Testimony EIA 2025 – VMY Venezuela

The 2nd International Meeting of Advisors of the Vincentian Marian Youth (VMY), held in Paris from August 5th to 10th, 2025, was a space of grace and communion for those who accompany the youth mission in different corners of the world. Sister Diana Mendoza, Sister Advisor of VMY Venezuela, shares with us how she experienced these days of fraternity, formation, and prayer alongside brothers and sisters from different countries

Testimony of Sister Diana Mendoza – Sister Advisor of VMY Venezuela

I lift up a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for the gift of living and sharing the 2nd International Meeting of Advisors of the Vincentian Marian Youth. It was a profoundly enriching experience in the human, spiritual, fraternal, formative, and ecclesial dimensions. Its heart was marked by an atmosphere of contemplation and joy, as we were called to gather in the place where the Association was born, the Chapel of the Apparitions, admiring the fervor and devotion of our sisters and the pilgrims who visit our Mother every day.

The joy of sharing with so many brothers and sisters is invaluable, confirming that the mandate of the Virgin Mary remains alive in the different places of the world where VMY is present. My heart is filled with hope and gratitude, as I once again contemplate that the work belongs to the Lord and that, in the midst of the difficult times we face, there are still many young people who today choose Christ, choose true friendship, and join forces to make the values of the Gospel a reality, living solidarity, fraternity, and closeness to the poorest.

The language of love is tangible in every culture, as I experienced that language is not an obstacle to creating spaces for sharing experiences, testimonies, and moments of joy and enthusiasm. Alongside this language of love, I also discovered with admiration the witness of young people committed to the charism and mission, in love with the Association, and with a deep desire that it continue to spread to places where it is still unknown. The accompaniment of the international team fills me with great joy, and in a special way, the presence of our Superior General, who, assuming his role as successor of Saint Vincent, keeps the charism alive through his closeness, understanding, and availability in the service entrusted to him.

Conclusion

Sister Diana’s testimony reflects the spiritual, cultural, and missionary richness lived in Paris during the 2nd International Meeting of VMY Advisors. Her words express the certainty that the mission remains alive in every corner of the world where VMY is present, and that the Vincentian charism continues to inspire young people and advisors to choose Christ, fraternity, and service to the poorest.