In Mottinello (Vicenza) this morning the general assembly began of the Lay Camillian Family, an ecclesial association that works with the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm in caring for the sick and the promotion of health.

Present in thirty-five countries in the world with 2,500 members, the Lay Camillian Family, like the Order, is organised into Provinces, each of which has its own structure. In 2001 the General Chapter of the Camillians approved its statutes which were ratified in the same year by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

 ‘How in the Lay Camillian Family do we bear witness to and interpret the charism of St. Camillus four hundred years after his death?’: this is the question posed to the assembly which after six years has come together again to live an experience of edifying and joyous communion.

The representatives of the association – led by the outgoing president, Rosabianca Carpene – will enter into dialogue for the whole week about its Camillian vocation and about formation, with special attention being paid to its statutes and goals.

The meeting in Mottinello was opened by the paper of the spiritual assistant to the Lay Camillian Family and the General Vicar of the Order, Paolo Guarise, who dwelt upon the charism of mercy of St. Camillus and engaged in a historical survey of the Order, from the foundation of the first houses until today, passing by way of the birth of the missions. Father Paolo also spoke about the forthcoming Extraordinary General Chapter and the new challenges for the Camillians in modern health care which is in the grip of an economic and ethical crisis of no small moment.

The world assembly of the Lay Camillian Family – which by a happy coincidence is being celebrated during the jubilee year – will end with a celebration of the Eucharist in Rome, in the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, on 25 May, the date of the birth of St. Camillus.

Look here at the press information

Camillian Voices- – Rosabianca Carpene, the President of the International LCF