On August 11-13, 2023, the National Assembly of the Militia of the Immaculata (M.I.) was held in the city of León, State of Guanajuato, Mexico. About one hundred M.I. members gathered in this city which is known for its production and sale of footwear and other leather goods.
The M.I. members began their activities on the afternoon of August 11, 2023, with Mass at the Nuestra Señora de la Luz Cathedral. Friar Jorge HERNÁNDEZ DE LUNA Guardian of the local San José de Cupertino Friary, presided. Next, they met at the rectory of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Church, run by the friars. After a light dinner, the participants retired for the evening, staying with families in the local community.
Saturday, August 12, was an intense day of activity. It began at 7:00 a.m. with the Liturgy of the Hours and included Eucharistic Adoration, Confession and a Mass during which four female M.I. members were consecrated. In addition, the members shared meals, coffee breaks and conviviality. The musical group “Luz en Cristo,” was often present to provide wonderful entertainment at various times.
Several lectures were offered during the Assembly that helped everyone deepen their understanding of what it is to live as members of the M.I. Friar Mario CASTRO MARTÍNEZ, the Minister Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, gave a lecture entitled, “The Sprituality of the Lay Person Consecrated to Mary.” M.I. member Norma DE LEÓN gave a lecture on “Synodality in the Militia of the Immaculata.” Friar Noé GASPARIANO PRIETO gave a lecture entitled, “The Marian Missionary Charism of St. Maximilian Kolbe.” Finally, the National M.I. President, Esther SANCHEZ, gave a lecture on “The Apostolate Lived by M.I. Members and New Proposals.” The day ended with the presence of a “rondalla” (local musical group) who enlivened the dinner with their songs.
On Sunday, Friar Rodolfo LÓPEZ AYALA presented a historical summary of the Nuestra Señora de la Luz Cathedral. The concluding Mass was presided over by the Minister Provincial, Friar Mario. After the Mass, the Assembly was closed and everyone returned home, some facing a five-hour drive by car. Today in Mexico, the M.I. is present in Mexico City, Cuautitlán Izcalli, and Valle de Aragón in the State of Mexico, Guerrero, Veracruz, and, of course, the host site in León. The Assembly was an excellent opportunity to get motivated and committed to serving the Church as members of the Militia.
Friar Jorge HERNÁNDEZ DE LUNA
