The international Lay Camillian Family Central Commission (CC LCF ) held our first face to face meeting in Rome, hosted by the Father General Pedro Tramontin, General Consultors and the Community of the Maddalena. Their welcome and hospitality was exceptional. Conducting our meetings and sharing in the life of the Community at the Maddalena is an honour and privilege that we do not take for granted. This week, lived in fraternal community deepened our experience of belonging to the Greater Camillian Family and enabled us to work collaboratively in our team.

Their commitment to “building unity and communion”, “strengthening fraternal life” and “Living the Camillian Charism and spirituality with passion” (Ministers of the Infirm Strategic Plan 2023-2028: A vision of Innovative and Prophetic Choices) was a lived experience for us and not just buzz words in a nicely presented Strategic Plan to be left sitting on a book shelf.

Planning: We spent some time during our meeting studying this strategic plan, to identify aspects the Lay Camillian Family might adopt. We committed ourselves to developing a more simplified strategic plan, to guide and direct us during our term of office (2023 – 2029) and to support and grow Lay Camillian Families throughout the world.

Communication: Communication during our meeting was enhanced by the presence of Fr. Pietro Magliozzi as translator and contributed to an effective, productive meeting. Working through three languages (Italian, English & Spanish) is an ongoing challenge. Whilst translation apps help us to stay connected with each other and with LCF National Presidents, they are limiting, particularly in a meeting setting. We recognise the need for simultaneous translation during our meetings, going forward.

Finance: The financial status of the Central Commission is very concerning and requires an urgent injection of funds. CADIS and Salute e Sviluppo gave generously of their time, sharing their expertise with us during our meeting in the area of fundraising. We looked at the sources of our funds to date: Camillian Generalate, Provincials and Delegates, Lay Camillian Family National Groups. We appreciate all donations received to date and will welcome a pledge to make regular donations, monthly or annually to ensure adequate funds are available to sustain us in our mission. We discussed ways to increase our donor pool and committed ourselves to design a leaflet for circulation to attract donors and donations.

Formation and Ministry: Time was allocated to discuss Formation and Ministry which are integral to following in the footsteps of St Camillus and witnessing to the world, the ever-present love of Christ for the sick. “In order to exercise our ministry fruitfully… our lives must be permeated by the friendship of God”.

We acknowledged the commitment of our LCF Spiritual Assistants who give so generously of their time to animate Lay Camillian Families worldwide whilst also serving in full time ministries.

We value each and every member of our Lay Camillian Family, past and present, living and dead, active or retired for answering the call to live out their baptismal promise, “by witnessing to the Lord’s love for the sick and suffering, in accordance with the charism which St Camillus de Lellis received from God, and transmitted to the Order he founded”.  We discussed the need for a register of members and will encourage all LCF groups to assist us with this.

We, the central commission, are thankful for what we accomplished during our meeting, thanks to all the support we received from our Camillian Religious. We are committed to staying connected and working collaboratively with all involved in our shared Mission of Service to those in need of care and consolation.

May God give us His holy help and keep us in His grace.

Anita Ennis