VMY GUATEMALA | XX NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
“Take good care of the poor, be well united among yourselves, and pray insistently to the Blessed Virgin.”
On August 26 and 27, members of the Vincentian Marian Youth (VMY) from different regions of Guatemala, including Peten, Chiquimula, the Capital, and Quetzaltenango, gathered together with lay and consecrated advisors.
The assembly began with a warm welcome, followed by integration activities that allowed everyone to greet each other and feel like a family. We then proceeded to the Chapel for a Holy Hour, where we entrusted our Assembly to Jesus. We felt His presence and the protection of our Good Mother throughout the entire event.
We also shared the feelings and experiences of the young people who now constitute the new Council:
“It was a wonderful experience in which I strengthened my faith and dedicated myself to a new role within the association, following the example of Mary. I embraced the call with enthusiasm and the aspiration of achieving great things within VMY.”
“It was a hopeful moment, as we shared our realities and realized that we are all on this journey together. VMY is more than just my community or region; it motivates me to act from the heart, implementing the teachings of St. Vincent and St. Louise in our time. The importance of dreaming big becomes more evident.”
“It was a unique and heartwarming experience that taught me that, despite distance or life circumstances, there’s always a way to be present. Witnessing our unity in responding to the call and serving within this association was truly exciting. VMY calls us to serve others and follow the teachings of St. Vincent and St. Louise.”
“Attending a meeting with many young people united by charity was a new experience for me. I had a pleasant experience and am grateful for this opportunity. In the past, I might have hesitated due to my fears of meeting new people, facing distance, fulfilling responsibilities, and feeling inadequate. The support of others was crucial, as it made me feel confident and accompanied. The spiritual presence of Mary and the company of esteemed individuals helped me set aside my worries and focus on contributing my talents to serve the VMY Family.”
“This experience strengthens my belief that we are the embodiment of the Virgin Mary’s dream, and she serves as our model. We are called to evangelize, to be the salt and light of the world, in the company of our young friends and the Vincentian family. This experience encourages me to nurture a personal relationship with God and to serve the poorest among us.”
“The act of surrendering, akin to St. Vincent, was reflected in every young person who answered the call to participate in the Assembly and say ‘YES,’ much like Mary, our Mother.”
“It was an incredible experience where I lived unforgettable moments, deepened my faith, and reaffirmed my commitment to answer God’s call through Mary Most Holy, which propels me to embrace new challenges within the Association.”
We also extend our gratitude to the outgoing Council for their dedication and perseverance in fulfilling their mission. May God bless them.
To Jesus with Mary
VMY Guatemala