Newsletter of the Congregation of the Mission May - 2018 Communication Nuntiawww.cmglobal.org Congregatio Missionis @CMissionis CMglobal.org Office

A dream called Akamasoa, Page 02 The Province of Colombia PreparesPage 04 Chaplain of the Camp of Burundian Page 05 the visit to Rome of Father Pedro Opeka, CM for the Celebration of its 150th Anniversary Refugees (Rwanda) Paris: “With a missionary heart in Page 08 Third CIF Encounter for the Page 12 Strengthening VMY and Founding Page 13 the heart of the city,” Vincentian Family New Associations around the World

General Information Page 15 General Curia A dream called Akamasoa, the visit to Rome of Father Pedro Pablo Opeka, CM

ElenaThe visit Grazini, to Rome Press of ServiceFather PedroOffice Pablo Opeka, CM, had a double purpose: to make known the work done in the Mission of among the most Amakasoa’s poor people are always present in his- forgotten poor and to collect funds to continue thoughts and in his life, as he conveyed in these that work in Akamasoa. At the press conference held words, “I often get angry at the media, because des in Rome, Father Pedro said, “When people see that pite the fact that many governments could help end poverty, they are kept as spectators, and this makes me angry.” - continuetheir financial giving.” contributions, donated generously, - are being well invested for the good of the poor, they He also recalled what it means for him to be a Vin whocentian never missionary hide the intruth, Madagascar, seek to “livingbe clear in when Aka wemasoa face is, problems. first of all, We action, do not not ignore words. them. Those We of face us, The press conference was attended by, among others, Monaco,the Superior and General,, Father who will Tomaž continue Mavrič, supporting CM, and has worked in Madagascar, among the poor of the the Ambassadors to the Holy See from , earth.them. ThatThe nameis sincerity.” that this For work 40 years, has taken, Father Akama Opeka- new works that, like this one, can be carried out soa, means “good friend” in the local language. That inFather other Opeka’s parts work.of the They world offered for the their benefit backing of the to is the name of this incredible adventure, which he poorest. Those who have been able to share close- - - started 29 years ago, not as a dream, but as a con ly with Father Pedro Opeka discover in him a Vin creteIt all beganreality. in 1989, in the dump of , centian man, who expresses with simplicity, in the the capital of Madagascar. The poor, after having words of Saint Vincent, what the poor mean to him, - they “are my burden and my sorrow.” been expelled from cities and fields, saw this gar 2 Nuntia General Curia

debris in order to seek their livelihood. The children bage dump as their last refuge. They dug among the - tionslept spread. covered This in flies.image, There, of men, young women, and oldand died,chil- drenwithout living anyone in inhuman bothering conditions, to bury them. broke Prostitu Father

fromOpeka’s local heart. religious Thus, communities, he began searching Father Pedro for a waywas ableto help to developthe poor. his Thanks idea of to ​​how some to aid, help first people received help

dump. Whoever was willing to work there could producethemselves. bricks, There slabs, was and a gravel, granite which, quarry when near sold, the -

Fatherwould havePedro, been the sufficient inhabitants only of to the buy garbage rice and dump nou united,rish the began family. to In sell this and, way, with under their the work, guidance a bit of hope came into view.

Fr. Pedro Opeka, CM This magnificent work speaks for itself: living in the villages of Akamasoa. Each of these Pope Francis 25,000 people benefited from the social project and - re,towns and hascrafts. schools, a dispensary, and workplaces Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM for adults: quarries, masonry, carpentry, agricultu itsIn 2014,presence Akamasoa and action was inrecognized the island’s by thegeneral State so as- ciala public functioning. interest At project, the base confirming of Father the Pedro’s need so for- 30,000 poor come to Akamasoa each year seeking specific help: food, medicine, and clothing. him/herself. thanks to the schools built. cial project is the idea of helping the person to help 13,000 children benefit from a scholastic education, what it meant for him to meet with Pope Francis. Recently, Father Pedro recounted the experience of 3,000 houses have been built.

