From July 29 to August 1, one thousand three hundred young Vincentians from 55 countries met in Felgueiras for the International Meeting of Young Vincentians. The theme was a quote of Saint Vincent de Paul: “I belong neither here nor there, but wherever God wants me to be.” (CCD 9:10)

This meeting, which took place at the Felgueiras Secondary School, had these objectives: 1) to allow an experience of the universality of the church and the Vincentian charism, 2) to awaken the Vincentian missionary vocation and its transmission, as well as 3) to raise awareness of the relevance of the Vicentian charism.

July 29, the first day of the meeting, included the reception and welcoming of young Vincentians from various corners of the world, and the opening of the meeting, where each country had the opportunity to present a song and/or a dance typical of their country.

July 30th began with the Eucharist presided by the Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission and the Daughters of Charity and General Director of the Vincentian Marian Youth, Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM. Throughout the day the young people participated in workshops and training sessions on various topics: Laudato si’, mission, role of young people in politics, Vincentian Family, and youth and vocation, among others. At the end of the day, the young Vincentians joined other young people who participated in the “Days in the Dioceses” in Felgueiras for an international party.

The 31st of July began with the Eucharist presided by the Provincial Congregation of Mission and National Adviser of JMV, Fr. Pedro Guimarães, CM. Throughout this day, workshops and training sessions continued. In the evening, after dinner, the young people joined a candle procession and prayed the Rosary, a walk that began at the Felgueiras Municipal Hall and ended at the Sanctuary of Santa Quitéria.

August 1st was the day of farewell. Early in the morning the young people prayed the prayer of sending and headed to Lisbon for World Youth Day.

These were intense days when young people had the opportunity to share their Vincentian experiences and perceptions. Now that the meeting has ended, we pray that this time renews us in the hope of living the joy of the mission that Christ entrusted to us: the Vincentian way.

Source: JMV International Facebook page