Day Two of the General Assembly

Salamanca 2015

We began this second day of our Assembly with the celebration of the Eucharist, recalling the life and the ministry of the Apostle, James.  The liturgy was prepared by the delegation from Spain and was presided by Fr. José Francisco Orozco.

In the Assembly Hall Father Celestino Fernández, CM (Province of Madrid) gave a presentation on the theme of the Assembly, Evangelized, we evangelize!  The presentation focused on the Vincentian contribution to the new evangelization.  The delegates were challenged to give witness to the gospel … to give that witness regardless of the situation in which they might find themselves and to also do so through prophetic denunciation.  The delegates were further challenged to give witness in the midst of their specific political situation and to be mindful of using the social media networks.

The delegates then worked together in small groups, reflecting on some questions related to the previous presentation.  Then in the Assembly Hall the results of our discussion and reflection were shared with all the delegates.

The afternoon began with a panel discussion on the theme, Young men and women, evangelized and evangelizers!  Karmen Kunc (International Councilor – Europe) introduced four young people from four continents, each one from a very different reality and led them in a very enriching dialogue on their experience of being evangelized and on their varied experiences of reaching out to evangelize others.

Fr. Irving Amaro (International Sub-director) then presented a financial report of the VMY.  After that report the delegates divided into groups in order to participate in various workshops.  English – affective education and leadership in the VMY; French – the Marian characteristic of the Association and systemic change; Spanish – Vincentian spirituality and projects in the area of self-financing.

The day concluded with a Marian Vigil that had been prepared by the delegation from Slovakia.

Text of other reports in multiple languages…

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Day 3

Sunday’s liturgy was prepared by the delegation from Brazil and presided by Father Mizael Poggioli — and thus began the third day of the General Assembly

In order to accomplish the first part of our work, we divided into small groups in order to discuss a section of Evangelii Gaudium.  As we concluded our discussion we were asked to make note of some specific commitments that as an Association should take on, commitments that would highlight the missionary character of our Association.  This was followed by a meeting by continent in which the participants discussed matter that were specific to their continent.

We then divided into advisors and non-advisors.  The non-advisors participated in a panel discussion that was led by Ghislain (International Councilor from Africa).  During that panel a representative from the various branches of the Vincentian Family spoke about their specific group and this way the delegates were able to know more about the different branches and the Vincentian Family as whole.  Meanwhile the advisors met with Father Irving Amaro International Sub-director) and shared their reflections with regard to their role as advisors; they were also able to revise the document that was sent to the National Council with regard to the person of the advisor.

At the beginning of the afternoon session, Father Gregory Gay (Director General) presented the candidates for International President: Ricardo Sousa (Portugal) and Rafael Cruz (Brazil).  These individuals were interviewed by Father and also responded to various questions from the delegates.  This was immediately followed by a straw ballot.  The delegates that departed for a tour of Salamanca.

The Latin American countries presented the evening of entertainment.

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Day Four of the General Assembly

We have moved beyond the midway point in our General Assembly and now after many hours of work, reflection and sharing, today July 27^th was highlighted by the election of the International President.  Because of the great significance of our work today, we began with prayer that had been prepared by the delegation from the Dominican Republic.  We were invited to be steadfast in our faith and to pray.  Furthermore we were invited to place all the decisions that were to be made today in the hands of God … the Blessed Sacrament remained exposed throughout the day.

After prayer the delegates divided into language groups and participated in various workshops.  The English speaking group participated in a workshop on systemic change and evangelization; the French speaking group participated in a workshop on the develop of affectivity and self-financing projects; the Spanish and Portuguese speaking group participated in a workshop on the Marian character of our Association and the importance of leadership within the Association.

Then, in the Assembly Hall there was a video presentation on the Vincentian Youth Gathering and World Day 2016 (both events will be held in Krakow (Poland).  Daniel Malmierca (a delegate from Spain) then shared some reflection on the exposition of the first day, that is, the exposition that deal with the VMY on the peripheries.  The delegates then prepared proposals that were to become part of the Final Document.

The afternoon began by sharing our reflections with regard to the content of the Final Document.  We listened to the ideas of the various language groups as well as ideas that were presented by the redaction committee.  There was a good discussion during which delegates made various contributions to this document.

The delegation from the Philippines prepared today’s Eucharist that was presided by Father Gregory Gay.  Today Mass was celebrated in the Assembly Hall since the election of the new President immediately followed the Eucharist.  There were three candidates for President: Ricardo Sousa (Portugal), Rafael Cruz (Brazil) and Yancarlos Carasco (Dominican Republic).  Yancarlos was elected on the first ballot (with at least a majority +one of the votes) as the new International President of the Vincentian Marian Youth Association.

The African countries provided the evening’s entertainment.