Tino Rodriguez, is re-elected Secretary General of the LCM

Venezuela was in charge of today’s morning Eucharist. We celebrated the recognition of the family with a special moment during communion for the married couples present here at the Assembly (Tino & Auxi, Concha & Pablo, Tomas & Syd, Laura & Miguelo), and also a very emotional final blessing for the elders of the Assembly: Petra, Nene, Consuelo, Conchita and Maria Isabel.

In our work session we began by reading the greetings that arrive from the Heart of Mary Community (Zaragoza, North Spain) and Antioch (Sivilla, Betica), as well the message from Justin (Colombia), and of Julita Villanueva from Mexico. We proceeded with the reading of the minutes from the previous day and this was followed with the presentation of the candidates that came through the sondeo yesterday. The candidates then shared their personal history and that with the LCM along with their availability to fulfill the functions required by the office.

After the break we started the second big section of the Assembly. Now it was time to begin looking for concrete proposals and suggestions in walking towards our future. We introduced ourselves into this work by invoking the Holy Spirit to enlighten us, through the discernment that we did yesterday, by seek out concrete lines of action. We worked in groups on the 8 themes to be discerned: Identity, Spirituality, Formation, Mission, Guides, New Members, Economy, and Communication. While respecting local autonomy we seek out proposals and suggestions with a common vision for the General Council, Regional Council, and groups and communities. The vision and its synthesis took us until late afternoon.

After a brief break, we began the electoral process. In the late afternoon we proceeded to elect the General Secretary. The prayer in the chapel prior to the election was guided by the representatives of El Caribe. In this environment of prayer we returned to the Assembly hall where the Assembly chairs went over the members with right to vote and the procedure for the vote is reviewed. The number of those present with the right to vote was 40. For an absolute majority 21 votes are required. In this environment of prayer and order the vote took place, in which on the first vote and by absolute majority Constantino Rodriguez was elected, with 38 votes and 2 blank ones. With an emotional and loud applause his last four years of service and love for the LCMF are recognized, and the confidence on him for the next four years is ratified. After accepting the election we conclude with a brief thanks giving to Mary. Before dinner we closed this intense day with a prayer prepared by Canada. We closed the day’s activities with dinner and a fraternal celebration prepared by Venezuela.