Being aware of the present and preparing for the future: The European and North American entities meet
NEMI, Roma - Superiors of European and North American Entities met in Nemi-Rome from October 1 to 4, 2014. The objective was journeying together as one family reflecting on the Montfortian presence in Europe and North America, and so prepare for the future.
In his letter of convocation, Fr. Santino, Superior General, made a strong connection between the meeting and the imminent occasion of the Tercentenary of the death of our Father Founder: “… we want to continue our preparation of this anniversary by moments of interiorizing the message and lived experience of his spiritual journey given in heritage to us as well as by looking at the reality of the Montfortian presence in our countries – all the while asking ourselves what the Lord desires for the future.”
The meeting was indeed a moment of grace and of discerning. We pointed out both the strengths and the challenges of our presence in Western countries in the light of the spiritual heritage of our Founder, St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort who invites us to entrust present and future to God’s Providence.
The meeting was even more special because of the presence of some lay people who, in different ways, have been connected to our family. Out of 35 participants, 8 of them were lay people: 1 from Belgium, 1 from USA, 2 from Great Britain, 2 from France and 2 from Italy. Their presence brought hope for our future in Europe and North America. In a very concrete and personal way they told the participants that the spirituality of St Louis of Montfort is a gift for the whole Church and it’s still actual and important for many people today. Their presence was a precious gift to us all.
The discussion was rich and frank and marked by openness and a fraternal spirit.
We thank Sr. Micheline Tremblay, from the Congregation of the Holy Cross, who helped us facilitate the flow of the meeting and to Bro. Roger Bossé, from the Congregation of the Sacred Heart, our interpreter, who made it possible for the participants to communicate and interact more easily.
We are grateful to all those who offered their prayers for this meeting, which made it meaningful and fruitful.
-Fr. Dwi 
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