Once the Canonical Visit to the Vice-Province of Colombia was over, the brothers of the Vice-Province met from June 23 to 26 for their mid-year meeting. In fact, the meeting was initiated by our brothers from the General Government, Javier Álvarez-Ossorio and Alberto Toutin, who presented the report of the visit during the first morning.
The meeting was marked with great fraternal atmosphere, reflection, prayer, work and sharing. There was a time for retreat, from the afternoon of Monday 23 and almost the whole day of Tuesday 24. The retreat was directed by Alberto Toutin. It was very helpful for the brothers of the Vice-Province. Alberto´s contribution was evaluated very positively.
The topics he offered for reflection were: fisher of men: the call, in the context of Mark 1, 16-20; Jesus' relationship with his family and our family: family ties (Mk 3: 31-34); the request of the sons of the Zebedee to Jesus (Matthew 20, 20-28); and finally a reflection on the text of the prodigal son (Luke 15: 11-32). All related to the relationship among the brothers.
On June 25 and 26 the brothers worked on revising and renewing the Project of Apostolic Religious Life (PARL). It was also an occasion to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the priestly ordination of our brother Eli Perdomo and the 25th anniversary of priestly ordination of Orlando Cubillos. It was a simple and fraternal celebration. The assembly had its moments of prayer, celebration of the Eucharist, and time to share the good football, of course!
On the 27th we celebrated the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart with Mass and then a delicious lunch was shared. In the celebration we were told that the whole history of salvation has its foundation in God's love; it makes human life holy and that holiness is freely given by God; not by our human merits, but by the mercy and faithfulness of God. All the brothers are called to deepen this experience.
Congratulations on this great day for the SSCC Congregation. May both, the Heart of Jesus and the Heart of Mary, remain in our lives and give us strength so that, like them, we continue to serve the world by contemplating, living and proclaiming the merciful love of God!
06/30/2014