Laudetur Sacra FamiliaApril-May 2009

“LMCs, rediscover the gift of following Christ…” (Pope Benedict XVI)

Introduction.

Before I began writing this letter I opened the Bible at random and I found the following verses of Psalm 96:

“Sing to the Lord a new song,
Sing to the Lord, all the earth,
Sing to the Lord, bless his name,
Proclaim his salvation day after day.” (1-2)

Since Tuesday within the Octave of Easter, 14th April 2009, the participants of the General Assembly and the Jubilee celebrations of the Movement of the Lay Missionaries of Charity have been singing to the Lord many new and beautiful songs in three different languages: English, Spanish and Italian. The new song reminds us of our new life in Christ. St. Augustine warns us when he says: “see that your life does not contradict your words. Sing with your voices, your hearts, your lips and your lives.” (Sermo 34: 1-3)

In fact the psalm repeats three times the words: “Sing to the Lord…”. In the first time we are exhorted to sing to the Lord a new song, which the LMCs did from 14th to 26th April 2009. The second time the new song is to be sung to the Lord by all the earth; this too was being fulfilled as the LMCs came from the various parts of the world, and the third time is to not only sing to the Lord, but also bless the Lord’s name. The purpose of doing these things was expressed in the following verse, namely to proclaim his salvation not for one day but day after day as each participant returns to one’s own respective place, singing, praising and thanking God: “All praise and thanks to God, the Father now be given, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”.

The purpose of coming to Rome.

The LMCs of the world came to the eternal city of Rome to repair, to restore and renew all things in Christ, who is our epicentre. They were welcomed by Jesus, accompanied by Mary and Joseph. Jesus in person, together with his apostles, was waiting to welcome them one by one, both the participants of the General Assembly (G.A.) and the members of the Jubilee celebrations. Although they were two separate events, there was continuity and completion.

Countries represented.

Although the LMCs are found in over 50 countries of the world, only about thirty countries were represented in Rome. The countries represented were: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, El Salvador, France, Germany, Holland, Honduras, Hungary, India, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, U.S.A. and Venezuela.

Some countries, like Albania, India, etc. had a lot of problems getting visas for Italy, and so many could not be present for the Jubilee celebrations. Sad to say, some of the countries in Europe, such as U.K., Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Portugal were not represented at all as well as the Philippines and entire African continent. Of course, the LMCs from Africa have many problems obtaining the required visa for Italy; their absence from the General Assembly and Jubilee celebrations is understandable, as well as can be excused. We may be making serious enquiries about the reasons why the LMCs who live so close to Rome did not represent the Jubilee celebrations or any preparatory meetings, and why they do not really show any openness with the rest of the LMC family.

The proximate preparations were very intense and included a very ambitious program, as mentioned by one of the LMCs.

Pilgrimages: besides the many programs, we also had four pilgrimages during our G.A. and Jubilee celebrations.

Pilgrimage to the Mother House of the Lay Missionaries of Charity, in Via S. Agapito 8.

The first pilgrimage was from Istituto Teresa Gerini to Via S. Agapito 8, the Mother House of the M.C. Brothers Contemplative as well as the Lay Missionaries of Charity. In the afternoon of Thursday 16 April the members of the General Assembly made the pilgrimage to Via S. Agapito 8, where at 4.00 p.m. we had the solemn Jubilee Mass with 25 priests concelebrants – a providential coincidence – many M.C. Sisters, our Casa Serena men, many of the co-workers and friends. The Chapel was packed to its capacity. After some refreshments, all returned to Istituto Teresa Gerini, praising God for his merciful love, who is slow to anger, rich in mercy and quick to forgive (cf. Psalm 103).

Pilgrimage to the Basilica of St. Mary Major

The second pilgrimage was to St. Mary Major in the afternoon of Mercy Sunday, 19th April 2009. This too was a very great spiritual experience. Those who were due for renewal renewed their vows. Once again there was a big crowd of participants, including other members of the M.C. family. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures for ever. On this Mercy Sunday we are called to reflect on the words of Jesus “Be merciful as your Father in heaven is merciful” (Lk 6: 36). “It is better to make a mistake in kindness than to work miracles in unkindness” (Blessed Teresa M.C.)

New arrivals.

