ACTIVITIES OF THE MOVEMENTS
Canada
Camille, coordinator of Vie Montante in Canada, accompanied by Jackie—both of whom attended the Steering Committee in Madrid last May—share insights into the movement's realities.
France
On June 17 and 18, 2026, diocesan leaders of the Christian Mouvement chrétien des retraités (MCR) met in Paris for their national General Assembly.
The General Assembly provided an opportunity to present statutory reports and hold new elections, as well as to show the many initiatives undertaken throughout the year—such as the *Laudato Si’* podcasts, pastoral care for the elderly, training for spiritual advisors, and the Groups in Motion program.
Participants also discovered new releases from MCR Publications: the 2027 Almanac and the book
*Regards et prière : Visages de Marie* (Gazes and Prayer: Faces of Mary).
And new initiatives:
"Pearls of Life" : a new initiative to gather and pass on the testimonies, experiences, and human and spiritual richness of the oldest seniors.
Heading to Lourdes in June 2027
Initial plans for the Lourdes 2027 national gathering—taking place from June 15 to 17, 2027—center on the theme: "Agents of Life, Bearers of Hope!"
These three days will offer an opportunity to come together for meetings, celebrations, lectures, and sharing.
Understanding younger generations and preparing the year’s campaign
A lecture by Father Benoît de Maintenant on understanding younger generations enriched the assembly's discussions.
A round-table discussion allowed participants to share experiences related to the year's theme, "Receiving and Becoming,", followed by René Aucourt’s presentation of the 2026–2027 campaign: "Making Choices: An Art in Itself".
A Eucharistic celebration concluded two days rich in dialogue, projects, and hope.
More than just a statutory meeting, this 2026 General Assembly once again demonstrated the vitality of the MCR and its commitment to continuing its mission.
Mauritius
The Vie Montante movement has a low profile within a Church that has tended to segregate generations. It is difficult to reconnect them after a period where the young were prioritized and the elderly sidelined.
The Church must relearn how to integrate older people. However, the trend is shifting slightly, and the movement—currently numbering 250 members—is seeing new people join.
Romania
The leader, Victoria Negrea, is French speaking. The situation in her country remains deeply concerning, with young people emigrating and war on their doorstep. The diocese is located in the west of the country, on the border with Hungary.
The situation for the elderly is difficult, given their very low pensions (around 300 euros) and the need to care for their grandchildren, as the parents have emigrated.
Friendship and mutual support among members of the Viața Ascendentă association are expressed through telephone conversations, catechesis sessions, and online liturgies led by their chaplain, Father Ovidiu Duma. Their monthly meetings are meticulously prepared; they create posters and leaflets.
The annual World Days for the Elderly serve as a beacon of light and hope amidst an atmosphere of anxiety-filled darkness.
They work using the annual booklet sent to them by Belgium and France.
Although their membership numbers have dropped significantly, they made a point of paying their dues this year—something they had not done for several years.
In conclusion, they have reaffirmed their need for VMI’s friendship and support.
For over 25 years, they have made a tremendous effort to keep the VMI spirit alive in Romania, and they are delighted that it endures.
Spain
In Spain, the movement is known as Vida Ascendente; in Catalonia, as Vida Creixent. Both movements have statutes approved by their respective episcopal commissions.
Álvaro Medina, delegate for pastoral care of the elderly for the Diocese of Getafe, represented Spain on January 16 in Rome at a meeting of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life regarding loneliness among the elderly in Europe.
Switzerland
An overview of MCR-Vie Montante (French-speaking Switzerland) by its leader, Willy Sallin.
Tanzania
The Retired and Aged Association of St. Augustine
A report by Father Gregory Mashtaki, Spiritual Advisor to the continental coordination body for English-speaking African countries, focusing specifically on the movement in his home country, Tanzania.
Uganda
The situation of the elderly in Uganda.