The meeting, together with Father Tomaž Mavrič,- CM, took place on 28 May at the Vatican. “It was a meeting with a very serene man, in which one fee “that,ls the aspeace the Bishopshe lives ofand, Madagascar above all, had very invited close himand tofriendly.” visit the “I wonderful suggested island, to him,” then said I too Father invited Opeka, him

- to Akamasoa. There he would discover the joyful andwelcome live a of new thousands life, to which, of children Pope Francisand young showed, peo ple who today have been able to overcome poverty

with a gesture, his assent, availability, and joy.”

Nuntia 3 Province of Colombia The Province of Colombia Prepares for the Celebration of its 150th Anniversary

This year the Province of Colombia begins its preparation for the 150thanniversary of the arrival of the first Lazarist missionaries. Each year the members of the province will deepen their understanding of their Vincentian spirituality, allowing themselves to be enlightened and animated by the three verbs that Pope Francis used during his encounter with the members of the Vincentian Family at the time of the Vincentian Symposium (October 2017: Rome). Those three verbs were: to adore, to welcome and to go.

Fr. Carlos Albeiro Velásquez Bravo, CM Seminarist Andrés Felipe Rojas SaavedraExplanation of the Logo: The map of Colombia outlined with a green ribbon

The waves of the flags form the image of wings, wings indicates the missionary movement of the sons of St. hisof the mission Holy wouldSpirit whohave anointedbeen fruitless. Jesus of Nazareth to constantVincent throughoutfrom the time this of their vast arrival national until territory the present and evangelize the poor (cf. Luke 4:16-20), without which even beyond its borders … a movement that has been day. The geographical extremes of Colombia (Gugjira and tothe go Amazonas, to the ends Nariño of the and earth, Arauca) to theand peripheriesthe flags form of The profound gaze of Vincent de Paul expresses the a cross and affirm the missionary command of Christ thosedepth pioneers, perception Gustavo of his piercingFoing, CM eyes and and Agusto the eyesRieux, of Christ. CM.each member of the Province … a reality that began with the world and there proclaim the good news of Jesus

Three elements give the logo an integral unity: water The waves with the colors of the French flag (on the left (the waves of the sea), land (the outline of the map) and side of the logo) and the Colombian flag (on the right side air (the breath of the Spirit and missionary vitality). arriveof the atlogo) the portexpress of Buenaventura. the missionary Therefore, zeal that the led French those colorsindividuals are planted to travel in Colombiaacross the and ocean the andColombian ultimately, colors to The logo itself invites us TO ADORE (to cultivate the interior life), TO WELCOME (to give oneself to others) and TO GO (to move out beyond oneself). are projected outward toward other lands. 4 Nuntia Region of Rwanda and Burundi

Official Prayer for the 150th Anniversary Lord God almighty, you sent forth your Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit to proclaim Good News to the poor. You also gifted Vincent de Paul with the charism of service on behalf of the world’s most abandoned and forgotten men and women. We give you thanks for the presence of the Vincentian missionaries during these past 150 years. We give you thanks for their commitment of service on behalf of the poor and in service of the formation of good priests. We pray today that you give us the grace to be faithful to the legacy that you have entrusted to us. Help us to inculturate and to incarnate the charism of Vincent de Paul in today’s world. Help us to do this with a charity that is inventive, with hearts that are simple, humble and gentle, and with zeal that is on fire and that impels us to go forth to satisfy the material and the spiritual needs of those who are suffering. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. Chaplain of the Camp of Burundian Refugees at Mahama in Rwanda (Africa)

Fr. Henri Matsinga, CM, Capellán Rwanda-Burundi Region, Province of Colombia. I was born on 5 March 1983 in the Democratic Re- At the Symposium of the Vincentian Family, which- took place from 13-15 October 2017 in Rome, the campSuperior of Mahama General, in Tomaž Rwanda. Mavrič, Following asked up me on to that in experiencepublic of Congo took (RDC).place inI wasBurundi, ordained where a CatholicI spent form him of my mission in the Burundian refugee priest on 15 January 2017. My first missionary- ted the call to serve refugees of the Mahama camp. request, I would like to write to you, Father Tomaž, Thisabout camp six months. is located Beginning in the easternin April part2017, of I accepRwan- these few lines about my mission. da, near the border with Tanzania in the diocese

