In September, as we mark the Vincentian Month, the Children of Mary Vincentian Marian Youth (COM VMY), Philippines, Province of St. Louise de Marillac – Asia, express deep gratitude to our Lord for the full support of the Little Company, the Province (PSLMA), and the four Provinces of Spain (España Norte, Este, Sur, Centro) for the 6th International VMY General Assembly held in Salamanca, Spain, on 17–23 August 2026.
The Assembly was warmly welcomed by Fr. Tomaž MAVRIČ, CM, Director General of the Association, together with other officers. Sr. Anna WIWIEK, DC, read the letter of welcome and support from Sr. Françoise PETIT, DC, whom she represented. This momentous occasion gathered representatives from various countries for prayer, formation, fraternity, sharing, communal renewal, and discernment on the future of the International Association.
Among its principal segments were the sacred spaces and shared prayer—especially the Holy Eucharist, Morning and Evening Prayers; the Review and Approval of the International VMY Statutes, which strengthened the framework for identity and mission, governance and life, as well as shared responsibility of the Association; the election of the new International Council, entrusted with leadership and coordination of VMY at the international level; and the approval of the Final Document, which articulated the Assembly’s commitments and orientations for the coming years in the Vincentian spirit. The celebrations of VMY initiatives, particularly those aimed at helping transform the lives of the poor, added vibrancy to the gathering.
The CoM/VMY Philippines contributed meaningfully to the international discussion and discernment by bringing forward the experiences and perspectives of the Filipino and Asian contexts.
The Assembly sincerely thanked the Outgoing International Officers of the Association as the latter also assured the Assembly of their continued support:
Patricia Isabel Roppa Godoy (Peru, former International President)
Marie Claire Solon Balo (Philippines, Former International Councilor for Asia and Oceania)
Marie Sfeir (Lebanon – Former International Councilor for Africa)
Catarina Erika Morais Lima (Brazil, Former International Councilor for America)
Marta Andreia Alves Araújo (Portugal, Former International Councilor for Europe)
Likewise, the Assembly warmly welcomed the new set of the International Officers:
Daniel Kuenzel (USA, International President)
Paulina Berdel (Poland, International Councillor for Europe)
Harving Vélez (Colombia, International Councillor for America)
Joseph Nguyen (Vietnam, International Councillor for Asia and Oceania)
Raymonda Philippe (Egypt, International Councillor for Africa)
The sharing of VMY contexts during small group discussions—organized by language and continental groups—and the presentation of cultures and traditions during the cultural segment added vibrancy to the Assembly. These moments created space for solidarity with those in war torn areas and those severely affected by recent calamities.
Influenced by the legacy of Spanish missionaries, the VMY Philippine delegation offered the Sinulog dance, inviting Sr. Anna Wiwiek and Daniel, the newly elected President, to join in presenting their intentions for VMY before the Sto. Niño. The group also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the International VMY Secretariat, the Organizing Team, and the International Officers for their loving efforts.
The entire gathering strengthened communion among members and officers of the International VMY family, renewing the commitment to youth formation, meaningful participation, Marian spirituality, and practical service in collaboration with the wider Vincentian Family. The Assembly concluded with a renewed missionary resolve: to implement its orientations and to continue journeying closer to our Lord, with Mary—serving today and transforming tomorrow.
Contributed by Mr. Jose Alan H. TEJAM of St. Louise de Marillac School of Miagao, Iloilo, CoM-VMY National Executive Board Vice President
