Called to Serve with Humility and Joy

Salamanca, August 19, 2026.— The third day of the 6th General Assembly of the Vincentian Marian Youth was marked by reflection, shared work and responsible decision-making. Gathered at the Vincentian Fathers’ House in Salamanca, we continued to move forward with the revision of the International Statutes, guided by a common call: to serve with humility, generosity and joy.

The Eucharist, celebrated in English and presided over by Fr. Kiko Magnaye, C.M., allowed us to begin the day by placing our work in God’s hands. The Gospel of the workers in the vineyard reminded us that the mission does not belong to us: God is the owner of the vineyard, and we are merely workers called to labor in it.

God Continues to Call

In his homily, Fr. Kiko recalled a well-known anecdote about Saint John XXIII. When asked how he managed to sleep while carrying the responsibilities of being Pope on his shoulders, he replied: “This is God’s work. Not mine! I am going to sleep.”

These words helped us to contemplate with simplicity the responsibility we assume during the Assembly. VMY is not a personal undertaking or a place in which to seek recognition. It is a mission entrusted to us, which we are called to care for and place at the service of others.

Fr. Kiko developed two central ideas. The first was that God continues to call. He does so at any moment, at any age and in any situation. We may be young or adults, students or workers, laypeople or consecrated persons. Every call has value and deserves a generous response.

“God is the owner of the vineyard. We are only workers in it,” he affirmed. The true reward is not found in material compensation or in the recognition we receive, but in knowing that God has called us to collaborate in building His Kingdom.

The second idea was an invitation to avoid comparisons. Within God’s vineyard, no service is insignificant. Chairing an international meeting can be just as important as accompanying the new members of a small group during a visit to those most in need.

“Being part of VMY is never a professional career,” Fr. Kiko reminded us. We are not here to seek promotion, prestige or personal achievements. Comparison ultimately harms fraternity because “it poisons gratitude, ruins everything and steals our joy.”

The homily concluded with a certainty that accompanied the work of the entire day: “We are called. We are blessed. We are children of God. We are His missionaries.”

Discerning and Deciding Together

After the Eucharist and the reading of the minutes from the previous day, we continued the process of revising the International Statutes with the assistance of Fr. Corpus Delgado, C.M.

The work proceeded progressively and in a participatory manner. Each section began with a time of presentation and reflection that allowed us to understand the meaning of the proposed texts. Afterward, we shared in group work, listening to the different realities, perspectives, and experiences present within the Assembly.

The contributions gave rise to various proposals and amendments. These were presented, clarified, and resolved before proceeding to the corresponding votes. In this way, the revision of the Statutes is becoming a true exercise in listening, dialogue, and shared responsibility.

This is not simply about amending or approving a document. It is about discerning together the framework that will allow VMY to walk in unity amid the diversity of countries, languages, and cultures that make up the Association.

The process will continue over the coming days, moving forward little by little with the study and voting on the articles. Every reflection, every amendment, and every vote forms part of a responsibility that we assume while thinking not only about the present, but also about future generations of VMY.

The homily offered us the attitude needed to carry out this work. We are not the owners of the vineyard or of the Association. We are servants called to offer the best of ourselves, without comparisons or seeking prominence, trusting that the work belongs to God.

The evening prayer allowed us to gather everything we had experienced and place before the Lord the reflections, decisions, and efforts of the day.

With Mary, we listen to God’s call; by serving today, we humbly assume our responsibility; and by discerning and deciding together, we begin to transform tomorrow.