International Life Ascending
Since the founding of VMI an International Meeting has been held more or less every four years ; Panama in 1989, Miami (United States) in 1994, Dakar (Senegal) in 1998, Bangkok (Thailand) in 2002, Lourdes (France) in 2006, Cap de la Madeleine (Canada) in 2010. Namur 2014
The topics discussed in these various meetings have emphasised the value of encouraging the members to live this stage of their lives to the full, and it has become obvious at the same time that today the elderly members of populations everywhere take an active part as much in their communities as in the Church. Naturally this evolution is linked with the fact that the elderly the world over are living longer, and generally in better social and material conditions, which gives them years to play with in comparison with earlier generations.
Life Ascending in Europe
At the end of 2014 Marta Melo Atunes from Portugal, was elected as the new Life Ascending president for Europe. Monika Ptak is now the co-ordinator and Father Antonio Rego, again from Portugal, accepted the mission of spiritual advisor for Europe. During this meeting, two representatives from Poland came as observers.
European Co-ordination Team emails
Monika Ptak (France)
Elio Abreu (Portugal)
Letter from Father Antonio Rego
Fr Antonio Rego’s Letter
Life Ascending in the Far East
Fr Jess Brena SJ communicated with Mrs Paula Conrad for many years during 1990’s, before setting up Life Ascending in the Far East. He is now at the forefront of the movement in the Philippines.
Here is the Prologue from Fr Jess’s book ‘Happiness in Longevity – Life Ascending in the Third Age’:
“Life in all its stages is beautiful in addition to be a great gift of God, which deserves to be lived fully and joyfully. But as the author of this book repeats in many places, the Third Age has a particularly unique meaning. It cannot only be the crown of the other two Stages, but also should be a very rich source of happiness. Longevity is a great gift of the Creator to let us enjoy all the blessings we have received previously.” ã from the Prologue by + Paul Cardinal Shan, SJ.
Ascending Life Canada
Ascending Life Canada is the English language version of La Vie Montante which is also alive and vibrant in Canada. Canada being a bilingual Country.
While our Journal reaches coast to coast offering resource for Gatherings, we believe our greatest calling is to reach out to our forgotten seniors. Those who can no longer gather for various reasons. For many, receipt of our Journal by post or email is the only connection with people of Faith, they advise. Sometimes the only connection for the lonely.
Outreach to the forgotten, lonely is of importance. We continue to seek them out and offer them the Word of God in this, the 3rd stage of life.
Please pray for us on this endeavor.
Message received on 9 March 2016
Ascending Life Canada
Ascending Life believes that as long as we live, we should move forward and onward to new horizons, new experiences and new growth of mind, heart and spirit.
At our core is the essential element of spirituality; a call to prayer, reflection, study and faith sharing.
The fruit of spirituality is service, witnessing to the teaching of Jesus, living this day-by-day. Bringing love and understanding to others, as well as prayerful support.
Friendship is another fruit of spirituality, coming together and sharing at a deeper level, dreams, hopes, families, concerns, limitations, humanness and love of God.
Taken from the newsletter of the Pro-Cathedral, Ontario, Canada
Message from Annette
Attached find Resources for the above, which I hope you will find timely and inspirational. I will be forwarding Sunday gospel reflections for the month of May and June, mid April, then taking the Summer off and recommencing September.
Wishing you a Blessed Easter
Annette
Life Ascending Australia
Australia Life Ascending
The movement was begun in Australia by Sr Patricia OP in October 1999 and it now has approximately 200 members mostly in Sydney though it is expanding to the Dioceses of Wollongong, Melbourne, Tasmania and Parramatta.
An International Conference is held every four years at which delegates from the 80 member countries attend. The Australian delegates have been fortunate in attending three such conferences: Bangkok 2002, Lourdes 2006, and Quebec 2010.
A special conference was held for leaders at Fatima (Portugal February 2012) The movement has Papal approval and belongs to the Pontifical Council of the Laity.
