La Ceiba, Honduras. In Centro CLaret at La Ceiba, the Seventh Provincial Encounter of Vocation Promoters of Central America just concluded. It was held from the 7th to the 13th of September, 2011. Some sixty people attended.

All were promoters of vocations – Claretians, religious, and a majority of lay people, from different teams of Vocation Ministries who work in each of the six countries of the Province (Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama and Nicaragua).

Among those in attendance were Fr. Rodolfo Morales, Provincial Superior, and the Fr. Mauritius Borge, Provincial Prefect of Formation, who participated throughout the encounter. The initial retreat was directed by Mons. Garachana Angel, cmf, Bishop of San Pedro Sula, who also participated in other moments of the Encounter, accompanied by a deacon from his diocese.

Two university professors, Mrs. Karen Urban and Adolph Pineda (a Lay Claretian ), shared a handout about the reality for youths in Central America.

The next theme was presented by the Secretary of Vocation Ministry and centered on the challenges of Vocational Ministry today; the profile and functions of vocation promoters; the make-up of the local Vocation Ministry teams, and, finally, the meaning and the implications of sowing the seeds for vocations.

On Sunday we had occasion to celebrate the Eucharist at the parish of the indigenous community of Garifunas in Sambo Creek, where we had a chance to learn a bit more about their culture and to share with them a delicious snack.

The joy-filled atmosphere and the interest in the subjects presented, above all the interest in continuing the invigorating spirit of the Vocation Ministry of the Province with people who were prepared and a respected organization was the most beneficial fruit of the Encounter, which concluded with the Closing Eucharistic at the parish with a great attendance by faithful, followed by a Honduran fiesta, enlivened by the dancing of a local group of young people. (Photo)