Finishing our G.A. on Tuesday 21st April by midday, the members were now ready to welcome the many participants who came for the Jubilee celebrations. By evening our number went up to almost three hundred. Although there was some inevitable confusion and initial difficulties to overcome, the joy went up to fever pitch. The word “welcome home” could be heard from distances in different languages. Much instruction and detailed explanations were necessary, since very early the next morning all the participants had to be ready for the third pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican

Six buses were already ready at the gate by 6.00 a.m. After a quick breakfast all got ready and left for the world renowned Basilica of St. Peter for holy Mass at 8.00 a.m.. It was behind the main altar of the pope in St. Peter’s that all the LMC pilgrims gathered to celebrate the holy Mass with His Eminence Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the archpriest of the same basilica. Thanks to so many M.C. Sisters, including Sr. Adriana M.C., the newly elected General Councillor of the M.C. Sisters, Sr. Maria Pia M.C., the regional Superior with all the Superiors of her region: Our Lady Queen of the World. After the holy Mass, the Inspector of the basilica, Mr. Antonio Romanelli, took us to the crypt to have a quick visit to the tombs of the late popes, especially the tombs of Pope Paul VI and John Paul II. We had to move very fast, as it was getting late to go for the general audience with the Holy Father in St. Peter’s Square.

The group had some difficulty to get to our assigned place without going through the usual security gate. But, as some of the LMCs started praying the Memorare prayer, the guards said among themselves: “See, they are praying for us”. Our Lady worked the miracle for us, the guards asked me to stand with them to identify the LMC pilgrims one by one as they passed through the gate. There were about 450 in all. By the time it was over, all the seats were practically taken up by our LMCs. The last chair in the last row was still free, which I was happy to have. Some of the MC Sisters in front of me offered their places, but I preferred to be where I was. But then something strange took place. One of the guards came to me and asked me to come out very quickly and he was going to take me with a few others to some other place. It had to be done in seconds, he said. The guards did not allow some of them to go in, who happened to arrive a bit later at the entrance. Just four of us followed very quickly the guard who was practically running in front of us!

We had made our first application on 7th October 2008 in three different languages, German, Italian and English. This was renewed more than once. And then a couple of weeks before the general audience, I again wrote reminding them of our general audience on 22nd April and asking for 15 special tickets. When I went to pick up the tickets the day before, all I received was just a paper on which was written the number of the LMC participants (450), the date, the time and the place assigned for the group. When I mentioned to them about the special tickets, they said there weren’t any available, but the place assigned for the group was one of the best. So I did not expect any more the possibility of any one of us to meeting and exchanging a word with the Pope, to ask for his blessings and prayers for all, to kiss his papal ring, etc. I totally and joyfully resigned myself to the will of God, and was happy to have the last place among the LMCs. But God knows our desires and goes beyond our expectations. He wants us to thank him for everything. Here I remembered the words of our Blessed and beloved Mother Teresa M.C: “Accept whatever he gives, and give whatever he takes, with a big smile”. >“I thank you, Jesus, not for what you give, but for what you take from me…” Within minutes many of these thoughts passed through my mind, including the words of St. John of the Cross: “I no longer desire anything except to love until I die of love.”

But I was humbled to be selected and felt very unworthy to sit up there and look at all the LMCs and many thousands of pilgrims who had come from every corner of the world and had filled the entire St. Peter’s Square. In fact for a long time I put my head down and sat praying for all. My thoughts travelled also across the land and oceans, where so many LMCs could not come to Rome for the Jubilee for one reason or another: some because of their visa problems, some because of the lack of sufficient funds, some others because of family matters, while some others due to work or other engagements, still others who suffer from sickness of one kind or another, some others due to old age, and still some more who did not care or did not give much importance to such an event as the jubilee celebrations. I prayed for all and asked the Lord to bless all, especially Mr. Antonio Serangeli, who was lying in bed with a high fever, and who would otherwise be with us that morning. I then came to thank God for all those who were so fortunate to be there in St. Peter’s for the holy Mass, holy Communion, quick visits to the tombs of the popes, and now sitting right in front of everybody where the Pope, Benedict XVI, the successor of Peter was going to pass by. We cannot thank God enough for all that the Lord did for us, especially in the morning of that Wednesday! “What thanks can I render to the Lord, for all that he has done and does for me…?”

