Panama, Republic of Panama. The fourteen Local Superiors and the members of the Provincial Government of Centroamérica, as well as the Secretariats of the Prefecture of Apostolate, gathered together for the Local Superiors Meeting from February 20 to 22, 2020 at the Provincial Curia in Panama.
At the back of the celebration are the three-fold celebration happening this year: 150th Death Anniversary of Claret, 150th Anniversary of the Approval of the Constitutions, and the 150th Arrival Anniversary of the Claretians in America.
Everybody heard each Local Superior’s concerns in their respective community, their major problems, flaws, achievements, as well as the implementation of the community project and the community dynamics. The participants also expressed their concern and talked about some of the major issues as a result of the General Canonical Visitation that took place last year. They also looked into the Provincial Missionary Life Plan (Proyecto Provincial de Vida Misionera – PPVM).
There were also talks on God’s questions in our time, the charismatic traits in mission, and the Evangelizing Mission Project on the occasion of the 150th Death Anniversary of Saint Anthony Mary Claret. All were encouraged to carry out this project in their respective missionary areas with the necessary adaptations. The Provincial Superior, Fr. Ismael Montero, CMF, spoke to them of the protocol for the protection of minors issued by the Congregation and its implications to the missionaries.
A mini-retreat “Caregivers who need to take care of themselves” based on the culture of caring took place on the second day. The Provincial gave them a profound rereading of the passage of the wedding of Cana from this hermeneutic key. Then, based on dynamics and dialogue, Gina Peters helped them to meditate on the importance of taking care of themselves, and then to be able to take care of others in their missionary ministry. They also highlighted the issue of sexual abuse, in the face of which they must take a clear position in solidarity with the victims. As Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, they said that they must have the capacity to listen, to welcome, and to respect the suffering of those who have lived these experiences. Other matters like the economy of the Province, insurances, Mission Procure were also taken up.
After lunch on the last day, the participants visited the Claret Residence.
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