10th National Meeting of Lay Montfortians of Colombia
BOGOTÁ, Colombia - The 10th National Meeting of Montfortian Lay People, held in Bogotá on October 31, November 1 and 2, 2025, brought together 93 brothers and sisters representing different regions of the country (Antioquia, Boyacá, Cauca, Caquetá, Cundinamarca, Santander, Meta, and Risaralda), including six Montfortian priests.
The theme of the meeting – “True Devotion, Kerygmatic Evangelization” – guided these days of reflection, prayer, and fellowship, in an atmosphere of ecclesial communion and missionary joy.
The meaning of True Devotion to Mary was explored from various perspectives: biblical, spiritual, pastoral, and communal. The presentations by Bishop Germán Barbosa, Father Jaime Oved Cabrejo (Provincial), Father Gabriel Riveros, Father Leonardo Bernal, and Father Miguel Patiño offered a comprehensive vision of Montfortian spirituality, centered on communion, formation, and mission.
The discussions concluded with a participatory exchange, during which the lay people discerned the main challenges and perspectives of their journey: strengthening the identity of the laity based on Montfortian values: wisdom, Marian devotion, and mission; working in synodality and in communion with the Church; and meeting the diocesan challenge of actively accompanying the processes of consecration and involving young people and new generations, while fostering communion and unity in parishes.
This gathering reaffirmed that the Montfortian laity are not a group or a movement, but a living spirituality at the service of the Church, committed to evangelization, the spread of True Devotion to Christianity, and Christian witness in all areas. Around a campfire, a moment of fellowship unfolded, accompanied by a commitment to pray for vocations—a moving and loving moment, inspired by Father de Montfort's "Prayer of Fire."
The day's presentations concluded with a call from Father Miguel Patiño to persevere in holiness and ongoing formation, reminding everyone that "no one learns as much as the one who teaches" and that True Devotion to Christianity is lived through teaching, service, and love.
This national gathering helped to strengthen the unity of the community, aware of its mission and encouraged to walk together in Montfortian spirituality, carrying Christ through Mary in all aspects of life.
Doris CASTILLO
Lay Montfortian of Colombia
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