First, I will introduce myself before presenting my- take care of the most vulnerable people. I like this viewsweekly with activities; refugee next, people a word who about participated the visit inof the of Kibungo. As a spiritual father, I have a duty to Bishops of Rwanda and Burundi; finally, two inter sentence from Saint Vincent de Paul: “I cannot love- Christmas and New Year 2018 games organized at God if my neighbor does not love him.” That is why, 1.the campPresentation by the chaplaincy. of the chaplain beginning in April 2017, as part of the 400th Jubi- lee of the Vincentian charism, in order to be closer - to the poor, the Rwanda-Burundi Region of Vincen tian Fathers wanted to send a missionary to serve I, Father Henri Muvugha Matsinga, am a Vincen the refugees. I wholeheartedly received this new Nuntiatian Missionary of the Congregation of the Mission, mission to serve the poor, my brothers and sisters,5 Region of Rwanda and Burundi

help them face these dangers. victimsThe Mahama of the RefugeeBurundian Camp conflict. is in Rwanda, Africa. It is why we feel the duty, with the grace of God, to is located on the Kibungo – Rusumo road. From Ki-

The camp is near the border with Tanzania. Thanks othersThe Mahama to Tanzania refugee and camp Uganda. arose In out the of theMahama 2015 tobungo this location,to the camp there there is a lotare of about movement 67 kilometers. between Burundian conflict. Some Burundians fled to RDC, the two countries. camp, they are about 56,000, mostly young people and children. Catholic Christians are about 18,000, internationalYoung people mindset. are looking For this, for the a people good future,of Ma- grouped in 20 Basic Christian Communities (BCC). but they are being influenced negatively by the situationAll these peopleis even need worse help in until Burundi they itself,return because to their home country. However, it should be noted that the hama camp are very exposed to various dangers; among2. Weekly others, activities contamination, especially HIV. That there is no peace in the country.

Monday Personal recollection ____

Tuesday Visits to the sick + Anointing of patients and Viaticum 9 am - noon Wednesday Visit to the Basic Christian Communities 9 am - noon

Thursday Adoration + Sacrament of Reconciliation 9 am - noon Friday Listening to Christians and counseling them. 9 am - noon Saturday Youth Supervision + Children’s Youth Club + Catechesis + Singing 7 am - 5 pm Classes + Adoration Sunday 1st Mass 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. – middle day 3. The Visit of the Bishops of Rwanda and Burundi on 7 November 2017

-

On that day, 14 Bishops from Burundi and Rwan- da, accompanied by some priests, visited the- tians.Burundian In addition, refugees other at Mahama people ofCamp. all categories They ce lebrated the Eucharist with about 18,000 Chris all. came to meet with the Bishops, about 40,000 in The Bishops sent a message of peace, forgive- ness, reassurance, and patience. They asked the- sedrefugees to do totheir pray best so thatto approach peace might the Burundian return to authoritiestheir country so ofthat origin. the refugeesIn addition, could they return promi to - eltheir regreso. countries. However, they asked the refu gees to pray and wait patiently for the return. 6 Nuntia Region of Rwanda and Burundi

4. Youth Supervision.

Among the activities of youth supervision, the great- Christmas and New Year 2018 games tournament thewas refugeeorganized camp. from There 1-18 Januarywere 31 2018. football/soccer This tour nament brought together the youth teams from and three seatball teams, and the participation of teams, seven volleyball teams, six basketball teams,

some 50 traditional Burundian dance clubs.

5. Overview of Christmas and New Year games 2018- - Generally, the matches went well. However, the ne and uniforms for the next tournament. gative was not lacking, as you can read in the in - I hope that the prizes will be announced soon. terviews presented here below. Nevertheless, for us the goal had been achieved: to build up unity Message: I thank those who helped us and I ask that and integration; to spread the message of fighting- against diseases, disorder, and drugs; and to invite - young people and children to like school and to en they continue to assist us, so that there are more joy vacation time to prepare for a promising future. activities that occupy us especially during the ho lidays. 5.1.Here I aream Egidethe interviews Manirakiza: of two young people. Age: 22 Sex:5.2. Im answer to the name of Majuwa Nduwimana Sex: m. Social status: single CivilAge: 32status: years married Disciple: dream dance Discipline: Abahizi Cultural association Religion: xxxxx Religion: Catholic *Positive aspects: *Positive aspects: - The games went well and we shared our goods - These games helped me to overcome sexual and news.