Message from the Holy Father.

During the general audience, twice the LMC Movement was mentioned: once by the Monsignor who presented the groups to the Holy Father and then by the Holy Father himself, when he gave a short and simple but very profound message to all the LMCs of the world. He said: “I greet the representatives of the Movement of the Lay Missionaries of Charity. I exhort each one of you to rediscover the gift of following Christ by always adhering, with his help, to the will of the Father.” (Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, 22nd April 2009)

Cultural programme.

In the afternoon we had another wonderful manifestation of the richness and the beauty of the various cultures. The cultural evening was a colourful and enjoyable one. The Central and South Americans with their shining costumes, the U.S.A. and Canada with their attractive and entertaining stage work, the various Europeans: Italy, Holland, Poland, Hungary, Czeck Republic…etc. One of the hLMCs from Australia came with her husband and eleven children, both for the Mass and the audience and for the cultural program. It was not only entertaining but a sharing of one’s faith and trust in God. Behind all these varieties of cultures, customs and languages, there is the one God who is the source and fountain of all…, not only the Creator but above all the Father, to him be glory for ever.

Perpetual adoration.

One of the most important events in the entire program from 14th April to 26th April 2009 was the perpetual adoration carried out by two men from India: Mr. Thomas Paul and Mr. Ginu. Both made all the sacrifices of their time, their interests, their sleep and rest held without any break for twenty-four hours of the day and night in adoration. Even when all of us went for pilgrimages to various Churches and places, these two men remained in adoration in one of the big rooms which was converted into a temporary Chapel, where with them many LMCs joined in adoration according to their free times, especially during and soon after meals, and many at night hours. Besides, Mr. Thomas Paul, who has started over 100 perpetual adoration centres in India, in Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, etc. gave two conferences, which were accepted and very much appreciated by all, especially the one on the family. Eventually the conferences will be available in CD form.

Pilgrimage to the Mother House of the Lay Missionaries of Charity.

On Saturday 25th April after breakfast all the participants in buses, vans and cars were transported to Casa Serena for the Jubilee Mass with His Eminence Cardinal Agostino Vallini, the Vicar General of his Holiness pope Benedict XVI, for the diocese of Rome. Since the Holy Father, who was invited for the occasion would not come, we were fortunate to have his Vicar, who is our Cardinal, celebrate the holy Mass in a beautiful tent prepared for the occasion. There were about 500 people present for the occasion, including Sr. Adriana M.C. and Sr. Maria Pia M.C. and several other M.C. Sisters, co-workers, volunteers, our Casa Serena men and many others. The Cardinal from start to finish was not only very happy and radiant but was very much moved.
After the initial greetings at the Mass, there was an introductory welcome speech in which the main reasons for the celebration were spelt out. First of all it was a big Thanksgiving Mass on the occasion of.

1)The 40th anniversary of the unforgettable visit of the Servant of God, Pope Paul VI to the “Borghetto Prenestino”, on Christmas Day 1969 to celebrate the Holy Mass at 8.00 a.m., after which the Supreme Pontiff visited several sick and old people who could not be present for the Mass.

2)The 30th anniversary of the foundation of the Brothers of the Missionaries of Charity Contemplative. It was on Monday, 19 March 1979 that our Contemplative branch was founded here in Via S. Agapito 8, 00177 Rome

.

3)The 25th anniversary of the founding of the Movement of the Lay Missionaries of Charity (LMC). It was on Monday in Holy Week, 16th April 1984 that the LMC Movement was founded with four married people, two men and two women, at our place in Rome, in the presence of Blessed Mother Teresa M.C. Today, thanks be to God, with God’s grace and blessings, the Movement has spread into all five continents

.

4)To commemorate the visit of the late Cardinal Ugo Poletti of happy memory, who 25 years ago came to celebrate the holy Eucharist and bless our restructured convent in November 1984. So there were four reasons for us to rejoice and be glad, to thank God and celebrate, which we did on the morning of Saturday 25th April 2009.

