Today is a significant occasion for us CICM as we reflect on the short but truly remarkable life of a man who dedicated himself to spreading the Gospel, first in his native Belgium and then in China.

Verbist lived in constant prayer and union with God, with a solid and tender devotion to our Lady, whom he invoked as the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Mary Immaculate.

There is no more noble way to honor this Chapter experience than to bear witness to the world as promoters of peace, love, wisdom, and missionary audacity.

After almost four weeks of work, labor, and tiring efforts, with meetings, talks, exchanges, reflections, a pleasant outing, dinners, celebrations, and long sittings, all this not without joy and happiness, we are coming to the end with these last concluding words, presented with the conviction that we have had a significant and intense General Chapter experience.