FIM 2026: Inauguration and Day One

Published by Fr. Alexander SWAMY & Fr. Jailos MPINA in Rome · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · 5:00
Tags: NU, GEN, 1340

ROME, Italy - The International Montfortian Formation 2026 (FIM – Formation Internationale Montfortaine) was gracefully inaugurated on 12 May 2026 at the Generalate of the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel in Rome. Father Yoseph Putra Dwi Darma WATUN, SMM, Superior General of the Company of Mary, presided over the solemn Holy Eucharist and invoked the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon all the participants and organizers of the formation program.

The celebration began with a solemn and meaningful entrance procession in which the participants carried candles symbolizing the light of divine inspiration, along with the national flags representing the different countries from which they had come. The procession beautifully reflected the universality of the Montfortian family united in one spirit and mission. In the words of Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, “The Holy Spirit, finding Mary in souls, flies there.” The atmosphere of prayer and fraternity clearly manifested this spiritual communion.

Following the Holy Eucharist, the formal inauguration ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing wisdom, enlightenment, and the beginning of a journey of deeper spiritual formation. Brother Dionigi TAFFARELLO, SG, Superior General of the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel, warmly welcomed the participants and encouraged them to open their hearts to the richness of Montfortian spirituality and to the inspiration offered through this international formation experience:

“The main objective for this FIM 2026 session is to prepare, with competence and vision, the resource persons of our congregations, sisters, brothers, fathers and associates, so that they may be able to transmit the Montfortian spirituality and this characteristic missionary dynamism in a faithful, creative and impactful way. The aim is to form persons who are not only knowledgeable about the content, but also able to embody and communicate it with passion…. Through moments of prayer, study, dialogue, visit to the Montfortian places and practical engagement, participants will be guided to interpret today's challenges in the light of the charism, developing pedagogical skills and animation capacities that can support the mission of transmitting our Montfortian spirituality in diverse cultural contexts.” He said recalling that he once participated IMI with 26 members of the Montfortian family.

Sr. Vimala GNANAPRAKASAM, FDLS then read the message of Sr. Rani KURIAN, FDLS, Congregational Leader of the Daughters of Wisdom, who was unable to be present in person for the occasion. Her message conveyed prayerful greetings and best wishes for a fruitful and transformative program: One of the constant concerns of our central administration has been to prepare members for our congregations to live and transmit the message of wisdom's love for humanity and to form resource persons capable of sharing our spirituality within our institutes. Your readiness to participate in this formation is a clear sign of the importance you place on passing on Montfortian spirituality and on renewing our missionary dynamism in today's context and reality.

This was followed by the address of Father Dwi SMM, who emphasized both the responsibility entrusted to the participants and the future-oriented vision of the formative program. He reminded everyone that the purpose of FIM is not merely to acquire academic knowledge, but above all to be deeply inspired and transformed by Montfortian spirituality:

“The international Montfortian formation is, therefore, an investment for the future. It is a moment to form Montfort's disciples who can inspire communities, accompany young people, strengthen families, promote justice and peace, and keep alive the missionary spirit of our congregations. The Church needs witnesses who are spiritually grounded, intellectually prepared, emotionally mature, and pastorally creative.

My dear brothers and sisters, the mission entrusted to us is both beautiful and also demanding. The future of the Montfortian mission depends greatly on our openness today, our willingness to learn, to grow, to collaborate, and to allow ourselves to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. As we begin this formation journey, let us look ahead with faith and confidence…. Let us walk together with enthusiasm, humility, and joy, inspired by the example of St. Louis of Montfort, and strengthened by our shared commitment to the Kingdom of God.”

Echoing the spirit of St. Montfort, he underlined that true formation must lead to a life fully centred on Christ through Mary: “To Jesus through Mary.”

After a joyful and sumptuous fellowship meal, the afternoon session formally began. Brother Varghese MANDAPATHIL SG, Assistant Superior General, animated an engaging ice-breaking session that helped the participants become acquainted with one another in a spirit of simplicity, joy, and fraternity. The gathering fostered a warm atmosphere of intercultural exchange and mutual appreciation among the members of the Montfortian family.

As the first day (of 2 months-formation) concluded, the participants carried within them a renewed sense of enthusiasm and hope. Truly, “a good beginning is half done.” With hearts filled with gratitude and expectation, everyone looks forward to a fruitful and grace-filled journey into the treasures of Montfortian spirituality. As Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort reminds us, “When the Holy Spirit finds Mary in a soul, He hastens there and enters fully into it.” May this formation become a privileged moment of openness to the Spirit and deeper union with Christ through Mary.

Fr. Alexander SWAMY & Fr. Jailos MPINA

reviews

Your opinion is important to us and helps us improve our service.