At the beginning of the month of December, after a nine-hour journey, the novices, along with Fr. Richard and Fr. Alex, arrived in Quebec and were warmly welcomed by the local Assumptionist community. Though the novices were far away from home, the novitiate program continued in only slightly altered form for the week in Canada: two classes on the Sermons of Saint Augustine regarding poverty, with reference to the recent letter of our Superior General on the same theme, and one class to review novitiate practices as outlined in the handbook called “Guidelines for the Novice”.

From August 23 to 27 the community of Riobamba organized its second annual vocation retreat at Copalillo--- a time to meet God in the wilderness, surrounded by God's gift of nature. Br. Alejandro Godoy Vásquez, the vocation director, together with a steering committee, prepared the event. Over 50 young people from the two parishes that we run participated in the camp this year. Our pastor, Fr. Marco, commented: “For young people this camp is an opportunity to grow in their faith and at the same time discover what it is that God is calling them to in their lives."

Living with Christ, a monthly missal published by Bayard, has gathered a team of editors and managers from different countries in an effort to consolidate their efforts into becoming an international brand and mission. This meeting was held in New London, CT last December 4, 2013.

Jean-Marie Montel, head of Bayard’s religious division, convoked this meeting. Those who attended the meeting were: Christophe Mauratille (Director, Bayard Africa and Asia), Dan Connors (Editor, LWC-US), Nina Silvestri (Managing Editor, LWC-US), Karem Bustica (Editor, Prions en Eglise France), Danielle Bean (Editor, Catholic Digest), Br. Blair Nuyda (Assumptionist and Editor, LWC-Philippines) and Pam Brown (Director of Marketing).

O God, who in your kindness begin all good things and bring them to fulfillment, grant to us, who find joy in the Solemnity of the holy Mother of God, that, just as we glory in the beginnings of your grace, so one day we may rejoice in its completion.
Through Christ our Lord.
(Prayer Over the Offerings)

BLESSINGS FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR!