Dear Knights of the Immaculata,
Maria! The National United States MI Council met near Guerneville, CA, from Tuesday, January 24, to Friday, January 27, 2017. Although we have been meeting via monthly telephone calls, this was our first face-to-face meeting since June 2016, when we were canonically elected at the first MI Elective National Assembly to serve as your MI National Council. We were honored and delighted by the presence at the Council meeting of Fr. Raffaele Di Muro, the International President of the MI. Also in attendance were Julie Elkinton (Council member), Kit O’Brien (National Secretary), Antonella Di Piazza (National Coordinator), Mike Wick (Vice President) and John Galten (President). Council member Roy Samson (MI Youth and Young Adults National Director) was unavailable because of work commitments.
A wide-ranging series of topics was discussed and action proposed: the location of a permanent home for the National MI Center; the relationship of the National US Center to local, regional and international centers; the rejuvenation of the MI Youth ministry; local and national centenary observances; national US pilgrimage to Italy and Rome for the International Centenary Celebration in October 2017; budget; and development of new MI promotional materials.
Fr. Raffaele presented to the Council two stirring talks responding to our many questions. His answers were most helpful and went a long way toward helping the Council understand its role. Fr. Raffaele impressed us with his wisdom, kind words, encouragement and graciousness.
The MI National Council, through its meetings, liturgy, prayer and friendly exchanges, developed the communion of persons so often highlighted by Fr. Raffaele in his presentations.
More to come on the above in the near future.
Arise, let us be on our way!