Fátima, Portugal. November 2nd marked the conclusion of the Encounter of the General Government with the representatives of the Provinces and Delegations of Europe.

lIn the days before, the apostolic priorities which we need to assume in Europe were debated, and possible models of reorganization of the Congregation on this Continent were studied: one unique Province, three or four Provinces, and the union of one “strong” Province with a Delegation. No one hides the complexity and the difficulties involved in this process, which, at any rate, is irreversible.

Fr. General announces that after a reflection with all the elements brought to the discussion, it will make a proposal of reorganization which it will send to all the Major Superiors so that they can be discussed in communities, and in the month of December it will send a letter to all the Claretians of Europe.

Another important point of information and debate has been the theme of the economy which was presented by Fr. Domingo Grillía, General Econome, after listening to the reports which the Major Superiors brought regarding the economy of their Organisms. The real situation of our economy and the implications that it has for the whole Congregation was able to be seen.

The final point of this encounter was to finalize certain commitments and encounters to be made in the upcoming year. The decision to unite the two Interprovincial Conferences (CEC and Iberia) into one single European Conference was also adopted.

Ending the Encounter, Father General thanks both the Provincial Government of Portugal and the community of Fatima, for the organization of this meeting and their total availability. He recognizes that one step forward has been taken in this last year, but it must go forward working calmly, but with firmness and certainly the security, that we all want the best for the Congregation. (Photos)