Forty-First General Assembly of the Congregation of the Mission starts in Mason Mere on Monday, June 28, 2010. Most of the participants, Provincials, delegates, translators and other staff are on their way to Paris, or at least they are packing up. This convocation of the global community of Vincentian Priests and Brothers is marked by 350th anniversary of the death of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. In this atmosphere of joy and expectations some Confreres are already at work in Paris.
They came to Motherhouse on Friday from Latin American Provinces to hold their Visitors’ Conference’s special meeting. On Saturday, June 26, the session of Latin American Conference of Vincentian Provinces (CLAPVI) begun at 7:00 AM with the Eucharist chaired by Superior General and dedicated to late Fr. Eugenio Dirceu Keller CM, Visitor of Province of Curitiba who died on May 3.
After breakfast Visitors and delegates from Latin America gathered in Ozanam Room at Maison Mere, which is usually used for CIF sessions. Heads of Provinces of Barcelona and Zaragoza, Spain took part as well, since their members staff missions in Honduras. Also attending was Fr. José Antonio Ubillús, Assistant General. The chairman was Fr. Daniel Vásquez, Visitor of Colombia and President of CLAPVI presently. At the beginning they reviewed and worked on three-year pastoral plan (2008 – 2011). Afterwards, each Visitor reported on situation in his Province. In the afternoon Superior General joined the meeting. He welcomed participants and expressed his expectations and hopes of upcoming General Assembly.
Sunday, June 27 was planned as second day of the meeting. In the morning Fr. Daniel Vásquez presided the Sunday Eucharist. Afterwards, session resumed. Other Visitors continued delivery their reports. They also discussed other issues regarding preparations to General Assembly. One of the conclusions was that CLAPVI members would meet for several times during the Assembly to discuss current issues and reach agreement for some decisions. The meeting ended in lunchtime
Meanwhile, representatives from other Provinces will come in. North American Confreres are arriving to Paris in late afternoon. Those who will concelebrated Mass in St. Vincent’s chapel will be said in the evening. No other official events are planned for Sunday evening.
On Monday morning at 9:00 AM (0300 EST), June 28, Superior General, Most Rev. G. Gregory Gay CM will chair the votive Mass of St. Vincent de Paul initiating the Assembly. Visit us regularly for updated coverage of the event in Motherhouse.
[pictures courtesy of CM Province of Chile in Facebook]
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