Morning Session
The day began with milder temperatures, though accompanied by persistent rain that stayed with us for almost the entire day. From before 7.00 a.m. there was already an atmosphere of recollection and adoration. At 7.30 a.m., with the celebration of Lauds, we placed our lives and the day ahead in the hands of the Lord. Fr. Félix J. Martínez, who animated the prayer, invited us to live the day without haste, reminding us that the liturgical memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus points us to God’s saving and healing power. Our hope and salvation are not founded on abstract ideas, but on a name and on a concrete person: Jesus.
A particularly heartfelt remembrance and prayer was offered for Fr. Luis A. Gonzalo, CMF, who died suddenly in Oviedo, commending him to the merciful embrace of the Father. We also held very much in mind the situation in Venezuela.
At 9.00 a.m. the session in the chapter hall began, moderated by Fr. Pedro Cabrera. The Provincial Father opened the session by announcing several appointments: Fr. Abilio Ramos as Provincial Vicar; Fr. José E. García Rizo as head of the Communications Office; and, until next June, Fr. Juan Carlos Monroy as Provincial Secretary.
In accordance with canonical requirements, the minutes of the previous day were read and approved, with the appropriate amendments.
The Central Commission then led us into the third section of the chapter document, which now incorporated the more practical suggestions that had emerged from the group work. The morning concluded with the election of the five members chosen by the Chapter to serve on the Permanent Council, and with a visit from the Bishop of Leiria–Fátima, Mons. José Ornelas Carvalhos, SCJ (Dehonian). He shared with us the positive relationship he had enjoyed, as Superior General, with Fr. Josep Mª Abella, as well as the sound functioning and development of the Union of Superiors General; the theological contribution of the Claretians to the spirituality of the Shrine of Fátima—especially that of Fr. Joaquín Mª Alonso, CMF; and the contribution of the Claretians to the dioceses of Fátima and Setúbal.
Afternoon Session
At 3.00 p.m., after a moment of silence and an invocation to Mary, we prepared ourselves for the final afternoon session in the chapter hall. At the outset, Fr. Pedro Belderrain announced the five capitulars who had received the highest number of votes to serve as members of the Permanent Council: Carlos Candeias, Paul Smyth, Vítor Pinto, Juan José García and Félix J. Martínez.
We then continued our dialogue and proceeded to approve, point by point, the decisions contained in the chapter document. Once this demanding work had concluded, the capitulars were invited to share their experience of the Chapter. What emerged most strongly was the experience of fraternity, communion, dialogue and availability.
This was followed by several interventions and expressions of gratitude. Both the Provincial Father and the President took the floor. Fr. Jorge Sánchez shared his conviction that, after this Chapter, the Province is no longer the same; he also encouraged the capitulars to share these experiences with the brothers in their communities. He expressed special gratitude to Fr. Joaquim Cavadas and to the staff of the house for their dedication in welcoming us, as well as to all those who made the Chapter possible: the Central Commission, the Chapter Secretary, the Commissions for Minutes, Animation and Liturgy, the translators, the secretaries of the working groups, the moderators and those who provided other services. And, of course, to Fr. Pedro Belderrain, for representing the Superior General and for his exemplary service and commitment both before and throughout the Chapter.
For his part, Fr. Pedro Belderrain highlighted the significant contribution of our Province to the Congregation in its ongoing growth as an Organism marked by diversity and complexity. He considered it an example worthy of attention within the Congregation. He also expressed his gratitude to the Government for the careful preparation of the Chapter and to all those who contributed to it, each according to their own responsibility.
The final act in the chapter hall was the formal approval of the closure of the II Provincial Chapter, all amid sustained applause.
At 7.15 p.m. we celebrated the concluding Eucharist of the Chapter, presided over by the Provincial Father and concelebrated by the entire new Provincial Government. In his homily, Fr. Jorge Sánchez reminded us that salvation is one of the most beautiful expressions of love. For this reason, it is good for us to recognise ourselves not so much as “healthy”, but as “healed” by Christ. It is from this experience that healed relationships and healed communities are born. This is closely linked to our vocation: we are called to share with others the salvation and healing that God has brought about in our own lives.
Once again, we concluded the day by sharing dinner together in a spirit of fraternity and joy. This would be the last such evening, after which the farewells would follow.
All that remains now is to announce to our own places what we have lived during this time of grace, and to pray for both the incoming and outgoing Provincial Governments, who will remain in Fátima for one further day in order to hand over responsibilities. May God enlighten them on this exciting journey!
Long live the Congregation! Long live the Heart of Mary! Glory to our God!
