This is a comprehensive
summary of the last day of the Assembly. The works relating to the International M.I.
Meeting have been concluded. After days of intense work, discussion and tight a regime of
encounters and concentration, general tiredness has overcome all.
Paper after paper, presentation after presentation of the M.I.
Centres, the information and results made for an interesting forum. The perspective was
varied, interesting and dynamic.
The work experience of these M.I. Centres is diverse and
expansive, both humble but vigorous, orientated at times to the Social or even Cultural
realities of particular countries or even areas, embracing at times Community work such as
within prisons, hospitals, clinics and centres, including Drug related programmes. At
times audaciously directed towards means of Social Communications, such as Journals,
magazines, Radio and T.V. Stations.
The concluding Report of the outgoing International President,
Fr. Eugenio Galignano, was a comprehensive and panoramic reading of the M.I. Association
in the World. An interesting and informative discussion followed. At 16:00 hrs, on the
29th of September 2001, the election of the International M.I. General Council took place.
This followed the procedures laid down by the M.I. statute.
Dr. Gianfranco Girotti, assistent secretary for the Congregation
for Doctrine and Faith, and Professor in Canon Law at the "Università
Urbaniana" (Rome), sat in for the Minister General of the Franciscan Order, Fr.
Joachim Anthony Giermek, during the voting procedure.
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Confidence ad appreciation for the out
going General Council’s work was openly expressed by all present. M.I.
representatives from twenty three (23) different nations voted almost unanimously for the
election of the new team. This new General Council will remain in office for the next six
years, up to the 30th of September 2007.
Speaking about the International Congress (Maximilian
M. Kolbe in His Time and Today: Interdisciplinary Approach to the Person and His Writings)
held at Seraphicum between the 24th and 27th of September proved to be a great and
unforgettable event. Speakers, lecturers and professors present for the Congress confirmed
that St. Maximilian Kolbe can finally be considered as an exponent of Contemporary
Theological reflection and study. This recognition by the Catholic and lay academic camps,
together with the re-affirmation of the General Council of the M.I. are a considerable
moral boost to the works and sacrifices of all those who collaborated to make this an
unforgettable event. |
The International M.I. Meeting 
International President
Fr. Eugenio Galignano (Italy)