From February 9-13, the General Convention of the Congregation of Marian Fathers, dedicated to new vocations, will take place in Fatima, Portugal. A total of 40 people from around the world will participate in this unique event for the Congregation.
The meeting will be attended by the General Council, headed by Father General Joseph G. Roesch, MIC, the superiors of the various jurisdictions, and invited delegates. The theme of the Convention is a passage from the prayer of Blessed Archbishop George Matulaitis-Matulewicz, Renovator of the Congregation: “Gather us, Lord, from among all tribes, peoples and nations.” A detailed reflection is provided by the subtitle “Vocational Ministry – Religious Vocation Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow.”
The meeting will feature lectures on the biblical theology of vocation and the unchanging elements of a well-run vocational ministry. In addition, there will be a historical perspective on the development of the Congregation over the centuries and a look at the psychological profile of today’s vocations. The confreres will share their own experiences and report on the vocational situation in their part of the world. After this part, Father General will report on the current state of the Congregation of Marian Fathers.
On Tuesday, February 10, at 8:00 a.m. (Central European Time), a Holy Mass is planned in the Chapel of Apparitions, which will be presided over by Father General, who will also deliver the homily.
On Friday, the last day of the Convention, a pilgrimage is planned to the Marian Shrine in Balsamão, where in 1754 the Venerable Servant of God Kazimierz Wyszyński founded the first Marian monastery in Portugal.
We ask for your prayers for the fruitful outcome of the General Convention.
May the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary be our salvation and protection!