Benlutu, Indonesia. From November 26-30, 2024, the Congregation’s Solidarity and Mission (SOMI) team organized a vital training session for SOMI officers of the ASCLA East Conference at Wisma Claretian Benlutu Retreat House. This initiative aimed to align SOMI officers with the Congregation’s vision and mission.
The training featured key members of the Congregational SOMI team: Fr. Terence Longine Rohan Dominic, CMF, and Fr. Henri Ramirez Soler, CMF (both UN representatives), Fr. Lord Winner Maria John, CMF (Congregational Mission Procurator), and Fr. Antonio Llamas Fortes, CMF (Congregational JPIC). Guest speaker Fransiska Valentina Sugi also enriched the sessions.
Fr. Valens Agino, CMF, President of the ASCLA East Conference, opened the event, emphasizing its importance for the region. Fransiska Valentina Sugi commenced the program with an insightful presentation titled, “Socio-economic, Political, and Environmental Context of the Region and Asia; Ecclesial Situation of the Region and Asia,” highlighting current challenges and opportunities.
The SOMI team members provided specialized sessions. Fr. Antonio Llamas Fortes, CMF, discussed the role of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), covering themes such as ethical investments, climate change, and human rights. Fr. Terence Longine Rohan Dominic, CMF, and Fr. Henri Ramirez Soler, CMF, shared the Congregation’s experiences and significance at the United Nations. Fr. Lord Winner Maria John, CMF, focused on the Congregation’s mission projects, guiding participants on effective proposal creation for mission funding.
During the workshop, participants engaged in group discussions, brainstorming SOMI-related activities for implementation at both organism and conference levels. These ideas were then presented and discussed collectively.
Attendees included SOMI focal points from ASCLA East Conference organisms, such as the Independent Delegation of Indonesia-Timor Leste, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province, Chennai Province with missions in Malaysia, Korea Independent Delegation, East Asia Delegation, and representatives from the RMI and MC Congregations.
This training not only enhanced the participants’ understanding but also strengthened their commitment to SOMI’s mission across Asia.
