Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain: On 24th October 2024, the Canary Islands celebrated the 175th anniversary of the arrival of Saint Anthony Mary Claret to the archipelago. The commemoration culminated with the visit of the Superior General of the Claretian Missionaries, Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, who closed the Claretian Jubilee Year. This celebration highlighted the profound impact that “Padrito Claret” left on these lands.
Meetings and Pastoral Activities
During his stay, Fr. Mathew met with local Claretian communities and the diocesan bishops. The visit included activities in schools, parishes, and centres for the most vulnerable, underlining the Congregation’s commitment to addressing the needs of Canarian society. In his homily, Fr. Mathew stated: “It is a profound joy to be with you today in these beautiful Canary Islands. I come not as just *another visitor attracted by the natural beauty of your land, but as a Claretian brother to celebrate together a historic moment: 175 years since our founder, St. Anthony Mary Claret, first set foot on these blessed lands”
Procession and Eucharistic Celebration
The procession, which also included the image of Our Lady of Fatima, was a powerful act of unity centred on the Claretian charism. The faithful, missionaries, and pastoral agents made their way from the Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to the Cathedral, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Cristóbal Déniz, the Superior General, and members of local Christian communities. The event took place in an atmosphere of prayer and reflection.
During the Eucharist, Fr. Mathew highlighted three essential elements of the Claretian charism that remain relevant 175 years later: the gift of encounter, burning with the love of God, and being light and life for others. These words resonated with the attendees, inspiring them to renew their commitment to the evangelising mission in the Canary Islands.
Recognition and Conclusion
The celebrations concluded with a fraternal gathering and dinner at the Claretian school in Tamaraceite, where retired staff members were honoured on the 50th anniversary of the institution. Fr. Carlos Candeias, CMF, Provincial Superior of the Province of Fatima, gave words of recognition to both past and present staff, emphasising their contribution to the educational and formative mission of the Congregation.
A Call for Missionary Renewal
This 175th anniversary has been more than just a reflection on the past; it has been a call to renew the missionary commitment for the present and future. In the words of the Superior General: “This Jubilee is not just a celebration of the past. It is a call to renew our commitment to the mission *of evangelisation. As Pope Francis reminds us, we cannot remain nostalgic for the past, but must discern how the Claretian charism can respond to today’s challenges.”
The figure of Saint Anthony Mary Claret remains, 175 years later, a beacon for pastoral renewal in the Diocese of the Canary Islands. His legacy lives on in those who continue his mission, committed to proclaiming the Gospel and bearing witness to the love of God in a world that is in need of hope.