The Mass was very solemn. The choir sang with all their strength and energy in the three languages as it was programmed, so also the readings: in English, in Spanish and the Gospel was sung by Br. Piet M.C. in Italian. In place of the responsorial psalm, the song “God hears the cry of the poor, blessed be the Lord” was sung in English by Imelda Buckley and Charlene Carson. His Eminence gave a beautiful homily on the place of the Resurrection of Christ in the life of a Christian, which sheds light on his everyday life of pain, suffering and trials. Every Christian also has the duty to proclaim the good news to all, and especially to the poorest of the poor, like Blessed Teresa of Kolkata and the Missionaries of Charity have always done. The presence of the Missionaries of Charity Contemplative is a great grace and a blessing in this great city of Rome, as they, through their perpetual adoration and service of the poor, bear witness to the simple truth that the Eucharist is a sign of the abiding presence of the risen Lord among us: “Behold I will be with you till the end of the world”, who is the life of the faithful, glory of the humble, happiness of the just. God, the Father, fills our emptiness with the blessing of the Eucharist that is the foretaste of eternal joy.

“The work that we will have to do will be impossible without his continual grace from the tabernacle. He will have to do everything. We have just to follow…” (Blessed Teresa M.C.)

A good number of LMCs made their vows in the presence of the Cardinal: first the ones in Italian, then in English and lastly in Spanish. It was very moving to see them all line up and pronouncing the vow formula. The Cardinal then blessed the crucifixes and presented to each one of the newly professed. What an incredible moment of joy and ecstasy for so many people! Some shed tears of joy: these are moments of heavenly experience that the good Lord allows us to have at times without even longing for it.

Before the final blessing the LMCs from Italian, Spanish and English speaking groups thanked the Cardinal as programmed. Giuseppe Ferri from Bari garlanded him with the LMC Jubilee shawl, which looked like a stole over his chasuble. It seemed that the Cardinal was proud to wear it. At the end of the “thank you” in the three languages, the Cardinal was presented with a big photograph of Blessed Teresa M.C. by Br. Michael M.C. His face became radiant with joy as we took off the wrapping and read out what was written at the back of the picture. The Cardinal, too, expressed his sentiments of gratitude. The celebration was closed with a meal which all enjoyed.

Remembering everyone with gratitude.

Then came the moment of “thank you”. Here it was difficult for me to thank everyone by name, as so many had worked very hard day and night to make the LMC General Assembly and the Jubilee celebrations not only a great success but a real experience of God. While thanking God for each participant of the G.A. and Jubilee I cannot but mention a few names here: Gianna Tommsi, the General Secretary of the LMCs, who worked tirelessly day in and day out to prepare, to arrange, to correct…without showing any irritation; Antonio Serangeli who made so many photocopies of the program and other things, who together with Tonino Mannello transported the LMCs from the airport to Istituto Teresa Gerini…; Antonio Arcos from Malaga, Spain, the first LMC to arrive for the meeting as early as 28th March, to help with the preparations, especially in Spanish, and who did most of the translation work in Spanish for the G.A. and the Jubilee; Laurie Dwyer, Joan Kick and Denise Poulin from the Connecticut group, who worked on the list of participants, the LMC history on display with several photos and other things; Imelda Buckley from Vancouver, Canada, who composed the LMC anthem in English and worked on the music and the songs in English, with the help of two violinists, Isaac and Esther Olson, and several other things; Esperanza and her husband Enrique from San Diego, California, who organized the book stall and religious articles together with Ania Napierala from Poland; Tai Pearn from San Diego, the one responsible for the Spanish group who stayed back in Rome till all the LMCs went back to their own respective places; Fr. Eduardo La Torre and Ana Maria Fagioli from Mar de la Plata, Argentina, who worked together with Antonio Arcos to finalize the Spanish translations; Anita de Orezzoli from Peru, for her selfless service not only now, but even last year in March, when we had our second preparatory meeting in Lima; Susie Aki who, in spite of her hip replacement, accepted to come even with a walking stick and stayed with Paradisa Orlandi, who opened her house to more than one LMC who could not climb the stairs; so many of our Spiritual Directors…there were 16 of them in all, who came all the way from South and Central America, India and Hungary.

Who can forget the sacrificial service done by our Brothers in time and out of time, especially after the meeting was over, transporting the LMCs to the airport at any time of day or of night…which continued till 9th of May (09). I cannot forget Tonino Mannello, the work he did and the sacrifices he made, and our many co-workers, volunteers, benefactors, our guests and visitors of Casa Serena, the Mayor of Rome and his group, who provided the tent, the M.C. Sisters, Sr. Maria Pia M.C., the regional Superior, Sr. Aimée M.C., the Superior of Casilina, and many others who offered their prayers and sacrifices, who continually help the LMCs in the various parts of the world, especially our M.C. Sisters..