- The games helped us to reacquaint, to know each these games. other,roaming. and They to unite helped in the me cultural to avoid sense. disorder. - IThe thank games the chaplainhelped us for to getting have fun us togetherand rest toduring play

our- We traditions came together without to displaydiscrimination. our talents. the holidays and to avoid any kind of bad behavior. - There Traditional was a dancebalance helped in the us prizes, to find because ourselves all the in - In general, everything went well. clubs succeeded at something in certain disciplines. - I prefer that on future occasions there be more in- formation*Negative aspects:about the preparations. - cover and live the values and not to focus on the pri- from*Negative outside aspects; the camp. zes.- That the objective be well clarified: to seek to dis - InI hope terms that of discipline,in due course some we teams will receive brought prizes players in - a bad master. tinue to bless them. The games reached the goal of kind and not in money, because money can become Message: I thank the benefactors and may God con

Nuntia- I wish they would buy us more balls, sport shoes, drawing close to and mentoring young people. 7 Province of out that I was sent to the camp to respond to the call A final word: I would like to conclude by pointing service to the Lord’s vineyard and all this for the glory of God. Iof am the ministering Vincentian atCharism’s the camp 400th as a Jubilee, member “I ofwas the a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35).- andI thank the veryDiocese much of Kibungothose who in supportwhich the us camp materially is lo- da-Burundi Region. The service to the refugees is cated.and morally, especially the Rwanda-Burundi Region givenlocal communitywith the support of Vincentians of the Bishop of Kabgayi, of Kibungo, Rwan the priestly team of the parish of Rusumo, and the Long live Charity! Daughters of Charity who have served in the camp- Long live the Congregation of the Mission! mesince according well before to themy arrival.invitation These that refugee launched brothers us on Long live the Rwanda-Burundi Region! and sisters are the strangers we are trying to welco - Long live our Lords and Masters of the Camp: the Burundian Refugees in Mahama! the 400th Jubilee celebration. In my priestly missio nary ministry, I experience joys and sorrows in the Paris: “With a missionary heart in the heart of the city,” the Mother House celebrates 200 years

Fr. Bernard Massarini, C.M – Fr. Jean-Pierre Renouard, C.Mcould view some photos, original letters and various openedOur conference, with the entitled celebration “the Motherof the Eucharist. House at 200We Years: a Missionary Heart in the Heart of the City,” texts that the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and the- Daughters of Charity had shown previously at the- feast.chose Concluding the Liturgy the in Mass honor with of Mary,a brief Mother pilgrimage of the to UN exhibition in Geneva. At the Salle Baude we wel Church since Pope Francis had just established the visitorscomed some to our 100 Chapel. guests, including various lay peo ple, Daughters of Charity, CM missioners and regular the altars of the holy Fathers Clet, Perboyre, and to Sister Marvaux, D.C. from the Daughters’ house at the reliquary of St. Vincent de Paul, we then crossed over to the Salle Baude, a community hall, where we 8 Nuntia Province of France offering some details to enhance our participation. custom required that the general house be transfe- ThenLyon she was invited our moderator. Father Mauvais, She started Provincial off theof Fran day,- rredthat wasto Rome, essentially and the French. fact that But theas neitherfoundation, law northe remains of the founder and the largest number of communities were all in France, all this pointed settledce, to convene in this the neighborhood. conference. He He began also by reminded recalling to maintaining the Congregation in Paris. Indeed, that it was in November 1817 that confreres first keeping the Congregation of the Mission in France. us that, while we certainly do want to remember the General Assembly of 1724, decided in favor of the past and recall the missionary dynamism of- those confreres who first lived there, we also wish House at 95, Rue de Sèvres, starting with its We then proceeded to the history of the Mother- challengesto project in ourselves development: towards our location tomorrow. now includes Even to a day, this home at 95 rue de Sèvres continues to face general,beginnings we limited with 10 our confreres: attention 2to superiorsFathers Etienne gene ral, 7 priests and one brother. As for the superiors campus for Saint John University, housing for students and Boré. seeking doctorates, and even the reception study sucharea foras the the reception Augustinian of the Studies APA that Library. bring Thesetoge- therbuildings people also in high-risk support situations initiatives with for those solidarity who can help, the planning process for a welcoming

