Ormoc City, Philippines. The Claret Way Asia East 2024 (CWAE 2024) was held from July 25-30, 2024, and marked the fourth ASCLA EAST Claretian youth gathering. The previous event took place in Dili, Timor-Leste, in 2019. This year, 232 delegates from the Claretian parishes and communities in the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, East Timor, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea gathered in Ormoc City, Philippines. Representatives from the Organisms of ASCLA WEST in India also attended. Brother Carlos Verga, CMF, the General Prefect of Youth and Vocations Ministry, and Fr. Luis Enriquez, CMF, Claret Way Global Coordinator, attended the event. The large gathering felt like a testament to the unifying power of the Holy Spirit.
This year’s CWAE theme was “Spreading the Flame of the Spirit,” which aligned with the 175th anniversary of the Claretian Missionaries. The sessions were expertly led by Fr. Julius Jose “Jay” Coching, CMF, and Fr. Agustinus “Gusti” Supur, CMF, who delved into three keywords from the theme: Spirit, the flame, and spreading the flame.
UNDERSTANDING THE SPIRIT
The initial sessions delved into the significance of Claret Way. Father Jay and Father Gusti introduced the pilgrims to the depictions of St. Anthony Mary Claret and the missionary portrayal of Mary. They explained the Holy Spirit’s gifts, charisms, and fruits, helping the group understand that the Spirit does not lead one to solitude. Instead, it is humble and works through each person.
THE FLAME: FEELING THE SPIRIT’S PRESENCE
Charisms are graces sent by the Holy Spirit to us and through us for the growth of others. This understanding was deepened during visits to Tacloban City and Barangay (Village) Gaas, Ormoc, where pilgrims witnessed how communities have responded to tragedies like typhoon Yolanda and the Lake Danao earthquake. Fr. Larry Miranda, CMF, and Ms. Ursula Alano, FEC, shared their experiences, challenging everyone to see the uplifting of those communities beyond merely a disaster response but through the lens of mission work. They further invited everyone to reflect on the question, “When we say, ‘Yes, we are ready!’—what are we readying ourselves for and to?”
The sessions emphasized how the Holy Spirit’s role in one’s life is illustrated through symbols: water and fire. Water symbolizes baptism and cleansing, central during the renewal of baptismal vows activity at Lake Danao. Fire represents life and mission, as seen in the life story of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, CMF, which everyone contemplated during the pilgrim walk to the same lake. A bonfire ceremony was held later at the camp, where the passing of the torch was more than just a physical act, but a commitment to continue spreading the Spirit’s flame. “By passing the torch, you are deciding to pass on the flame of the Spirit…” echoed the sentiment of the gathering.
Confession and Taizè prayer activities offered introspection and spiritual renewal moments, preparing the pilgrims for the mission ahead. The call to mission was clear: to carry the Spirit’s flame into the world, guided by faith and love.
SPREADING: WHY AND HOW WE SPREAD THE FLAME OF THE SPIRIT
Spreading the flame is not just a duty; it is a call to be “happy prophets,” living out different levels of happiness through our actions and interactions until one can reach sublime beatitude. These words were practically applied during the Claret Race, where pilgrims tested their understanding of CWAE’s teachings through various challenges.
Each community and congregation developed a plan of action to ensure that the lessons and inspirations from CWAE 2024 would have a lasting impact beyond the event. A Claretian Night was held, celebrating the cultural richness within the Claretian Family and serving as a vibrant reminder of the community’s diversity and unity. The night concluded with praise and worship, a joyful expression of shared faith.
The Future of Claret Way Asia – East
As CWAE 2024 ended, thoughts turned to the future. The next CWAE host has yet to be determined, but the journey continues. During the Claretian Night, Fr. Luis announced two major upcoming events: Claret Way Global in Rome 2025 and the WYD Gathering in Seoul 2027. These gatherings will further the mission, bringing together Claretians worldwide to continue spreading the flame of the Spirit.
Source: Sophia Roman
