“Buon giorno,” “Buenos días,” “Bom dia,”and “Good morning”, were the words that greeted us as began our Cabrini Lay Missionary (CLM) International meeting in Codogno, Italy. CLMs from Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Ethiopia and the U.S. met from April 21st – April 23rd. The theme of the 2nd International meeting was, “Together towards the future: Now is the right time.”
We came together to find common ground through formation, economic independence, and also to imagine our future. In addition to our own discussions, Rev. Msgr. Graham Bell, the undersecretary of the promotion of New Evangelization Department of the Pontifical Council, spoke to us about the challenges of the new Evangelization. We were also blessed to have Sr. Maria Regina Canale, MSC, the General Assistant of the MSCs, speak to us about the charism of St. Cabrini.
Sr. Maria Regina was also our tour guide, par excellence. We visited the St. Cabrini Museum in Codogno. It was like walking on holy ground as we walked in areas that St. Cabrini also walked. We visited the home where Mother Cabrini grew up and also her uncle’s house where she would put the paper boats with the lilacs in the water. We went to several churches where Mother Cabrini is remembered with statues, art work and altars with her relics. Everyone we met knew and loved St. Cabrini. Sr. Maria Regina’s love and enthusiasm about Mother Cabrini made the trip even more special.
We ended the meeting with a beautiful Mass. It was very moving when everyone renewed her commitment as a Cabrini Lay Missionary. Each national 
group renewed in its own language. It was so beautiful to hear the various languages, a reminder that we may speak different languages but we are all one.
Sr. Barbara Staley, MSC, General Superior of the MSCs accepted our commitments on behalf of the MSC Community. Each CLM received a special cross, the new symbol of the CLMs.