From July 5 to 7, representatives of the three zones where the groups of Vincentian Lay Missionaries in Venezuela are established: Sanare, Barquisimeto and Valencia, as well as members in formation from the cities of Maracaibo and Caracas, together with seminarians and Daughters of Charity Advisors from some zones, gathered at the Residence of the Congregation of the Mission in the city of Barquisimeto.

The motto of the Assembly, “New Wine, New Wineskins” (Mt. 9:17), was adopted from the recent International Assembly held in Colombia. This theme is significant as it symbolizes the renewal of the association in response to the signs of the times. The main purpose of the convocation was to assess the current state of the association in Venezuela and determine its future direction, guided by the action plans established at the International Assembly.

The Assembly commenced with the participation of the National Council, consisting of President Blanca González, National Secretary Carmen Colmenárez, and Advisors Sister Carina Rojas DC and Brother Luis Vizcaya CM. After confirming the attendance of all full members, formation members, and guests, a quorum was established. The event began with an opening Eucharist, during which Alejandro Castillo from Barquisimeto and Anai Montes from Sanare were inducted as full members. Father Freddy Araujo, a Piarist priest and collaborator with the Vincentian Family in Barquisimeto, also attended.

Missionary Juan Carlos Arroyo shared his experience at the International Assembly, where he was elected to the new International Council. He presented the action plans from the International Assembly, some of which will be implemented by MISEVI Venezuela.

Full Assembly.

Professor Pedro Castillo’s presentation on Spiritual Leadership emphasized the importance of serving and animating local groups and the National Council, following the example of Jesus the servant (Mt. 20:28). He posed a reflective question: “What is happening in the other person and in me, and how is the Lord acting in this regard?” The speaker encouraged recognizing both strengths and weaknesses in leadership, even more in a Church association, and that it must meet a series of qualities and skills, but always trusting in Divine Providence to achieve it.

The national missionary project, initiated this year during Holy Week in San José de los Naranjos, Carabobo State, and scheduled to conclude by 2028, was presented. Members shared their mission experiences, and the MISEVI Valencia Council outlined their plans for August and the coming years. The assembly members made significant contributions during this session.

Outgoing Board of MISEVI Venezuela.

Luis Vizcaya CM led a moment of prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, placing the election of the new National Team in the hands of the Lord and the Holy Spirit. Voting, as stipulated in the national statutes, resulted in the formation of the National Team for 2024-2028:

• President: Elena Mendoza from the Valencia Zone
• Secretary: Karen Godoy from the Barquisimeto Zone
• Treasurer: Yesenia Colmenárez from the Barquisimeto Zone
• Members: Elizabeth Pineda and María Pacheco from Sanare

A cultural performance by children and young people from St. Vincent de Paul School marked the end of Saturday’s events, followed by the Holy Missionary Rosary.

On Sunday, the closing Eucharist was held, where the newly elected National Team received a special blessing. The assembly expressed gratitude for the outgoing team’s contributions.

An official photo of the national team and all participants was taken before everyone returned to their respective zones, ready to share the experiences and learnings from the Assembly, deemed a KAIROS for the association and its members.

May Jesus, the evangelizer of the poor, and the Virgin Mary, Queen of the Missions, continue to guide and accompany us on this evangelizing journey.

Your brother in Christ.

Juan Carlos Arroyo Granadillo
Treasurer of MISEVI International

New Board of MISEVI Venezuela