What is a Katimavic? It is a gathering where seekers at all levels come together to listen to the Lord and his teaching.
We are all invited to a true encounter with Jesus, the source of love:
Jesus tells us: "Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love" (John 14:10)
This encounter happens through the Word of Jesus. Usually there are two "words" each day during a Katimavic; we prefer the term word to conference because a Katimavic is not a retreat in the traditional sense.
The encounter also takes place through the liturgy and silence, through welcoming one another and meeting together, through receiving the poor, through listening and exchange, through all that the Spirit of the Lord suggests to us.
"You are my friends if you do what I command" (John 15:14)
"This is my commandment: love one another" (John 15:12)
After Easter 1972, when the first Katimavic was held, a number of people felt called to walk together in the footsteps of Jesus and eager to proclaim the Good News. This journey has unfolded through many Katimavics held throughout France, Belgium, England, Ireland, and elsewhere, and also through prayer groups that have grown up around each Katimavic.
In this way, gradually, this great family of brothers and sisters in Jesus has grown—all desiring to grow together in love and in life with Jesus, to work in the Church toward building a world more true, more fraternal, more attentive to the poorest, and above all eager to proclaim the Good News of Jesus who lives among us today.
We walk different paths, each following the grace and call of the Lord to grow in love and to live more fully each day, so that
"He must increase, and I must decrease" (John 3:30)
If you feel called to this gathering, if you want more information, contact the Faith and Light secretariat.
We look forward to meeting you!
The Katimavic Leadership Team – Assisi '79