In this Jubilee Year of the 50th Anniversary of the canonization of St Vincent Pallotti there is an increasing urgency to grow in our spirituality through Pallottine formation; learning more in order to revive faith and enkindle charity and spread the charism of our Founder with the New Evangelization. Thus, the essence and focus of the 2012 General Coordination Council came into action. The meeting was held in Rome at the Pallottine Missionary Sisters Generalate from 23rd to 28th of May.
The agenda was very full and kept us busy the whole week. Typical of such annual meetings, there were reports to be presented by the President, Secretary and committee chairs followed by discussions, which were based on the prepared topics by GCC and NCC’s. One of the important points was the election of the President and the Vice President of the Union of the Catholic Apostolate. We also worked towards the development of future endeavors and the spread of the Union in the various countries throughout the world.
During our time together we shared a real Cenacle and Pentecost experience, firstly by having several opportunities to pray together, asking for guidance from the Holy Spirit. We truly felt united with Mary, Queen of Apostles in prayer, and thereby supported by the Pallottine Family worldwide as we worked and made proposals and decisions for the Union. Our Queen of Apostles Feast Day Mass was joyfully sung and prayed in as many languages as we could accommodate.
It was also a privileged to participate at a Pentecost Vigil Mass in the Church of Regina degli Apostoli followed by sung Vigil Prayers prepared and led by members of the Quinta Dimensione. This was a very beautiful and spiritually uplifting liturgical experience for all who attended. Seven of us from different countries were asked to present candles representing the gifts of the Spirit. These candles will return to our countries and hopefully will be able to spread the different gifts through their LCCs and formation groups. After this we enjoyed an agape supper with the UAC members.
With our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful hospitality of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters, the international representatives of the Pallottine Family on the new Council were able to find a true family home environment providing for their human needs right next door at the Casa Procura. Here we were able to return from our intense and busy work at the meetings held at the Generalate to find delicious meals and comfortable bedrooms that enabled us to rest and be refreshed to continue working well together each day. Our thanks especially go to our secretaries and translators without whom we could have become the new Tower of Babel. Their skill, patience and generosity in working along with us were most appreciated.
Patricia Wisolith
GCC member from Australia
