Third Meeting of the Vincentian Family in Sniatyn – 2012

The international site of the Daughters of Charity reports that the third meeting of the Vincentian Family was held on April 28-29 in Sniatyn, Ukraine. The title of the meeting was, “With Renewed Charity, We Serve Those Who Are Poor.” Pilgrims came from practically all of the Ukraine. Representatives from Russia, Belorussia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Chicago and also students from the Cameroon and India were present. In all, there were more than 400 people. The meeting had an ecumenical character because there were participants from diverse denominations.

Everyone was welcomed by Father Tomaž Mavrič, CM, Vice-Visitor of the Vice-Province of Saints Cyril and Methodius and by the mayor of the city of Sniatyn, Mr. Anatol Szumko.

The participants heard several interesting talks. Sister Anna Brzęk, Visitatrice of the Daughters of Charity of the Province of Krakow, spoke as part of the preparation for the First Eucharistic Congress in the Ukraine. Her conference, “Blessed Sister Marta Wiecka and the Eucharist”showed that Sister Marta loved Jesus hidden in the Eucharist and at the same time, Jesus hidden in those who are poor, whom she served with all her heart.

After the talks there was a concert prepared by the respective groups of the Vincentian family. At the end of the day, a solemn Eucharist was celebrated. Then the pilgrims walked in a candlelight procession through the streets of Sniatyn to the tomb of Blessed Sister Marta. There a celebration of thanksgiving and intercession for the Vincentian Family was held.

The next day, during novena devotions, the pilgrims had the opportunity to venerate the relics of Sister Marta. The meeting ended with the Eucharist presided by Bishop Milan Šašik, CM.

The time of personal prayer and reflection at the tomb of Sister Marta had been a very important moment for the participants. With a lot of emotion I observed each face on which one could see pain, grief, a prayer request for relief, for healing of a sick son, conversion of parents, the release from alcoholism for a son or a father, peace in the family…

We believe that this Third Meeting of the Vincentian Family in Sniatyn has contributed to the growth of our faith. It will strengthen our Vincentian vocation and spark a new dynamism in the service of those who are poor in all members of the great Vincentian Family.

Sr Halina Luptowicz, Daughter of Charity in Sniatyn