VIII CENMEX Regional Encounter
From January 12th to the 19th, 2025, the Assisi House of Prayer, in West Panama, was the scene of the Encounter of the Vincentian Marian Youth (VMY) of Central America and Mexico (CENMEX). This meeting, under the motto “I am a pilgrim, I entrust my way to Jesus”, gathered more than 50 young people from different countries, among them Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Spain, and Panama.
During an intense week of activities, the participants had the opportunity to deepen their spiritual and social formation. Among the topics discussed were the history of the CENMEX regional meetings, respect for human dignity, the challenges facing youth in the region, and the role of Vincentian missionaries today. Fundamental aspects of Marian spirituality were also addressed, such as consecration to Mary and the virtues she teaches us.
One of the most significant moments was the reflection on the role of Mary, under the invocation of the Miraculous Medal, and her role as a model of faith and tenderness. Through the Magnificat, the young people were invited to reflect on how to live the Marian Virtues in the 21st century and how to be, like Mary, an example of service and compassion in a world in need of hope.
Another enriching moment for the participants was the space for sharing experiences, learning about the realities of other countries and strengthening the bonds of fraternity among the different delegations. In this sense, the participants were encouraged to share what they had learned and to take what they had experienced back to their communities, thus contributing to the spiritual and social growth of each of their countries.
The CENMEX 2025 Encounter was a clear reminder that, as young Vincentians, the journey of faith is not only a personal experience, but a call to live in community and to serve others. With the inspiration of St. Vincent de Paul and the Virgin Mary, the participants returned home with a renewed commitment to transform their realities and be agents of change in their communities.
We want to express our gratitude to the Congregation of the Mission, to the branches of the Vincentian Family of Panama, to our dear Vincentian Parishes, and to all our families who generously supported us to make the VMY CENMEX encounter possible.
We also thank each person who gave their time, talent, prayer and gifts to accompany us on this journey. Their dedication has been a living testimony of God’s love, and their generosity has left an indelible mark in our hearts.
May the Lord, in his infinite goodness, bless you abundantly and repay you with joy and peace for all that you have shared with us.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
VMY PANAMA
