Vic, Spain. July 12, 2024. As part of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation, a Spirituality Congress is being held from July 7 to 16. This event brings together Claretian members from around the world to reflect on and update their missionary spirituality.
The formal inauguration took place on July 8 with the celebration of the Eucharist at the Temple of the Mother House in Vic. The welcoming words were delivered by Fr. Juan Martín Askaiturrieta CMF, Superior of the Province of Sanctus Paulus, and Fr. Mathew Vattamattam CMF, Superior General. Participants embarked on a pilgrimage to the most important sites in the life of Saint Anthony Mary Claret in that area, including the church of Sant Domenec, the chapel of Felip Neri, and the church of Sant Just, thus remembering his spiritual and missionary legacy.
The second day focused on exploring Claretian spirituality under the theme “Where do we come from?” Fr. Juan Carlos Martos CMF, director of CESC, offered a meditation on Claret as a mystic. Later, Fr. Josep Rovira CMF presented a lecture on Claretian spirituality centered on the missionary as a man of faith and prayer. The day concluded with a Marian liturgy and a moving prayer concert by artist Maite López.
July 10 centered on two key conferences. Fr. Carlos Sánchez Miranda CMF, General Prefect of Spirituality and Community Life, offered a historical overview of 175 years of Claretian spirituality, highlighting the historical context of its emergence and its evolution over time. Meanwhile, Fr. Mathew Vattamattam CMF, Superior General, called for an integral missionary spirituality, emphasizing the importance of deep spiritual transformation. Participants also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the ordination of Fr. Henry B. Omonisaye CMF with a special Eucharist.
Finally, July 11 coincided with the feast of Saint Benedict, the patron saint of Europe. In the morning, Fr. Edgardo Guzmán CMF and Pedro Belderrain CMF presented the results of a survey on the spiritual health of the congregation. Later, Paulson Veliyannor CMF and Jolanta Kafka RMI led a reflection on “What is sapping our vitality?” addressing topics such as spiritual inertia and worldliness. In the afternoon, workshops were held on contemporary challenges, including topics like illnesses and addictions, use of time, lack of communication, and the culture of indifference. The day concluded with a Eucharist presided over by Mons. Ángel Garrachana CMF.
The Spirituality Congress of the Claretian Congregation continues its journey, with five more intense days ahead to further delve into its identity and charism to address current challenges with renewed faith.