- day center for women at risk, and the opening of a kindergarten within the neighborhood. By means of at tending to today’s events in our history, he invited us to rediscover the missionary zest of our elders so that ourthe missionariesworld. of Saint Lazarus today continue to have hearts that beat for Jesus and thus, give life to Sister Marvaux noted that the persons discussed

Congregationduring this since symposium the Revolution, range during from periods 1787 toof 1956, that is to say, they trace the history of the wars. First of all, Monsieur Etienne, who would be the revolts of 1830 and that of the two great world - Before discovering ourselves at this new Saint riod of public procurator which had provided him - withSuperior an important General for mission. 31 years, A intemperamental addition to his man pe and political to his core, and despite the last biogra- Lazare, our second Mother House, our predeces sors had to go through great conflict in the struggle we do need to point out that Father Etienne organi- against Jansenism. Father Mezzadri (unfortunately phy that expressed reservations about his direction, prevented from being here personally), presented Whilethis to confreres us in an in introductory the seminaries and transitionalwere numerous, way, zed 14 new Lazarist provinces and witnessed the it’sas theimportant first crisis to noteexperienced that this by bubble the Congregation. was part of Daughters of Charity grow in number from 6,000 to people.20,000 Duringby the hisend time of his as superior,term. He he inaugurated did declare thehis complex at Berceau with the assistance of 30,000 serious tensions in the Church of France; bishops would have been received like a form of Gallicanism. notwere assure taking doctrinal part bycorrectness supporting with or their refusing teachers. to recognition of pontifical infallibility, for his silences advance to the priesthood any candidates who could This led to the closure of seminaries and instilled the Mother House as a model to be replicated throu- fear among the Polish and Italian confreres, belie- ghoutFaced withthe world, the growth which of caused the Company, much resentment. he would use

Nuntiaving that the Congregation was tied up with a conflict 9 Province of France

