After one week of intense work, Sunday the 11th of September served as a day of excursion, rest, and celebration. It was a day of communion with nature because, in the morning, we visited the Nairobi National Park, Kenya, where we could see some animals in their natural habitat. Pope Francis reminds us that:
“a sense of deep communion with the rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts lack tenderness, compassion, and concern for our fellow human beings.”
(Laudato Si 91)
This citation serves as a driving force. On this note, we celebrated Mass for some of our brothers: Efren Limpo (44th Birthday); Carlos Sanchez and Francisco Carin (25 years of Priesthood); Gabriel Isaias and Mario Gutierrez (25 years of Profession). The agape meal in the evening strengthened the communion with these brothers celebrating essential moments in their lives.
After a well-deserved Sunday’s rest, we continued the encounter this Monday, the 12th of September 2022, with prayers and mass led by MICLA. In the morning session, we continued with the second process of transformation. Having treated Government and Community Life on Friday, the Economy and Secretariat were part of the day. On the economy, taking QC as his starting point, Manuel Tamargo explained the fundamental principles of the economy. He gave a panoramic view of the prefecture of the economy and its dynamic. He also insisted on the communication of goods, a simple/austere lifestyle, better planning, professionalization, and accompaniment of major organisms etc.
Following suit, Efren Limpo gave a concise presentation of the General Secretariat, leaning on collaboration with the secretary of prefectures and the communication team of the General Curia. In the small groups, we treated the following questions:
- Any clarifications you wish to make on these parts of the Action Plan?
- What are your suggestions that may help to realize this part of the plan?
- How do you see this part of the Action Plan implemented in your organism and the challenges do you foresee in implementing it?
The morning session closed with the various reports from the groups and reactions from Father Tamargo.
The afternoon period centred on the first process of transformation, taking as starting point sections 2/5, 4/ 6 of the Dream of the XXVI General Chapter. Taking turns, Henry Omonisaye presented on the Biblical Pastoral Ministry and Communications. Following suit, Pedro Belderrain gave some salient points on Apostolate, and then Carlos Verga focused on the Youth and Vocations. After supper, the General Government met with ACLA to strengthen the communion with this conference.
One thing we can signal is that the activities from yesterday to today reveal real communion with nature and fellow human beings. Rosendo Urrabazo served as moderator of the day.
Jude Thadeus Langeh, CMF, Chronicler of the day