. VMY Greece conducts various activities that empowers the youth to enter into communion with God and serving the Church. Its common activities are the following:

(a) Prayer Group Meetings, facilitated by an Adult Coordinator.  It is a house-to-house evangelization and a visit of each youth member done every Sunday with the praying of the rosary and bible sharing and study;

(b) Monthly VMY Group Sessions which is a whole day activity done every 4th Sunday of the month wherein all VMY members gather together as one family in unity and prayer as well as in-depth discussions of relevant topics and issues concerning the youth and group dynamics on Vincentian and Marian spiritual upliftment.  For this year 2011, themes of the sessions will focus on Vincentian Spirituality; and

(c) Participation in the Sacraments, Liturgical and Para-Liturgical Celebrations and other religious festivities as called by the diocese wherein its members serves as the choir, instrumentalists, altar servers , lectors and commentators.

Furthermore, VMY Greece extends its support in the apostolate of the Vincentian Family in Greece in serving the community of Greek elderly people at “Kalos Samaritis” in Pefki. It also participates in its annual celebration of the Feast of our Lady of the Miraculous Medal of providing food and gifts, bringing smiles and joy to the elderly people through musical and dance presentations.

In preparation for the upcoming Vincentian Youth Gathering and World Youth Day 2011, VMY Greece has launched last June 20, 2010 the “Good Deed for Madrid Bazaar” which aims to raise funds so as to provide financial assistance to those members who will join the said events. The bazaar which is done every second Sunday of the month features all sorts of items for sale from food and refreshments and religious items,  to clothing and other personal accessories. In addition, VMY Greece also conducted a Christmas Caroling activity to different households during the Christmas holidays as part of its fund-raising campaign.

VMY Greece also has celebrated its one-year anniversary last October 24, 2010 with the theme, “WE ARE ONE IN CHRIST” and sang for the very first time its official hymn entitled “TOGETHER” composed by its Youth Leader, Thadeus Mendoza.