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On April 24-27, the First Asian Encounter of JMV National Councils is celebrated in the National Shrine of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Muntinlupa City, Manila, Philippines with the theme, “With Christ, be Life in the Lives of Others.”This is the second in the series of encounters in preparation for the Second JMV General Assembly.
This encounter, which was called for by the Director General, Fr. Robert Maloney last January 10, is participated in by some 45 delegates with 20 foreigners and 25 Filipinos. Despite the seemingly small number of participants, without doubt, this will have a great influence for the future of JMV in Asia, considering the quantity of members that the Association has in each country.
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The following provides an idea of the scope of the meeting
Country, Representatives and Number of Members
Vietnam – 4, 3,000
Indonesia – 4, 41
Taiwan – 4, 70
Japan – 3,0
North India – 1, 2,775
Philippines – 26,100, 000
International Council – 2
Invited Guests – 1
          The National Council of the Philippines headed by Sonia Briones (CoM President), Fr. Raymond Regua CM and Sr. Novella Borjal, DC (National Directors) magnificently prepared the encounter. The first day started with displays of cultural dances, colorful costumes, use of incense·typical of this side of the world. Â
In the afternoon of the 24th was the presentation of delegates. The Opening Liturgy was presided by Fr. Regua, National Director. Then, an agape held outdoors with the families of the parishioners who housed the participants followed.
On the 25th , after the morning prayers prepared by group from India, Ana Maria Escaˆo formally welcomed the participants in behalf of the Internatinal Council. The whole morning was maximized with the presentation of two conferences:
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â History of JMV, by Fr. Pedro Castillo,CM
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â History of JMV in the Philippines, by Fr. Teodoro Barquin,CM
Afterwards, each country presented the reality of the youth and the situation of the Association. Emphasized were the strong social commitment that the JMV of Asia has, good integration of the Marian and Vincentian identity, clear immersion of the groups in the parishes and dioceses (generally, 90% of the groups function in diocesan parishes), a great desire to grow in number of members and to present in a dynamic and attractive manner the Association. One thing that was unanimously sought for was the good formation program for the members and advisors.
          The day ended with a Eucharistic celebration, facilitated by the delegation from Indonesia and presided by Fr. Paulus Dwintarto. Afterwards, were an outdoor dinner and the cultural night celebration. Each delegation presented the best of the East with their songs, dances and typical costumes.
On Tuesday the 27th, they started the day with a morning prayer, beautifully prepared by the Sisters of Vietnam. Thanks to technology, they were able to enjoy the “virtual presence” of the Director General, Fr. Maloney, who aside from being spiritually united with them, has been made even closer through a wonderful video-conference entitled “Spiritual Values to be Fostered by Leaders of the JMV in the Third Millennium.”
Then, Ana Maria Escaˆo presented the second conference, “Roles and Functions of the members of the National Council in JMV.” In the afternoon, there was a workshop wherein the groups look for common lines of action and make some commitments that will guide the journey of JMV in Asia in the years to come. Entrusting their work and efforts to the Lord, they celebrated with joy the Eucharist which was presided by Fr. Pawel Wierzbicki,CM, a Polish missionary from Taiwan. An outdoor dinner and city tour followed.Â
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Thanks to Pamela B. Mantuhac for this translation.
Tags: Vietnam
