After Mass and breakfast our day consisted of four presentations. Two on Community Building and two on Formation. After each session we broke into small groups for sharing. It was a great opportunity to get to know each other more intimately and develop closer bonds.
In the evening, we were joined by several members from the Belgian Province who treated us to delicious cheeses and wines from the Region. The even brought some games to play to test our knowledge and our skill in working together.
The day began with liturgy at 7:30 am. The Presider was the local ordinary of Hasselt, Bishop Patrick Hoogmartens. Other dignitaries present were the Dean, Rev. Thieu Plessers, and the Mayor of Hamont, Theo Schuurmann.
After breakfast, Judy began the meeting with a letter of greeting from the Lay Salvatorian community in Sri Lanka. Following this the General Committee report was given via a powerpoint presentation. After the report we broke into groups to reflect on what we heard.
Carlos Matiz gave the Financial Report which was followed by the Auditors Report from Olga and Sylwia. At the end of the Auditors Report, the General Committee were released from their reporting duties for the past six years. The General Committee must be commended for all the work they have done. The Bishop, who had spent the morning with us, gave some affirming remarks. He thanked us for our belief in the future and the great faith he experienced while with us.
After lunch, Celso shared a message from Mozambique. Carlos Luis gave each participant a gift from Venezuela. Mike from England led us in prayer. Christian gave an update on the Recognition process by the Vatican, which is still in process. Fr. Piet reminded us that it took Father Jordan thirty years to get approval. Mike presented a proposal on the Finances. Lots of discussion ensued and the group was tasked with re-writing the proposal. We closed with a prayer led by Manuela from Spain before heading for supper.
The 2018 International Assembly of the Divine Savior is underway. The day began with a beautiful liturgy led by Fr. Milton, assisted by Fr.Piet, Fr. Leonard, Fr. Jan, and Fr. Augustin. At the end of the liturgy, the candle was lit and we walked in procession to our meeting room. An ice breaker was planned as a way of getting to know one another and learn how much we share in common.
Fr. Milton and Sr. Marion offered words of welcome and shared greetings on behalf of the members of the Society and the Congregation. Each participant was given a book from Fr. Milton and a medal with a relic of Mother Mary from Sr. Marion. Fr. Piet also gave words of welcome as the Provincial of the Belgian Province. He gifted us with a booklet that described the history of the Salvatorian community at Hamont that he had designed. The Salvatorian Fathers have been in Hamont since 1900 and Fr. Jordan visited here many times.
After a lovely mid-day meal, a prayer was offered by Martina from Austria. This was followed by approval of the agenda and a powerpoint presentation with the History of the Units. After a break, the Salvatorian Family Proposals were introduced. We closed with prayer and went on to supper. Looking forward to a much needed rest. Keep us in your prayers!
The preparation is increasing coming to the finish. The room is becoming ready, the participants are excited and full of joy. So let’s start tomorrow with our whole selves … for a good and fruitful development of the Lay Salvatorians all over the world.
And we all enjoyed more or less the steep staircase, a special kind of daily fitness training for the group.
