VinFam Latin America / FAVILA 2012!

(Español abajo) Day one ( and the previous night) of the meeting of the Vincentian Family of latin America and the Caribbean was a time to get to know everyone, and then: to work! A fine presentation by Daniel Chavez, C.M., of Colombia concerning the contemporary realities faced by the Vincentian Family. Then, to work in groups to assess our current state as families in our respective countries, and propose response to obstacles we have seen. Once again, as in 2009, the formation of members as leaders and communicators of the charism surfaced strongly. More to come… and more photos here.

Día uno (y la noche anterior) de la reunión de la Familia Vicentina de América Latina y el Caribe fue un tiempo para conocer a todos y, a continuación: a trabajar! Una buena presentación de Daniel Chávez, CM, de Colombia en relación con las realidades contemporaneas que enfrenta la Familia Vicentina. Entonces, a trabajar en grupos para evaluar el estado actual ya que las familias en nuestros respectivos países, y proponer respuestas a los obstáculos que hemos visto. Una vez más, como en 2009, la formación de los miembros como líderes y comunicadores del carisma surgido con fuerza. Más fotos acá.

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A Bit of Triduum

This year’s Pascal Triduum was again a thing a beauty with great particpation from our young people. It serves as a kind of “retreat” for our university students (who return home for the weekend) and the older members of our catechetics program.

A highlight of the the three days are a pilgrimage to the Calvary shrine high above Mocomoco, praying the stations of the cross along the way. At the top, we have a common meal — everybody has brought something to share.

After celebrating the Easter Vigil, we launch into a piece of local fun/folklore: the “last testament of Judas,” where the peccadilloes of local residents are ready aloud in the plaza to much laughter. Then, we parade an effigy of Judas, ending by blowing it up with firecrackers! Don’t ask me how it started, but the folks thoroughly enjoy it. Then, we share hot chocolate with everyone. It was a happy Easter!

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Whirlwind Days

I’ve been back here in Bolivia since March 8, and it’s been a whirlwind. Almost immediately after my return, I was due in Cochabamba for the annual meeting of the Vincentian Family in Bolivia (FAVIBO). It was a lovely gathering of folks from various parts of Bolivia — members of our “family”: the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the International Association of Charity, the Daughters of Charity, the Vincentian Marian Youth, the Association of the Miraculous Medal, and us (the Congregation of the Mission). The gathering was on the role of the laity in Vincentian Mission, as well as some ordinary structural business, punctuated by lovely prayer and much singing and dancing.

I returned to Mocomoco, and we prepared to welcome Vincentian Father Eli Chaves Dos Santos, a member of the General Council who was coming to visit. Despite rainy days, we had a great visit, as he visited communities with us in Mocomoco and Italaque, got to know some of our folks, and to see our works in action. We took him to celebrate with the folks in Wilacala and to see the new Church you and the people of Wilalcala have built there. He was ecstatic over our work at development and systemic change in the Sayt’asim (Stand up!) project in Italaque — visiting the community of Huyu Huyu, and Nayrar Sarapxañani (Forward Together) in Mocomoco. He was treated to night out in La Paz with our scholarship students.

Both of these projects, supported by your generosity use a variety of educational and health/wellness interventions to allow the folks to take charge of their own futures. There are a few more photos of Eli’s visit and of the Vincentian Family gathering for your viewing pleasure!

Yesterday, we began Holy Week with a grand procession. Please continue to pray with us during this holy time. I’ll have pictures of the Triduum next week!

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