World Assembly Fatima 2008

Relive Fatima

Reflections from the World Assembly by Liem Le.

	Fatima, Tuesday 8/12: Day 1 The place chosen for the assembly is a pilgrimage house, about 10 minutes walk from the Shrine of Fatima. The assembly opened in a wonderfully boisterous anticipation with delegations from 66 countries around the world. It was so fitting that we gathered in the chapel, around the presence of Christ. Each country let her color fly upon the announcement of the country; amidst applauses.more
	Fatima, Tuesday 8/13: Day 2 Today the assembly continued to listen to stories. It was WEXCO’s turn to tell its story to the world community of the path that have been taken between Nairobi (2003) and Fatima i. The story was comprehensive, focusing on efforts on formation, leadership, CLC’s presence in the Church, collaboration with SJ, apostolic initiatives and various international presences as NGO. It reported to the world body the development of communities in all areas of the world. more.
	Fatima, Thursday 8/14: Day 3 Today was the third day. It was a day for “raising our eyes to the signs of the times around and beyond World CLC.” It was a day of reflection, of coming back to our inner self to really what are outside. The day opened with morning prayers with images of the harsh reality of our world today. There are communities of people who make a living by the mountains of trash that seem to be endless. more
	Fatima, Friday 8/15: Day 4 The theme of the day was “How can we move and act more effectively as an apostolic body?” The change of setting for the assembly to start “working” was just perfect; we did need the change. We gathered outside under the canopy of the trees in the large garden in the back of the campus. The weather in Fatima was quite pleasant, warm in the sun and cool in the share with light breeze. more
	Fatima, Saturday 8/16: Day 5 Today was Saturday and WEXCO was kind to let us out in the afternoon; we were supposed to have a tour of our choice. But before that would happen, we had to work in the morning. Actually, we had to get back to work after the tour too. It was all about working here in Fatima, but one would see only a smile so ready for greetings, and if you asked anyone, this would seem to be the normal answer: I am joyfully tired. more
	Fatima, Sunday 8/17: Day 6 - A Special Morning Sunday morning was a special moment, especially for 1 of us in our delegation, Angelique. The CVX Cuba was supposed to be incorporated into the world community, but only Father Alejandro Repulles Y Benito, S.J. managed to secure exit visa. The other 2 delegates were not. Father Benito asked EXCO to delay the introduction to wait for the other delegates; after all, it is a lay community. But somehow they managed to arrive in Fatima last night. more
	Fatima, Sunday 8/17: Day 6 continued The air of the assembly was filled with anticipation; Father General Nicolas would say mass and give a homily today. Sunday started with a 10’ silent reflection then the assembly moved quickly and methodologically to vote on the proposal to change GN#21a. It took 2 rounds for the assembly to finally settle on the proposal from Kenya. It was not quick enough; It took 90’. But we were done with business and we were off to Visitors’ Day. more.
	Fatima, Monday 8/18: Day 7 Dear friends, time seemed to speed up tremendously after Sunday. We had passed the midpoint here in Fatima. The Sunday break was welcomed, we did not have to work except for about 90 minutes in the morning, but there was a sense of ambivalence and urgency that seemed to descend on the assembly today. We resumed our journey – working journey that was – and moved onto the third part of the assembly. We would work together for the next 4 days to “commit our world, regional and national communities to practical, realistic initiatives that express ever more deeply and more authentically” who we are as an apostolic body of and in the Church. The ambivalence: How would we do this? more.
	Fatima, Monday 8/19: Day 8 The end of the assembly was approaching fast. This morning Edward Warrington of CVX Malta guided the assembly on our inner journey, to refocus and re-center. I was not the only one consumed by fatigue. It seemed that was the general sentiment, especially toward the end of the day. Edward was the assembly guide and helped the assembly each day to be more aware of the inner journey amidst the business of our works and the sense of urgency as the assembly drew to a close in a couple of days. Today, Edward invited and challenged the assembly to refocus to bring further into clarity that the goal of our works here in Fatima is God’s will. more
	Fatima, Tuesday 8/20: Day 9 It was my last day here in Fatima. I would have to leave real early tomorrow on a 7AM flight back to the States. I felt that time went by so fast. There were mixed feelings in me. I could not wait to see my wife and son again. But I would miss all these people at the Fatima Assembly and the time that we labored together. That sentiment woke me up earlier than normal. Too early to do anything. The sun was not up yet. A thought flashed through my mind: Why not go to the Sanctuary and spend a moment with Mary at her chapel. It took some serious struggles for me just to get out of bed; was it an invitation? more

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