VMY Greece embarked on another pilgrimage to Rome, Italy, this time, participating in the International Symposium of the Vincentian Family held last October 12-15, 2017. With the theme: "Welcoming the Stranger", VMY Greece joined together with thousands of delegates from the many branches of the Vincentian Family gathered from all over the world to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Vincentian charism.

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Two VMY Greece members joined in the symposium, namely Hermiline Athina Bravo and Noel John Gacusan. They were accompanied by VMY Greece Coordinators -

Kuya Thadeus Mendoza, Tita Marycel Binibini, and Tita Vicky Alapot, alongside Sr. Emma Rivero, DC, VMY Greece Advisor. Twelve (12) other members of the different branches of the Vincentian Family in Athens, Greece also participated rounding up the 18 member group representing Greece in the international symposium. 

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October 12 - Registration & Symposium Opening 

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Upon arrival in Rome, the group headed first to register for the symposium at the Collegio Apostolico Leoniano.

 

In the evening, the event officially opened with a Prayer Service in honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in the Basilica of Saint John of Lateran. The service was organized by the International Association of the Miraculous Medal (AMM) and at which the participants placed all their activity under the protection of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

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October 13 - Dialogue and discussion

 

The next day, Friday, the group headed to the PalaCavicchi Complex and joined together with the English-speaking participants for the day's conference activity.

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The first half of the day was richly filled with a series of lectures, dialogue and discussions, which was divided into three themes:

 

• "Vincentian Spirituality and its Prophetic Challenge" (by Tjeu van Knippenberg, CM and Peter Reijers) 

• "Vincentian Formation and Communication in the Information Age" (by Peggy O'Neil, SC) 

• "Vincentian Ministries: From Here to Where?" (by Dennis Holtschneider, CM)

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After the sessions, a celebration of the Eucharist was held presided by Fr. Gregory Gay, CM.

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VMY Greece also had the opportunity to participate during the afternoon the Meeting with the Consecrated Youth and Young Adults. The theme for reflection was: "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37) and was led by Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, Superior General of the Vincentians. who animated the participants to live their vocation with courage. It was also then followed by the celebration of the Eucharist and sending forth blessing.

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October 14 - Papal Encounter & Relic

 

In the morning of October 14th, the group marched to Saint Peter Square in Vatican for the special Papal Audience. With great enthusiasm, Pope Francis addressed the more than 9,500 Vincentians: “I greet you, and with you I thank the Lord for the four hundred years of your charism. St. Vincent brought forth a passion in charity that lasted through the centuries.” 

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Highlighting as well the Papal Audience event was the inspiring testimony to living the Vincentian charism shared by Ms. Aida Baladi, National President of VMY Syria. She spoke of rising above the fear of war and continuing to serve - that the person who loves does not let fear dominate him or her.

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In the evening of October 14th, a Marian Prayer Vigil, organized by the VMY International, has been held at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. During the vigil, VMY Greece's Kuya Thadeus  Mendoza and Noel John Gacusan had been given the rare opportunity to lead in the reading of the liturgy prayers.

 

The relic of the heart of St. Vincent de Paul was also present during the Vigil giving the Vincentian participants the chance to pray and venerate their patron.

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October 15 - Closing

 

The symposium concluded on Sunday, October 15th, with a Eucharist celebration in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. Individuals bearing flags of nations and organizations processed into the Basilica.

 

In the final celebration, Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, the main presider, said: “Jesus put the poor at the center of His mission. Vincent wanted to follow Jesus along this path. The turning point in Vincent’s life was when he started to identify with the poor. When he reached the point of saying no longer “the poor” but could exclaim “we the poor”, from that moment on, he went out to meet others.” He also cited the "Vincentian charism as a way of life".

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After the Closing Mass, the group made a quick tour around Rome before heading back to Athens.