I thank you and thank God for each one of the participants. Every time I think of you and every time I pray for you all, I pray with joy because of the way in which you have helped me in the work of the Gospel from the very beginning until now. And so I am sure that God, who began his good work in you, will carry it on till the end.

I conclude with the prayer of entrustment of our Movement to the Holy Family and to the Holy Spirit of the living God. With this prayer I entrust every single LMC of the world and all those who help them to the Holy Spirit and to the Holy Family, who I am sure will not only make the members to grow in holiness but also increase in number.

Entrustment.

“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
For the honour and glory of God and moved by an ardent desire to quench the infinite thirst of Jesus on the Cross and in the Eucharist, for love and for souls, we the members of the General Assembly of the Lay Missionaries of Charity entrust ourselves to the care and protection of the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
We promise that during the G.A. and Jubilee celebrations we will pay particular attention to the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We will make every effort to remember the past with gratitude and purified memories, no matter what the past has been; we will try to live the present with joy and enthusiasm. We will not only listen to God in prayer, but also listen to God in each other, especially during this period with great interest, love and concern for one another.
We beg pardon of God and want to make reparation for all our infidelities in living our vows faithfully and perseveringly and failing to make present the holiness of God by refusing to forgive and to accept forgiveness from others. We make every effort to look forward to the future with serene confidence, unfailing hope and undaunted courage.
May the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the glorious patriarch St. Joseph present this entrustment to the most holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Love and prayers. God bless you.

Fr. Sebastian Vazhakala M.C.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Rome, Via Tiburtina 994, Via S. Agapito 8
14th to 21st April 2009
Tuesday 14th April 2009
ARRIVALS
Hearty welcome to all the participants of the General Assembly and Spiritual Directors
4.00 p.m. Informal personal instructions and meetings
5.00 p.m. Evening Prayer, Regina Coeli
6.00 p.m. Introductory welcome
Veni Creator, Holy Mass
7.30 p.m. Supper - Announcements
8.30 p.m. Exposition, Rosary, night prayers
Perpetual Adoration, Volunteers
10.00 p.m. Lights out. Good night.
Grand silence.
“How many must we be to have the Blessed Sacrament in our midst? The work that we will have to do will be impossible without his continual grace from the tabernacle – He will have to do everything – We have just to follow. Pray for me, please, that I do the things that are pleasing to him.” (Blessed Teresa M.C., 28.01.1948)

IN-CHARGE OF LANGUAGE GROUPS
Spanish Tai Pearn
English Susie Aki
Italian Giuseppe Cunzolo
French Fabienne Bastide

IN-CHARGE OF LITURGIES
Italian: Br. Stephen M.C.
Spanish Padre Eduardo de la Torre
English Fr. George Vadakkel

EMERGENCY SICK CALLS
Dr. Mimma Battaglia
Dr. Elizabeth Blaskovich
Antonio Arcos

G. A. and JUBILEE: SECRETATRIES
English Laurie Dwyer
Italian Adolfo Costa
Spanish Juan Mayol
French Fabienne Bastide
Other languages Elizabeth Blaskovich

THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE:
Fr. Boniface Hicks OSB
Fr. Eduardo de la Torre
Fr. Gorge Vadakkel
Tai Pearn
Adolfo Costa, Gianna Tommasi,
Laurie Dwyer

FINAL DRAFTING AND REDACTOR
Fr. Sebastian Vazhakala M.C

Wednesday 15th April 2009 (Perpetual adoration) – Day of prayer

6.30 a.m. Time for personal prayer, meditation, adoration, contemplation
7.00 a.m. Morning prayer according to language.
7.30 a.m. Breakfast, free time…
8.45 a.m. Veni Creator, Jubilee Prayer
SESSION I
Introductory talk, orientation
10.15 a.m. Coffee break (20 minutes)
10.35 a.m. Meditated Rosary according to language
12.00 p.m. Regina Coeli, Holy Mass according to language: Italian, English, Spanish and other language groups, if the groups have their own priests. Otherwise they join one of the three main language groups.
1.00 p.m. Lunch…
2.45 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet according to language
Conference: Mr. Thomas Paul
4.30 p.m. Break
5.00 p.m. Evening prayer according to language
5.30 p.m. Group sharing according to language
7.30 p.m. Supper - Announcements
9.00 p.m. Adoration, individually or night prayers according to language
10.00 p.m. Lights out/ Good night, perpetual adoration.
Grand silence.

