On May 30, 2026, the Militia of the Immaculata (M.I.) of Colombia gathered for a formational, spiritual, and fraternal event in Bogotá, Colombia, The gathering took place at the San Juan María Vianney Parish Church in Bogotá and was led by the Most Reverend Edwin Raúl VANEGAS CUERVO, Auxiliary Bishop of Bogotá.
This formation gathering focused on Marian spirituality. Those attending included representatives of the M.I. groups from Bogotá (San Antonio de Padua, San Luis de Tolosa, Santa María la Antigua, Madre Inmaculada, Hijos de María Inmaculada, and San Maximiliano Kolbe); the Custos of the Provincial Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Colombia, Friar Sidifredo de la Cruz CHAPARRO GUALDRÓN; and the National Vice President of the M.I. of Colombia, Friar Camilo CALLE RAMÍREZ. The Spiritual Assistants and the Presidents of the various groups were also present.
The gathering gave the participants a strong sense of fraternity and communion and encouraged them to share their faith and deepen their understanding of Marian spirituality. The joyful parishioners of the San Juan María Vianney Parish Church enriched the gathering as they warmly welcomed the participants.
The highlight of the day was a lecture on Marian spirituality given by Bishop VANEGAS CUERVO. He emphasized, with clarity and depth, the importance of following Mary, the Mother of the Lord, as a model of life, faith, and total dedication.
Bishop VANEGAS CUERVO also presided over the Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, which was concelebrated by several priests close to the M.I. They shared the joy of faith with the assembly and oversaw sixteen new members being consecrated to the Immaculata, according to the spirituality of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe.
In his homily, Bishop VANEGAS CUERVO encouraged everyone to persevere in the vocation to which they have been called. He reflected on the fatherhood of God, who offers humanity His most precious gift, His Son Jesus Christ. He also urged the faithful to imitate the virtues of Christ, to walk alongside their Pastors, to serve with open hearts, and respond with a generous “yes,” following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The gathering was also a special time to thank God and the Virgin Mary for graces received, to recommit to Marian spirituality, and strengthen the bonds of unity, fraternity, and communion among all the groups and faithful who belong to this great family.
As Ana Milena SERNA, President of the San Juan María Vianney group, remarked, the day was filled with peace, joy, and faith, leaving all participants with a renewed enthusiasm to continue walking together under the protection of the Immaculata.
Hail Mary Immaculate!
Friar Alex Fernando PARADA PIRANEQUE
