On October 19, 2019, the Militia of the Immaculate (M.I.) celebrated its first National Assembly in Costa Rica. The event took place at the Parish of San Antonio de Padua, in Belén, Costa Rica.
One of the main objectives of this Assembly was electing the M.I. President and the Presidential Council for Costa Rica, as well as establishing regions to better serve the members.
After praying the Rosary, the participants heard two lectures. The first was on the theme, “Who Is St. Maximilian Kolbe and What Is the M.I.?” It was presented by Mr. Víctor M. VALVERDE VÁSQUEZ. The other was on “The General Statutes of the M.I.” It was presented by Ms. Norma Magdalena SÁNCHEZ GONZÁLEZ, an International Councilor of the M.I. In addition, there was talk on some organizational aspects of the Association by Friar José Noé GASPARIANO PRIETO, OFM Conv., the National Assistant of the M.I. in Mexico.
After the survey of possible candidates, Ms. SÁNCHEZ GONZÁLEZ introduced the aforementioned Víctor M. VALVERDE VÁSQUEZ as President; Alexander RODRÍGUEZ RAMÍREZ as Vice-President; Grettel M. VALVERDE VÁSQUEZ as Secretary and Marianella MOYA ZÚÑIGA as Treasurer. All those put forward for a vote were unanimously elected.
Next, the following regions were defined: Alajuela, Palmares, San Ramon and Heredia.
The Assembly ended with Mass presided over by Friar Jorge Arturo DOBLES ULLOA, the Custos of the Provincial Custody of Mary, Mother of Mercy in Central America. The liturgy was animated by Friar Oliver Grevin SIERRA RIVERA. Those concelebrating included Friar Cornelio MORÁN RÍOS, the Regional Assistant of the M.I. for Mexico City, and Father Horacio Alberto ARIAS SALAS, the local pastor. During the celebration, five members made their Consecration to the Immaculate.
A relic of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe was brought to the Assembly from the M.I. national headquarters of Mexico. The presence of the relic throughout the duration of the Assembly and during the moments of prayer, helped guide the work and decisions of the members.
Ms. Norma Magdalena SÁNCHEZ GONZÁLEZ, International Councilor of the M.I.