Thursday 16th April 2009 – Actual Jubilee Day and the Birthday of Pope Benedict XVI

Hearty Congratulations to Mrs. Paradisa Orlandi LMC and Mr. Antonio Serangeli LMC who complete 25 years of their first profession

GREAT THANKSGIVING DAY
6.30 a.m. Time for personal prayer, meditation, adoration, etc.
7.00 a.m. Morning prayer according to language.
7.30 a.m. Breakfast, free time…
8.45 a.m. Veni Creator, Jubilee Prayer
SESSION II
Introduction to General Assembly
Time for sharing of experiences:
Mr. Antonio Serangeli LMC (5 min.)
Time for questions and answers for 10 minutes
Mrs. Paradisa Orlandi LMC (5 min.)
Time for questions and answers for 10 minutes
LMC Report: Ms. Gianna Tommasi LMC
10.15 a.m. Coffee break (20 minutes)
10.35 a.m. SESSION III
Presentation: Prof. Fr. G. Charles Fernando
Conclude with the prayer of the Regina Coeli
1.00 p.m. Lunch
Pilgrimage to LMC Mother House in Via S. Agapito 8, for the Jubilee Mass
The following persons are in-charge of the bus from “Teresa Gerini Institute” to Via S. Agapito, 8:
TONINO MANNELLO LMC
JUAN MAYOL LMC
Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet are prayed individually.
4.00 p.m. Solemn Jubilee Mass
Readings in different languages: Italian, English and Spanish.
We also sing the proper of the Mass in Latin, i.e. Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei
Small refreshment after the Mass
7.30 p.m. Supper at “Teresa Gerini” - Announcements
9.00 p.m. Evening prayer,
10.00 p.m. Lights out. Good night, perpetual Adoration. Grand silence.

Friday 17th April 2009

6.30 a.m. Time for personal prayer, meditation, adoration, etc.
7.00 a.m. Morning prayer according to language.
7.30 a.m. Breakfast, announcements, free time…
8.45 a.m. Veni Creator, Jubilee Prayer
SESSION IV
Presentation: LMC Formation - Mrs. Laurie Dwyer LMC
10.15 a.m. Coffee break (20 minutes)
10.35 a.m. SESSION V - Workshops and workshop reports
12.00 p.m. Regina Coeli, Holy Mass offered for the departed LMCs according to language.
1.00 p.m. Lunch…
2.45 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet according to language
SESSION VI
Presentations: LMC Statutes - Mrs. Tilde Longobardo LMC
Mrs. Fabienne Bastide LMC
4.30 p.m. Break (15 minutes)
4.45 p.m. Evening prayer
5.30 p.m. SESSION VII - Workshops (1 hour)
Presentations of the Workshop Reports
7.30 p.m. Supper - Announcements
9.00 p.m. Holy Hour, Rosary, individually or according to language
10.00 p.m. Lights out. Good night, perpetual Adoration.
Grand silence.

Saturday 18th April 2009

6.30 a.m. Time for personal prayer, meditation, adoration, etc.
7.00 a.m. Morning prayer according to language.
7.30 a.m. Breakfast, free time…
8.45 a.m. Veni Creator, Jubilee Prayer
SESSION VIII
Presentations: LMC Statutes - Mr. Adolfo Costa LMC and Mr. Giuseppe Cunzolo LMC
10.15 a.m. Coffee break (20 minutes)
10.35 a.m. SESSION IX
Workshops and Presentations of the Workshop Reports
12.00 p.m. Regina Coeli, Holy Mass according to language.
1.00 p.m. Lunch…
2.45 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet according to language
SESSION X
Presentation: LMC Prayer Life: - Dr. Mimma Battaglia LMC
4.30 p.m. Break (15 minutes)
4.45 p.m. Evening prayer
5.30 p.m. SESSION XI
Workshops (1 hour) and Presentations of the Workshop Reports
7.30 p.m. Supper - Announcements
9.00 p.m. Holy Hour, Meditated Rosary.
1st mystery: in Italian, 2nd mystery: in Spanish, 3rd mystery: in English, 4th mystery: in French
5th mystery in German
NIGHT VIGIL
10.00 p.m. Lights out. Good night, perpetual Adoration
Grand silence.