Monsieur Boré who succeeded him was a renowned orientalist. His vocation was born out of meeting - start in China, developing his scientific talents in fervent passion. He was soon ordained before being toItaly. Paris So he passionate met with was scientists he about with the whom missions, he shared he fi with a Lazarist father while traveling in the East, his hisnally passion could gofor to Chinese China. Onnature. his first Once return his abilities from China had been recognition he received funding to organize a posted to Turkey and worked with the Armenian- ded.community. The Sultan, During thankful the Crimean for their War, excellent he appealed work, to to found schools that would accept him taking scien- orderedthe Daughters the construction of Charity to of treat the Peacethe sick Hospital, and woun cu- scientific expedition to China. He departed in order - savingtific expeditions; the giant pandahe had and the Chineseopportunity deer. to His discover disco- rrently the Daughters of Charity’s home in this coun nearly 200 plant and animal species discovering and try. Boré would govern the congregation for only - hisfour political years. skillA contemporary and good sense historian as we notejudged his him choi a- very of the panda became the animal-emblematic cehighly of Monsieur capable administrator.Fiat as an Assistant, We too the can one appreciate that a Ge- Onceof Chinese back in diplomacy. France, he The never city ceased where hesharing discove his red the panda today bears the name of “New David”. neral Assembly would later choose as his successor. discoveries. Finally, while he acknowledged that China did not need Europe, he would always speak of We familiarized ourselves with Fathers John, David, hisThen joy cameat seeing Father so many Pouget, Chinese who become specialized Christians. in Perboyre, Pouget, Portal and Brother Carbonnier. All men were passionate about their sciences and filled - with the Holy Spirit. ble.exegesis. He avoided His study rationalism of the Pentateuch while blending allowed the him histo to- identify his principles for historical study of the Bi Speaking of Monsieur Jean, he was another famous the Internet, his research contributed much to the - orientalist, and although he may not be known on studies of the ancient languages Akkadian and Sume- rerical-critical faith takes study. on meaning. His courses He believed articulated that revelation we must and humanity within the historical perspective whe and third millennia before our era. Convinced that concrete, rather than on our magisterium. Soon be- ourrian. Western He would culture discover was many born tabletsout of theseof the pre-cul second- reflect theologically about history, focusing on the tures, he never stopped revisiting the Bible with all deepen his exhausting research, continuing to work oncoming this newblind understanding he would then oftake Scripture the opportunity that would to biblical texts and the knowledge of the surrounding - the finds he made. He demonstrated links between- cal milieu” to explain the culture of which Revelation later inspire the texts of Vatican II and would be in wascultures, a carrier. accompanying the birth of the idea of “Bibli cluded during St. John XXIII’s opening of the Council.- gation to go to China. But it was as a Bible instruc- - Monsieur Portal meanwhile, had joined the Congre ne ham, was also a naturalist. He struggled to get a Father David, a hale and hearty Basque and a genui tor that he began ministry in Nice. For reasons of 10 Nuntia Province of France - health he would join the Mission in Spain. There he schoolfamily, of was Delacroix, spotted the early painting on for artist his skillsfor the at empe pain- met Lord Halifax with whom he desired to convey ting and received a scholarship before joining the his passion for Catholicism. He founded a journal for uncomfortable with the debauched atmosphere of dialogue that would produce 50 issues, and he ror. Not having mastered that particular setting and opensupported to this, recognition decided otherwise. of the validity Following of Anglican this he ordinations. However, Pope Leo XIII, reputed still the members of the school, he would join that group- he was sent back to France to return to the task of plesof a wherepainter he recently created arrived paintings in forParis: the Ingres. Queen. OnceNow was asked not to meet Lord Halifax anymore and- well established, he traveled to Rome then joined Na nal Mercier would resume the dialogue although in like all the painters of his reign. secret.training seminarians. Only twenty years later, Cardi Napoleon abdicated, he had to go into exile in England There he met a poor girl whom he took under Once he was back in Paris he participated in the revi- intended for marriage. He was offered India but faith in the world of students. He founded the group preferredhis protection to return and to laterFrance. married. While participating Neither was in val of seminary studies while paying attention to the - alongside“TALA”, Young the poor Christian in disadvantaged Academics. neighborhoods, With Mme. a conference, Monsieur Nozo noticed him and invi Galicia, a mystic foundress of a lay association living toted host him him to return so that with he could him to participate the Lazarists. in making When the he patronage would establish. declined this commitment, Monsieur Nozo proposed he integrated young people into the activities that his house what it is today. It was Carbonnier who would adorn the walls with his art: the chapel, the refectory, He would influence Marcel Legault, Teilhard de acorridors, brother, andaware the that sacristy painting contain was so religious many creations service advanceChardin, elsewhere and Vincent to discover Lebbe. Henew moved frontiers. to theAll that rue that he has left us. Later he would agree to become hede founded Lourmel has where since he disappeared, died. He always the new wanted magazi to- for him. All his creations had demanded prayer and silence from him, clearly shown in what he painted. leftne “the his markseminary”, as a watchman, the Catholic a sower,magazine a discoverer “, the rue deof Grenelle, and even the community of Mrs. Galicia. He Around 4 pm, Father Gomez closed this beautiful day, recalling that the first Saint Lazarus had as a coat of new lands, inviting us to remember that must always arms on the door, the risen Lazarus, testifying to the keep the mindset that we are only travelers. - thesework offaces Jesus we who have transformed met brothers death who and were made both the tomb a fountain or symbol of life. By recalling all We then recalled the face of Saint John Gabriel Per Whether historians, a novelist, or orientalist, all come toboyre, their China’s children first to religion, recognized would saint. live This out his gem gift of of a very human and filled with passion for Christ. person who came from a family who would give five France and then in China. There he was soon arres- to speak to us about him, shining their rays produced tedhimself and inlived the through mission, a first passion in seminary that would formation bind him in byHe theirsuggested lives. to us that this house, which can so-

structure, lives on as a gathering place for various cu- usto hisof this. master His condemnationJesus whom he in wanted China for to havingimitate; pro his- metimes seem cumbersome, at least in its physical- pagateddaily prayer, an “abominable which he recited sect” beforepoints toMass, the remindsabsence rrents in our society, knowing how to combine theo logy, spirituality and the apostolate, three elements ruleof any of life.real motive. Fr. John Gabriel never failed in constituting the heritage left to us by Saint Vincent.- his identification with Christ, whom he had made his llengesWe will incontinue the world this and mission the Church. by reimagining how to live internationality and to respond today to the cha - - mirWe endedCarbonnier. the day This concerned native of Beauvais with the from beauty a poor that lik, C.M. Western Province, USA. adorns St Lazare, speaking of Brother François Casi Translation from French to English by Dan Paul Bor Nuntia 11 CIF Third CIF Encounter for the Vincentian Family

