With the theme, “ VMY AKO!” (“I AM VMY!”), VMY Greece held its 24th monthly integration session and its 1st session for the catechetical year 2012-2013 last September 23, 2012 at the 3rd floor, Miraculous Medal Center, Athens, Greece.

The session commenced with a Marian Liturgy in honor of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8). Marian songs were sung during the liturgy as well as a video clip about the Virgin Mary by Archbishop Luis “Chito” Tagle was shown as a form of reflection.

As tradition, the birthday celebrants for the month of September were also greeted, including Kuya Thad, who had celebrated his birthday last September 12. A surprise birthday song number (entitled “PYRAMID”) by some VMY members led by Ate Iries was presented to Kuya Thad. The group also offered a special gift to Kuya Thad as a sign of appreciation for his many works to VMY.

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Kuya Thad, grateful for the group’s birthday greetings, gave then a message to each and every one that the best gift that they could give to him is their continuous active participation and cooperation in all of VMY’s activities. Sr. Emma, VMY’s Advisor, also gave a special message to everyone reminding them of the upcoming activities of the VMY.

After which, Kuya Thad formally welcomed the new VMY members. The new members were then asked to introduce themselves one by one to the group.

Breaking the ice, Ate Iries then facilitated a “Getting-To-Know-You” activity to make each and everyone especially the new members feel belong to the group.

After the icebreaker, Kuya Thad discussed to the group what VMY is, its organization, mission and goals, highlighting in particular the importance of the 4 aspects of VMY’s identity, namely Ecclesial, Marian, Missionary and Vincentian. He then challenged each and every member to always live up to the four ideals of VMY for them to be really called a true member of the Vincentian Marian Youth.

Lunch was subsequently served after the discussion followed by a lively game facilitated by Ate Iries. Kuya Thad then closed the session with a prayer from the words of St. Vincent de Paul.