Brazil: IV National Meeting of the Union of the Catholic Apostolate

Fr. Judinei Vanzeto SAC 

​In the Year of the Laity, around 200 Pallottines from various regions of the country participated in the IV National Meeting of the Union of Catholic Apostolate (UAC). It was held from May 31- 3 June,  in the parish of St. Judas Tadeu in Campo Grande (MS), following the theme "Pallottines: Church in Mission", promoted by the National Coordination Council of AUC.
 
According to Fr. Gilberto Orsolin, the UAC National Coordinator, the meeting’s objective was deepening the fraternal coexistence of the members through formation, spirituality, deepening and sharing of the experience of the Pallottine charism.
 
During the program, the following discussions took place:
Promotion of the social doctrine of the Church (Fr. Denilson Geraldo)
Value of silence for personal integration (Fr. Valdeci de Almeida)
Theology of the Cenacle in Saint Vincent Pallotti (Edgar Xavier Ertl),
Christian's motivation for living and witnessing to the faith (Mr. Daniel Godri)
Jesus Christ, Apostle of the Eternal Father (Father Angelo Londero)
UAC an apostolic family - foundation linked to the experience of Christ (Jos. Giuliani)
Mission of the Church and Pallottine mission (Fr. Daniel Rocchetti)
 
The celebration on the third day was presided by Dimas Lara Barbosa, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Campo Grande.
 
Fr. Denilson Geraldo, the General Councilor, brought a greeting from the General Council of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate.
"We want the charism of St. Vincent Pallotti to shine like a light in a world marked by darkness, hatred and divisions. We see the charism of our founder, as experienced by members of the UAC, a work of the Holy Spirit and light for today’s world.” He also read a message from UAC president Ms. Donatella Accerbi, Rome.
 
The Pallottine Bishop of the Diocese of Palmas / Francisco Beltrão (PR), Rev. Edgar Xavier Ertl, spoke on Cenacle theology, and stated that the foundation of St. Vincent Pallotti has a specific starting point.
 
"The Church was born in the Upper Room, where the Lord breathed the Holy Spirit and the disciples went out into the world. Our founder developed a theology from the Cenacle and placed his foundation under the patronage of Our Lady Queen of Apostles, which promotes the unity of prayer and the derivation the entirety of our mission," he explained.
 
For laywoman Maria Antonia Pereira de Souza, from Teresina (PI), the distance was a great challenge, but her experience surpassed all expectations. "Due to the distance, we wondered if it would be worth participating. We feel it has certainly paid off regarding the renewal of our faith, as well as the knowledge and conviction that the charism of Saint Vincent Pallotti is also ours. This fills us with joy, and leads us to spread love and leave our post,"she shared.
 
According to Father Gilberto, the preparation time for the meeting was over one year; organized by the National Council, Local Councils, parishes and communities. "The Meeting was excellent for the content, experiences, prayers, celebrations, sharing, learning and fulfilled with its objective. In the lectures we raised several aspects that we must emphasize from now on. For example, to dedicate ourselves more in the Pastoral Care of the Family, youth, caring for the elderly, children, and especially the poor. We feel a great lack of Christian formation. Pallotti did not form Pallottines. He wanted us to have an experience with Jesus Christ to witness it. Being a witness of Jesus Christ is the great message we carry, "Orsolin said.
 
At the closing Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr Gilberto Orsolin, 11 lay and lay people made the Apostolic Commitment to the UAC. Furthermore, a large number renewed their commitment. This act consists in the awareness of living his/her baptism better with his/her family, the community and- above all- in society, according to St. Vincent Pallotti’s spirituality. In the concluding homily, Orsolin highlighted only one point as a practical commitment: caring for the elderly. "The elderly are disregarded and invisible in society. Let's take on an elderly and sick person. It is a great concrete gesture that enriches us in humanity. We will invite young people to have an experience with the elderly,” he said with strong hope.