Fr. Andrés Motto, CM. Director of the CIF. This group of men and women of various ages and vocations revealed the intercultural and international The International Formation Center (CIF) held its ofthird men encounter and women for thefrom members various congregations of the Vincentian and absence of the Sub-Director, the participants helped in Family (April 10-May 11). This group was composed elements of the Vincentian Family. Because of the speaking distinct languages. The largest group of participantsassociations aswere well members as from many of the different Congregation countries, of various tasks and I was very pleased with this group clearbecause that, it in was the obviouswords of thatPope they Francis, wanted we spoke to learn. the Even with the reality of language difficulties it became the Mission: Alfredo León Navarro (Peru), Arturo Ernesto Hernández Gutiérrez (Mexico), Francisco universalDuring the language time oftogether, charity. there were various Ivo Nascimento Sousa (Brazil), Silvio Alfredo Batista presentations: Evangelize through use of the means Mitozo, (Brazil), Franciscus Hardjodirono (Indonesia) and Stephanus Rudy Sulistijo, (Indonesia). There were also members of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of of communication, Vincentian presence in means Mercy: Blasius Perang (Indonesia), Rofinus Banunaek of communication, saints of the Vincentian Family (Indonesia); The Sisters of Mary of the Miraculous (Elizabeth Ann Seton and Frederic Ozanam) [presented Medal: Ivančica Fulir (Croatia), Marie-Reine Avade by Joseph Agostino CM and Javier Chento], St. Vincent: (Benin) and Rolande Alafia (Benin); Daughters of resources and bibliography, Vincentian studies, Charity: Luz de María Tumialán Francia (Peru). Sisters Vincentian spirituality and ethics [presented by André of the Holy Faith: Verónica Maguire (Ireland); Servants Motto], the Miraculous Medal: historical context and of the Precious Blood: Cunegonde Arlette Gómez servicethe apparitions on behalf (presented of the poor by within Jean the Daniel context Planchot], of the (Benin); Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul (Gijzegem): theology of the poor: Vincentian option for the poor and Nsafu Florentine Nzebo (Congo). Vincentian Family [presented by José Antonio Ubillús, We were happy to see an increase in the number of CM]. During the time of this encounter we added a new lay participants: Andrés Lizondro (Panama), Carlos element to the prayer component, namely, continuous Centeno (Panama), Mónica Cobos (Ecuador), Orlanda thereadings book offrom “Revelation.” the Bible [the first two chapters of the Rodrigues Alves (Brazil), Claudio Gastón Minuche book of Genesis] … will we at some point come to read BeninCórdova had (Ecuador), the largest Wirawan number Margoof participants (Indonesia). and theAs The three pilgrimages that we undertook enriched us you can see, a very varied group. Indonesia, Brazil and also reminded us of the fact that life itself is a pilgrimage majority of lay persons were from America. in our understanding of the Vincentian charism and 12 Nuntia Vincentian Family and during that pilgrimage we must be attentive to our

spiritual development. Our first pilgrimage included pilgrimageRichelieu, Perigueux,included Gannes, Sarlat-La-Canéda, Follleville and Le Berceau,Amiens andBuglose, our third Pouy, pilgrimage Dix, Lourdes, included Angers. Taizé, Our Châtiillon, second

placesAnnecy. where We poor also tookpersons two are tours being of served. the significant During Vincentian places in Paris and added visits to those General of the Congregation of the Mission) and Sister the time of our encounter Father Tomaž (Superior

Kathleen Appler (Superior General of the Daughters of Charity) visited us, enlightened us with their insights and helped us to deepen our love for the Vincentian Family.

moreProposal information for next year:write [email protected] participants and so please take note of the dates: May 3rd – May 27th, 2019. … for “Here I Am” Strengthening VMY and Founding New Associations around the World

Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, C.M. Director General JMV With hearts full of gratitude for last year’s 400th Anni- fifth century, we are very much encouraged that each versary of the Vincentian Charism and as we begin its member of the Vincentian Family, as well as the Fami-