Sunday 19th April 2009 – Mercy Sunday
“For the sake of his sorrowful passion have mercy on us and the whole world”.

7.00 a.m. Morning prayer according to language.
7.30 a.m. Breakfast, announcements
8.45 a.m. Veni Creator, Jubilee Prayer
SESSION XII
Reports: Mrs. Tai Pearn LMC, Fr. Eduardo la Torre
10.15 a.m. Coffee break (20 minutes)
10.35 a.m. SESSION XIII
Presentation: Various Spiritual Directors and National Links
12.00 p.m. Regina Coeli, Lunch, announcements
Pilgrimage to St. Mary Major, by metro.
From Rebibbia to Stazione Termini by metro B
Those who have difficulty to go by metro may give their names to the following persons:
Tonino Mannello, for Italians
Antonio Arcos, for Spanish speaking groups
Juan Mayol, for English speaking countries
Jean Claude Bastide, for all other languages.
3.45 p.m. Holy Mass in St. Mary Major Basilica, renewal of vows
Evening Prayer, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, etc. are prayed individually or in groups
7.30 p.m. Supper at “Teresa Gerini” - Announcements
8.15 p.m. Film about Blessed Teresa M.C.
Individual night prayer
10.30 p.m. Lights out. Good night, perpetual Adoration.
Grand silence.

Monday 20th April 2009

6.30 a.m. Time for personal prayer, meditation, adoration, etc.
7.00 a.m. Morning prayer according to language.
7.30 a.m. Breakfast, announcements, free time…
8.45 a.m. Veni Creator, Jubilee Prayer
SESSION XIV
Reports: Mrs. Susie Aki LMC
10.15 a.m. Break (20 minutes)
10.35 a.m. SESSION XV – Workshops, presentation of the workshop reports
12.00 p.m. Regina Coeli, Holy Mass according to language.
1.00 p.m. Lunch…announcements
2.45 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet according to language
SESSION XVI
Going over and finalizing all the outcome of the General Assembly
4.30 p.m. Break (15 minutes)
4.45 p.m. Evening prayer
5.30 p.m. SESSION XVII
Time for questions, answers, clarifications.
7.30 p.m. Supper - Announcements
9.00 p.m. Thanksgiving hour together, Rosary in different languages: 1st mystery: in Italian, 2nd mystery: in Spanish, 3rd mystery: in English, 4th mystery: in French, 5th mystery in German
10.00 p.m. Lights out. Good night, perpetual Adoration. Grand silence.

Tuesday 21st April 2009

6.30 a.m. Time for personal prayer, meditation, adoration, etc.
7.00 a.m. Morning prayer according to language.
7.30 a.m. Breakfast, announcements, free time
8.45 a.m. Veni Creator, Jubilee Prayer
CONCLUDING SESSION I
Speakers…
10.15 a.m. Break (20 minutes)
10.35 a.m. CONCLUDING SESSION II
Regina Coeli
1.00 p.m. Lunch…WELCOME TO ALL
5.30 p.m. Evening prayer
Holy Mass of Thanksgiving and Welcome
7.00 p.m. WELCOME TO ALL
7.30 p.m. Supper - Announcements
9.00 p.m. Hymn, Rosary (prayed individually)
10.00 p.m. Lights out. Good night, perpetual Adoration.
Grand silence.
Let us hope and pray that our G.A. may be a real Pentecost experience for all of us and for the entire LMC Movement. Let there be peace and joy and let it begin with me. Let us not forget to pray for each other.

