II International Meeting of VMY Advisors Brings Together
The event strengthened the mission of supporting youth and inspired the Association’s expansion worldwide.
From August 5th to 10th, 2025, Paris hosted the 2nd International Meeting of Vincentian Marian Youth (VMY) Advisors. Organized by the VMY International Team, comprising the International Council and the International Secretariat, the meeting brought together 103 participants, including consecrated and lay advisors, from 42 countries, at the Mother House of the Daughters of Charity and the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, the birthplace of the Association.
The objective was to strengthen the mission of advisors in supporting young people and to promote reflection on the challenges faced by today’s youth.
At the opening session, the International President of VMY, Patricia Roppa, highlighted the meeting’s motto: “Today we unite with one purpose: to renew our mission to inspire the future. This motto reflects our deep commitment to continue walking with faith, hope, and love. May we continue to be a witness to a living God, this God of love. May we always be a reflection of youth and joy.”
The Director General of VMY, Fr. Tomaz Mavric, CM, also recalled the origins of the Association: “It wasn’t a human initiative… The Vincentian Marian Youth and the Miraculous Medal Association were born as a fruit of God’s desire through Mary. Thus emerged these two associations, which continue to grow throughout history, even in the face of challenges such as the pandemic.”
International Training and Sharing
The meeting’s days were marked by training sessions, discussions, and testimonies that addressed essential topics relevant to the advisors’ work. The topics covered included the role of lay advisors, the organization of the International Secretariat, and the international nature of the VMY, as well as its mission and social service in various countries.
One of the most thought-provoking discussions centered on generational gaps in youth ministry, exploring the challenges of dialogue between advisors and young people in various contexts. The training was led by Sr Geovani Fátima Domingues, DC, and Fr. Ilson Hübner, CM, advisors of VMY Brazil.
“The topic was very intriguing from the moment we first received the communication. Considering how to bridge generational gaps doesn’t provide a ready-made answer, but it points us toward a path and a process to follow. The most beautiful thing was seeing the feedback from the advisors, who thanked us, saying that the reflection helped them reflect on their own reality,” Sister Geovani emphasized.
The training sessions also included reflections on VMY’s social commitment, sharing of missionary experiences, and the presentation of the Expansion Project, which seeks to expand the Association’s presence worldwide.
During the training sessions, participants highlighted the relevance of certain presentations, which provided important insights into the challenges facing VMY in today’s world. Sister Elizabeta, an advisor from Croatia, emphasized the significance of these moments, stating that they were especially meaningful in reflecting on future paths for her local community and for VMY worldwide.
Culture and Spirituality
In addition to the training sessions, the meeting featured cultural evenings where countries showcased expressions of their identities through music, dance, and art. Fr. Tomaz and Sr. Françoise Petit, the Superioress of the Daughters of Charity, attended these interactive moments.
Another highlight was the Vincentian tour of Paris, which took participants to sites associated with Saint Vincent de Paul, Saint Catherine Labouré, and the origins of the Vincentian charism in its early years. Many considered the activity a true pilgrimage.
During the cultural and community gatherings, advisors and young people shared the importance of recognizing themselves as part of a large international family. Lay advisor Ana María, from Chile, emphasized that the experience helped reinforce the awareness that the VMY does not operate in isolation, but is united by a common charism, opening up horizons for more initiatives and joint actions within the community.
The cultural program concluded with a boat trip on the River Seine, a moment of celebration and fraternal coexistence.
Missionary Sending
The meeting concluded on August 10th, with the Sending Mass presided over by Father Tomaz Mavric in the Chapel of Saint Vincent de Paul.
During the celebration, the hope of bringing the Paris experience back to their home countries was evident. In an interview, Fr. Seberian Bibekananda Singh, CM, national advisor for VMY India, stated: “In India, many young people today are unmotivated and show little interest in participating in VMY. With what we learned here, we believe we can revive them, motivate them, and walk together.”
Finally, also in an interview, the emotional voice of Madagascar’s advisor, Sr. Marguerite Bao, expressed her gratitude, “We were fortunate to experience the cultural exchange, and we ask that you continue to support us and share our joys. Thank you so much for your organization and availability. You are still young, but you have already accomplished so much for the movement.”
An Expanding Future
The Second International Meeting of VMY Advisors left as a legacy the certainty that the Association’s mission remains alive and current, uniting cultures, generations, and vocations in a common charism. The meeting strengthened ties between countries and pointed to the future, reaffirming the commitment to walk with faith, hope, and love, inspiring young people and advisors to continue saying “yes” to the Virgin Mary’s call.