FIM 2026 in Rome: A Journey into the Heart of Montfortian Spirituality

The first phase of the International Montfortian Formation (FIM 2026) concluded successfully in Rome after four weeks of prayer, study, pilgrimage, fraternity, and spiritual growth. Participants from different countries of the Montfortian Family gathered at the Generalate of the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel to deepen their understanding of the spirituality of Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort and to strengthen their commitment to the mission entrusted to them.

A Grace-Filled Beginning

FIM 2026 was inaugurated on 12 May 2026 with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Dwi, Superior General of the Company of Mary. The opening ceremony highlighted the international character of the program as participants carried their national flags and a symbolic candle representing the light of divine inspiration.

The Superior General of the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel, Bro. Dionigi Taffarello SG, welcomed the participants and encouraged them to enter the formation experience with open hearts. The opening messages emphasised that the purpose of the program was not merely academic learning but a deeper encounter with Montfortian spirituality capable of transforming lives and ministries.

Growing in Self-Awareness and Personal Integration

The initial sessions, animated by Bro. Varghese Mandapathil SG, focused on self-awareness and personal dynamism. Through reflection, dialogue, and group activities, participants explored their strengths, challenges, motivations, and relationships. These sessions laid a strong foundation for the spiritual journey that followed, reminding everyone that authentic transformation begins with self-knowledge and openness to God's action.

Discovering the Love of Eternal Wisdom

A major portion of the first phase was dedicated to the study of The Love of Eternal Wisdom, one of Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort's spiritual masterpieces. Guided by Sr. Marie Reine DW, participants explored the profound meaning of Divine Wisdom and its relevance in today's world.

The sessions examined themes such as:

• The search for Eternal Wisdom

• The Seven Pillars of Wisdom

• The distinction between true and false wisdom

• Wisdom and the mystery of the Cross

• The core teachings of Wisdom for Christian discipleship

Through lectures, group discussions, presentations, and personal reflection, participants discovered that Wisdom is not simply a concept but a living relationship with Jesus Christ, the Eternal and Incarnate Wisdom of the Father.

Pilgrimages in the Footsteps of the Saints

Rome itself became a classroom of spirituality. Participants undertook pilgrimages to sites associated with Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort, including San Luigi dei Francesi, San Biagio della Pagnotta, Sant'Andrea della Valle, and St. Peter's Basilica.

Additional pilgrimages brought the group to the major papal basilicas, including Saint John Lateran, Saint Mary Major, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, and important sites connected to the early Church.

One of the most memorable experiences was the pilgrimage to Assisi, where participants visited San Damiano, the Basilica of Saint Clare, the Basilica of Saint Francis, the tomb of Carlo Acutis, and the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels. These visits offered powerful moments of prayer, inspiration, and renewal.

Integrating Faith and Formation

Special integration days were organized following the completion of major themes. Through guided reflection, personal prayer, and one-on-one accompaniment with animators, participants were invited to assimilate the insights they had received and discern how these teachings could be lived in their personal and apostolic lives.

Deepening Marian Spirituality

The second major theme of the Rome phase focused on True Devotion to Mary and Total Consecration, animated by Fr. Hugh Gillespie SMM.

Participants explored:

• The historical and spiritual context of True Devotion to Mary

• The necessity and nature of authentic Marian devotion

• The characteristics of true and false devotion

• Perfect devotion and total consecration

• The stages of preparation for consecration

• Knowledge of self, Mary, and Jesus Christ

• The Tree of Life and the spirituality of total self-giving to Christ through Mary

Through Fr. Hugh's engaging presentations and extensive dialogue with participants, the timeless Montfortian motto "To Jesus through Mary" became a lived experience rather than merely a theological principle.

An Encounter with the Holy Father

One of the highlights of the program was the audience with the Holy Father. Despite rainy weather, participants joined pilgrims from across the Montfortian Family to attend the General Audience at ST. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. The Holy Father reflected on the importance of liturgy as a living encounter with Christ and extended a special greeting to the Montfortian Family.

For many participants, meeting the Pope was an unforgettable moment that strengthened their sense of communion with the universal Church.

Celebrating Fraternity and Diversity

Throughout the formation experience, birthdays, feast days, liturgical celebrations, cultural exchanges, and community gatherings strengthened the bonds of fraternity among participants. Coming from different countries, languages, and cultures, the participants experienced the richness of the international Montfortian Family while growing together in a shared spiritual heritage.

A symbolic moment was the planting of three saplings by the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel, the Daughters of Wisdom, and the Company of Mary, representing unity, growth, and the shared mission of the Montfortian Family.

Looking Ahead

As the Rome phase of FIM 2026 comes to an end, participants carry with them a renewed appreciation for Montfortian spirituality, deeper bonds of fraternity, and a stronger commitment to their vocation and mission.

The journey now continues in France, where the participants will enter the second phase of the program, walking more closely in the footsteps of Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort in the land where he lived, preached, and left his spiritual legacy.

May the seeds planted during these weeks in Rome continue to bear abundant fruit in the lives and ministries of all participants.

"Totus Tuus ego sum, et omnia mea tua sunt."

AI Use Declaration: This article is based on the original daily reports of Fr. Alexander SMM. Artificial Intelligence was used only to assist in compiling, organising, summarising, and editing the content for publication. All events, reflections, and factual information are drawn from the original reports and have been reviewed by the editor.