From December 4 to 14, 2023, the General Government of the Claretian Missionaries and their Provincial Governments in Europe, including that of the Province of Fatima, gathered in Vic to “put out into the deep” and rekindle the fire of missionary passion in Europe, that is, to share, reflect, pray and discern together the paths of the Claretian mission in the continent.
Following the synodal methodology of the universal Church, the Claretian Sister Jolanta Kafka, RMI, accompanied the participants in the initial phase of the encounter, encouraging and motivating the participants in spiritual conversations. This method promotes openness to the Holy Spirit in order to discern God’s will.
The first phase of the meeting was followed by a listening session and dialogue on the issues that the General Government presented to the Provincial Governments after their visit to the European Provinces. Some of the topics discussed included the impact of the new configuration of Major Organisms, the attention to the elderly, youth and vocational ministry, economy and administration, formation communities, the revision of pastoral structures and positions, solidarity and mission, shared mission and the Claretian squares of Sallent, Vic and Barbastro.
The main axis of the encounter was to reflect, discern and seek collaborative proposals for different areas of life and mission. This was done considering the congregational dream, the processes of transformation of the Congregation and the three transversal axes of the synod: communion, mission and participation.
The last day of the encounter was attended by Miguel Ángel Sosa, Secretary General of the Lay Claretians, who addressed the participants to share some of the realities of the Movement and answered their questions, highlighting the importance of the Claretian family work, the formation in the charism and the need to expand the Movement to areas where it is not yet present.
At the end of the encounter, the participants celebrated the Eucharist at the tomb of St. Anthony Mary Claret. The Superior General, Fr. Mathew Vattamattam CMF, presided over the celebration. During his homily, he encouraged all present to renew their Advent hope and emphasised the importance of trusting in the Spirit. He reminded them that the Spirit guarantees God’s presence on their journey as a Congregation in Europe.
