First Congress on Sodalit Spirituality opens with Eucharistic celebration

Lima, 27/01/09.- Members of the Sodalit Family – with Luis Fernando, our Founder, present among them - filled the church of Our Lady of Reconciliation in Lima, Peru, to capacity today for the celebration of the inaugural Mass of the I Congress on Sodalit Spirituality.

The Mass was presided over by Archbishop José Antonio Eguren, S.C.V., of Piura, accompanied by Bishop Kay Schmalhausen, S.C.V., of Ayaviri. The Mass was also concelebrated by over twenty Sodalit priests, many of whom have come in from the different Sodalit foundations around the world.

During the homily Archbishop José Antonio pointed out that the Sodalit spirituality has been "inspired by the Holy Spirit and has been recognized as such by the Holy See…and all that comes from God, all that the Spirit inspires, is certainly fascinating and beautiful."

He invited the Congress participants to deepen throughout the following days in their experience of "wonder at the richness" of the Sodalit spiritual way. It is very encouraging to see "the Sodalit spirituality made concrete and alive in a single person, the Virgin Mary, since, as we all know, Sodalit spirituality seeks to be the spirituality of Mary," he added.

Members of the different institutions and associations of our spiritual family were present at the Mass. Many of them have come to Lima from the different foundations spread over six continents in order to participate in the activities of the congress.

Tomorrow, in the Congress' first session, Luis Fernando will give the inaugural conference, "Charism and Spirituality."