JUBILEE TIMETABLE

Wednesday 22nd April 2009
Pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican (the Rosary is prayed individually)
The following persons are in-charges of the buses:
Bus N. 1: Tonino Mannello, Bus N. 2: Antonio Arcos, Bus N. 3: Juan Mayol Bus N. 4: Jean Claude Bastide, Bus N. 5: Adolfo Costa LMC, Bus N. 6: Giulio Calò LMC
6.00 Breakfast, announcements
Departure without delay for St. Peter’s
7.45 a.m. Holy Mass presided over by his Eminence Cardinal Angelo Comastri10.30 General Audience with the Holy Father
1.00 p.m. Lunch in Teresa Gerini – Via Tiburtina 994
4.00 p.m. WELCOME TO ROME, LMCs of the world.
Cultural evening
7.30 p.m. Dinner…Announcements
9.00 p.m. Points:
English: Mr. Thomas Paul
Spanish: Fr. Victor Mercado
10.00 Lights out. Good night, perpetual Adoration.
Grand silence

Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th April 2009
RETREAT – Days of Silence
6.30 a.m. Time for personal prayer, meditation, adoration, etc.
7.00 a.m. Morning prayer according to language.
7.30 a.m. Breakfast in silence…Announcements, free time
8.45 a.m. Veni Creator, Jubilee Prayer
I Conference (in English) by Mr. Thomas Paul
Time for personal reflection
10.20 a.m. Coffee break
10.45 a.m. Meditated Rosary according to languages: Italian, Spanish and English
Free time
12.00 p.m. Regina Coeli, Holy Mass according to language for the departed LMCs
1.00 p.m. Lunch in silence…Announcements
2.45 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet in groups
II Conference (in English) by Mr. Thomas Paul
Time for personal reflection
4.30 p.m. Break
5.00 p.m. Evening prayer according to language
Shared reflections –Round table…
Time for personal prayer
6.30 p.m. Stations of Light (Via Lucis) according to language
7.30 p.m. Supper in silence - Announcements
8.30 p.m. Night vigil (on Friday only)…points…personal prayer
10.00 p.m. Lights out/ Good night, perpetual Adoration.
Grand silence.

JUBILEE TIMETABLE (flexible)

Saturday 25th April 2009, feast of St. Mark and Italian Independence Day
6.30 a.m. Time for personal prayer, meditation, adoration, etc.
7.00 a.m. Morning prayer according to language.
7.30 a.m. Breakfast…Announcements
Pilgrimage to LMC Mother House, at Via S. Agapito 8
The following persons are in-charges of the buses:
Bus N. 1: Tonino Mannello, Bus N. 2: Antonio Arcos, Bus N. 3: Juan Mayol, Bus N. 4: Jean Claude Bastide, Bus N. 5: Adolfo Costa LMC, Bus N. 6: Giulio Calò LMC
10.00 a.m. Solemn Thanksgiving Mass, presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Agostino Vallini, Vicar General for His Holiness, Pope Beneditc XVI.The readings will be in three languages: Italian, English and Spanish.
After the homily:
Those who are due for making vows, now come forward according to language and pronounce their vows (please have the text ready)
Prayer of the faithful
Remembrance of all the departed LMCS
Reception soon after Mass One of the Lay M.C.s expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Cardinal in the name of all, groups singing, garlanding, a card with assurance of prayers…, refreshments, etc.
1.00 p.m. Lunch at “Casa Serena”
4.30 p.m. Thanksgiving Hour of Adoration together.
Hymns of praise and thanksgiving, of adoration and supplication in various languages.
Holy Rosary in Italian, French, German, English and Spanish.
5.30 p.m. Open Session…positive and negative points.
Hour of Great Thanksgiving
Thanks to all the Organizers, to the Spiritual Directors, special remembrance of the sick and old LMCs. Thanking one another and all. We sing the “Te Deum Laudamus”. Regina Coeli.
7.30 p.m. LMC Jubilee Supper, Announcements
9.00 p.m. Free night vigil…
10.00 p.m. Lights out/ Good night.

Sunday 26th April 2009

6.30 a.m. Holy Mass according to language
7.30 a.m. Breakfast, announcements. Departures except for those who have booked for more days of stay at “Teresa Gerini”.
We wish all the travellers by land, sea or air a very safe and pleasant journey back home. Please do not forget to give our heartfelt thanks and prayerful regards to your dear ones at home, the LMC group members, the spiritual Directors, M.C. Sisters, Brothers, Fathers and others. A big hug to all.
God bless you all.

Fr. Sebastian Vazhakala M.C., Brothers and the Roman LMCs