The Claretian Spirituality Centre (CESC) was established on 10 November 2003. It is an organ of the General Prefecture of Spirituality and Community Life of the Claretian Congregation. Its offices and facilities are located in the house of Vic (Barcelona), which is considered the “motherhouse” of the Congregation. This house also contains the Shrine-Tomb of our Father Founder and the Claret Museum.
The CESC is composed of an international team of Claretian missionaries appointed by the General Government. Currently, there are four members residing in Vic. One more is expected to join in Vic, and two others will be based in Rome and Madrid to support the Fragua programme. The CESC is maintained by the General Government itself. It is coordinated by a director and his team, and is supported by an archivist— a layperson with a full-time employment contract — as well as various Claretian researchers who generously dedicate periods of time to study various aspects of Fr. Claret’s life or the history of the Congregation.
The purpose of the CESC is to keep alive the memory of our Founder and our origins, to promote research, and to encourage vital processes so that the Spirit may continue to inspire and energise the spirituality and evangelising power of our missionary charism. This mission is realised through activities such as:
- Continuing research on the person and spiritual heritage of Saint Anthony Mary Claret.
- Safeguarding, deepening and spreading this heritage, particularly within the Congregation and the Claretian Family.
- Animating the different forms of the “Fragua” programme, which includes intensive ongoing formation, and other activities (Claretian Encounter, spiritual retreats, conferences, etc.).
- Making the life and works of Fr. Claret known to as many people as possible through publications — especially the annual Studia Claretiana, book publishing and the website (cesvic.org).
- Encouraging the inculturation of the Claretian charism in the various geographical and cultural areas of the Congregation.
- Advising and collaborating with Congregational Organisms in organising and carrying out Claretian formation and spiritual animation activities.
Currently, one CESC member is preparing a doctoral thesis at Comillas University on Fr. Claret’s illustrations in his Explained Catechism. Two of us are preparing and will lead, in April and May this year, the “Claretian Encounter” for Claretians from various backgrounds. We also collaborate with the General Prefecture of Formation in the “Heart of Mary School” for formators… and many other tasks.
Juan Carlos Martos, cmf
