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'Hello' to my very dear
sisters and brothers! 
I am greeting you from this corner of the world
known as Colombia, a country that is part of the
Pacifico-Andina
Province.
I have been asked to tell you something of our
journey as laypeople in the building of the project of sharing the
charism, the mission and the spirituality of the Assumption,
a
precious gift that we carry in earthen vessels,
as St Paul would say.
Many things have happened since our formation together in
the youth and vocations ministry project, including the participation in
the Provincial and General Chapters. On our return from the General
Chapter I had the opportunity to share with Sr Piedad Berrio, the
provincial who, with the help of her councillors, placed at my disposal
the necessary physical and spiritual resources to convoke the Lay Friends
of the Assumption in different areas of the city where the Sisters had
been; similarly, we made contact with other cities and countries, without
neglecting communication with the companions from the other countries who
were at the General Chapter with us.
At this first meeting we presented the work programme for
the lay project covering the next six years. In drawing it up we had kept
in mind that it would be related to the four lines of action which the
Congregation had adopted at General level for this six-year period.
We examined how we could keep up communication between us. We also sent it
by electronic mail to all the friends of the Assumption in the province,
in the U.S.A., in Spain and in France.
After the end-of-year holiday period, we met to look at the proposals and
the work to be developed. Among the proposals was that of having three
meetings: one in April, one in August and one in November. Now we are
organised in small committees and have prepared the first meeting.
Companions from other cities took part in this sharing, like those of Cali
(Colombia) who have developed a whole training process in Assump¬tionist
spirituality, beginning with children and continuing with young and not so
young people. This is focussed on the life of Fr Pernet and of Antoinette
Fage which we hope we will be able to make known to them very soon.
Similarly, some lay people have given a hand in the work involved in
organising groups that are accompanied by the Little Sisters.
As you can see, the Spirit is blowing here and
elsewhere and we are increasing in number, and so communication,
organisation, and training and nourishment in Assumptionist spirituality
will be growing in strength and consistency. We have taken steps that are
small but of a depth that shows how God, who has come to dwell among us
and calls us to serve and to save, has marked our life and our way of
doing things. We are hoping to hear from all in the different places and
to continue growing and to encourage you by our experiences, because now
we are more than ever convinced that another world is necessary, another
world is possible.
(Photo taken at the 2nd leaders' meeting for PALA: Proyecto
Amigos Laicos de la Asunción. 26/02/06 [Lay Friends of the
Assumption Project] )
Víctor Andrés Galindo Angel,
Lay Friend of the Assumption,
Bogotá, Colombia.
E-mail: angel06rector@yahoo.es
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