Vic, Spain. From December 4 to 14, 2023, the General Government of the Claretian Missionaries and its Provincial Governments in Europe met in Vic to share, reflect, pray, and discern together the paths of the Claretian mission on the continent.
Following the synodal methodology of the universal Church, Claretian Sister Jolanta Kafka, RMI, accompanied the participants in the initial phase of the meeting, encouraging and motivating the participants in spiritual conversations. This method promotes openness to the Holy Spirit to discern God’s will.
The first phase of the meeting was followed by a listening and dialogue session on issues that the General Government presented to the Provincial Governments after they visited the European Provinces. Some of the topics discussed included the impact of the new configuration of Major Organisms, care for older people, youth and vocational ministry, economy, and administration, formation communities, review of pastoral structures and positions, solidarity and mission, shared mission, and the Claretian places of Sallent, Vic, and Barbastro.
The main focus of the meeting was on reflecting, discerning, and searching for collaborative proposals for various areas of life and mission. This was done while considering the congregational dream, the Congregation transformation processes, and the synod’s three transversal axes: communion, mission, and participation.
On the final day of the meeting, Mr. Miguel Ángel Sosa, Secretary General of the Lay Claretians, attended and addressed the participants. He shared some of the Movement’s realities and answered their questions, emphasizing the importance of Claretian family work, formation in the charism, and the need to expand the Movement to areas where it is not yet present.
After the meeting, the attendees celebrated the Eucharist at the tomb of Saint Anthony Mª Claret. The Superior General presided over the celebration. During his homily, Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, encouraged everyone to renew their hope of Advent and emphasized the importance of trusting the Spirit. He reminded them that the Spirit guarantees God’s presence on their journey as a Congregation in Europe.
