This represents the final installment of the reports from the meeting in Mexico on Systemic Change and the Vincentian Family.
Friday February 20, 2009 – Day Five and conclusion
Prayer in the last day was prepared by Mexican delegation. Sr. Maria Magdalena Garcia Alcalá DC conducted a reflection based on the text from Gospel of Mark 4,35. Fr Francisco Javier Garcia CM, Counselor of the Association of the Miraculous Medal in Mexico gave the benediction with the Blessed Sacrament.
After a delicious breakfast, participants gathered in the Sala Magna as previously, where Fr Maloney initiated this day’s workshops described below. They were held simultaneously, so the participants could choose one of these:
– “Microcredit as a tool for systemic change” led by Fr Norberto Carcellar CM;
– “The ministry and the art of fund raising” led by Mr. Gene Smith, SSVP;
both members of the Commission for Promoting Systemic Change.
Subsequently the material about systemic change and recognition of participation in it was presented. Fr. Maloney introduced the book “Seeds of Systemic Change. Stories of Systemic Change”, explaining Saint’s Vincent’s different ideas and facts, corresponding and present in systemic change: affective and effective love; evangelization in words and deeds; spiritual and corporal support; “Seeing Christ in the face of the poor”; Chatillon; constitutions and rules; simplicity; “little schools”; collaboration between all levels of society; represention in the courts.
Fr. Opeka, backed by his experience, explained the topic: “Considering calls of situation of the Poor and Vincentian way of response”.
Fr Maloney has led final questions and answers session, and thanked the Central Coordinating Committee of the Meeting. Also presented were assessments and concluding remarks.
After lunch, participants passed to Basilica de Guadalupe to attend the closing Mass presided by Fr Opeka and concelebrated by about 30 other priests.
Once back at Casa Lago, they had common dinner and emotional farewell ceremony concluded the meeting. Thus, the V Latin American Meeting of Vincentian Family (FAVILA) has finished.
Next day, Saturday, February 21,delegations began to leave Mexico and return to their countries.
According to the testimony from several participants, the objectives of the meeting were met and all returned to their home countries with a commitment to share with members of the local Vincentian Family benefits of this meeting. We returned to our ministries with the firm belief to continue work for the poor helped with pastoral tool of “systemic change”.
There are many services the Vincentian Family in Latin America and the Caribbean is undertaking in favor of the poor. Many of them are taken in perspective of systemic change. Some other should be redirected to the same direction. God bless our today and our future!
Let St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal intercede for us! Amen.
Tags: Mexixco, Systemic change, Vincentian Family