Nuntia 13 General Curia ly as a whole, becomes more and more engaged in the sible. The international team of the VMY Secretariat is life of the Church and the world. One very clear sign available to any Congregation, school, parish, or young of commitment and vitality is the different initiatives person in other parts of society who would like to know in which we are involved and in which we encourage more about the VMY Association, receive materials, others to take part. guidance, and help in founding and accompanying a new group. You can write its members there in many The Vincentian Marian Youth Association (VMY), one different languages. of the branches of the Vincentian Family, is beginning 2018 with, among other things, the initiative, “Here I am,” to strengthen in every possible way the existing VMY groups around the world, as well as to become more active members within the Church and in the world.

This active involvement and engagement in the countries where the Vincentian Marian Youth is already present surely will encourage others –parishes, schools, youth in different areas of society– to form new VMY groups in the given country, as well as to found Vincentian Marian Youth groups in countries where the VMY is not yet present.

Dear members of the different women and men’s Congregations of the Vincentian Family around the world, I would like to invite and encourage you:

1. to found new groups of Vincentian Marian Youth in the countries where the VMY already exists; and 2. to found groups of Vincentian Marian Youth in countries where the VMY still is not present.

To Jesus through Mary: During the apparitions to Saint The Director of the VMY International Secretariat, Catharine Labouré, Our Lady expressed this very clear Father Irving Amaro, CM, will send you a letter shortly wish, “I would like an Association of Youth founded!” with the details of the project. This wonderful and extraordinary invitation and wish came from Jesus and Mary themselves. I would like to ask the Superiors General and through them the Visitatrices and Visitors of For us, this invitation and wish become nothing less the different Congregations within the Vincen- than a clear sign that we must do everything possible to tian Family, who decide to found a new group or make Jesus and Mary’s invitation and wish a reality in groups of VMY in a given country, to name a sister, the places and countries where the VMY already exists priest, or brother as coordinator. They then should by founding new groups and by introducing VMY into inform the Director of the VMY International countries where it is not yet present and founding it Secretariat in Madrid, Spain, so that he can help the there. newly appointed leaders to organize the new groups.

The International Secretariat of the Vincentian Marian I encourage and invite all of us, as members of the Youth, which has its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, Vincentian Family, to do everything possible so that has prepared a project to help found new groups of this initiative will bear much fruit and bring, God Vincentian Marian Youth in as many countries as pos- willing, many new vocations to the consecrated life. 14 Nuntia General Curia General Information

NOMINATIONES / CONFIRMATIONES

CHITTOOPARAMBAN Varghese (Biju) 02/05/2018 Director DC - South India Director DC- Slovakia GARAJ Jozef 16/05/2018 (Confirmed) Director DC - Sardinia ZEDDE Italo 16/05/2018 (Confirmed)

ORDINATIONES

COSTE BENÍTEZ Yan Carlos Sac POR 28/04/2018 VALDÉZ MENDOZA Alfredo Ramón Sac ARG 12/05/2018 CEPIELIK Maciej Sac POL 19/05/2018 DUCHNIK Grzegorz Sac POL 19/05/2018 FILHO DA SILVA Arthur Ricardo Sac FOR 22/05/2018

NECROLOGIUM

Nomen Cond. Dies Ob. Prov Aet. Voc. DE BARRAU Raymond André Sac 04/05/2018 FRA 83 65 SLEVIN Peter J. Sac 05/05/2018 HIB 81 63 MOLINA RÍOS Emilio Sac 20/05/2018 CAE 86 69 TELUS Jan Sac 21/05/2018 POL 72 55 TOSCANI Giuseppe Sac 23/05/2018 ITA 89 66 DEVEUX Prosper Amand Sac 24/05/2018 CNG 91 67 BOMBA Władysław Sac 27/05/2018 POL 80 61 KLEMBA Leopold Sac 28/05/2018 CUR 83 64 JANSEN Frans Pierre Sac 29/05/2018 CNG 89 69

CONGREGATION OF THE MISSION - GENERAL CURIA Via dei Capasso, 30 – 00164 ROMA Tel: +39 06 661 30 61 -– Fax: +39 06 666 38 31 - Email: [email protected]

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