On November 3-6, 2023, the fourth National Assembly and first Elective Assembly of the Militia of the Immaculata (M.I.) in Colombia was celebrated at the La Montañita Retreat Center in La Estrella, Antioquia Department, Colombia.
A total of sixty participants attended the Assembly, including the M.I. International President, Miquel BORDAS PRÓSZYNSKI; an M.I. International Councilor, Norma María Magdalena SÁNCHEZ GONZÁLEZ; the Delegate of the Minister General for the Assistance of the M.I., Friar Gilson Miguel NUNES; the Custos of the Provincial Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Colombia, Friar Sidifredo de la Cruz CHAPARRO GUALDRÓN; the Custodial Delegate for the National Spiritual Assistance of the M.I. in Colombia, Friar David TABARES VÉLEZ; and the Delegates from the various M.I. groups in Colombia.
The event was a time to meet with one another. There were moments of spirituality, fraternity, and formation that provided encouragement and prompted discussion. The participants heard and evaluated reports on the path traveled so far. They heard about the experiences of others, which inspired them to increasingly give of themselves for the cause of the Gospel, through the Immaculata. They were inspired to take on concrete projects, to eagerly continue to build the Kingdom and help increase membership in the M.I. in Colombia.
During the Assembly, the first election of the M.I. National Presidential Council and the Board of Auditors took place, initially chaired by the M.I. international President and then by whoever was to be elected as National President. It was a historical moment of great importance. The election began with a powerful moment of prayer to invoke the help of the Holy Spirit as the members prepared to elect their first Council. The Council will guide the path of the M.I. in Colombia for the next four years.
The newly elected are Erica Jakeline NARVÁEZ BASTIDAS, President; Friar Camilo CALLE RAMÍREZ, Vice President―he was not present at the Assembly but was confirmed in his service via telephone; Norma Constanza CASTILLO MURILLEJO, Secretary; and Carmen Cecilia ORTIZ NIETO, Yeimy Paola DE LA CRUZ POLO and Víctor Armando ATEHORTÚA CATAÑO, Councilors. The newly elected members of the Board of Auditors are Carolina USECHE RODRÍGUEZ, María Cristina CAPERA BURGOS and Yoerkis del Carmen VILLALOBO.
May the Lord Jesus, through the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin, direct this work of His and guide the newly elected in their offices.
Friar David TABARES VÉLEZ, National Spiritual Assistant of the M.I. in Colombia
