International Student Youth Movement in Ukraine makes Plans #IamVincent

by Aidan R. Rooney, C.M. | May 26, 2016 | News, Vincentian Family

A Youth Movement is a decidedly Vincentian thing. Ever since the Blessed Mother told St. Catherine Labouré to get moving, we’ve been at it. Catherine wrote to Fr. Aladel:

The Most Holy Virgin wants you to found an association of “Children of Mary.” You will be its superior, and to you and its members abundant graces will be given.

The groups grew rapidly, initially in France and then throughout the world. In this century they knew a period of decline, but in the last 20 years they have undergone a remarkable resurgence.

Many of you will be at the International Gathering of Vincentian Youth in Poland – the “Vincentian Youth Days” this summer. Don’t forget to Facebook, Tweet and Instagram #famvin2016 . And get to know this group! I’m sure some of them will be there! They just sent us this news:

The 7^th International Movement of Catholic Students national pilgrimage was held in Kharkov from April 29 – May 1, 2016. The theme for the Pilgrimage was GOD IS NOT INDIFFERENT. The guest speaker at the Pilgrimage was Fr. Riccardo Sasso, CM. In attendance were 280 students from Ternopil, Lviv, Sumy, Zaparozhie, Kiev, Odessa, Poltava and the host city, Kharkov. Fr Jan Martincek, CM, the National Coordinator declared the beginning of the pilgrimage with a beautiful reflection on the theme of the Pilgrimage.

During his presentation, Fr Riccardo explained to the students in concrete terms, the reality of drugs and alcohol addiction in contemporary society. Through love in the community, addicts can find their way back. Love is able to reintegrate addicts to the community and society. He further explained to the students the work of the “community in dialogue” towards the rehabilitation of addicts. He gave a presentation of how God through the Holy Spirit, inspired Padre Matteo who founded the very first home for the rehabilitation of addicts.

The pilgrimage ended with a Mass of thanksgiving in which certificates of merit were awarded to deserving students for their efforts in promoting the activities of IMCS. Also new officers were appointed by the National Coordinator to serve as leaders for 2016/2017 academic year. The social evening on Saturday, April 30, featured dances and different games that kept the students happy and relaxed.

Nice news, isn’t it. Young Vincentians, struggling with the same problems, and sharing the same charism. Every one of them finding creative ways to be and to say #IamVincent!