Madrid, Spain. On January 11, the Claretian Missionaries of the Province of Santiago held a forum at the Sede Sapientae venue of the Spanish Episcopal Conference. This gathering brought together consecrated persons, laypeople, and ecclesial leaders to address the evolving needs of consecrated life in Spain and across Europe.
The forum, organized by the Theological Institute of Religious Life (ITVR), the Regina Apostolorum School (ERA), Claretian Publications, and the journal Vida Religiosa, embraced a transdisciplinary approach aimed at fostering constructive dialogue. Fr Antonio Bellella, CMF ITVR director, opened the event by emphasizing that understanding the history and missionary creativity of consecrated life is key to designing forward-looking projects. Fr Gonzalo Fernández Sanz, CMF another organizer, highlighted the pressing need for innovative and creative strategies to tackle contemporary challenges.
The methodology, inspired by the latest Synod and recent general chapters, combined moments of silent reflection, individual work, small group discussions, and plenary sessions. Morning sessions focused on identifying the most urgent needs of consecrated life, while the afternoon was dedicated to outlining practical actions to address these challenges. This participatory approach encouraged active engagement, leading to proposals that the organizers believe can be translated into concrete initiatives in the near future.
Key topics included the value of networking, shared responsibility in mission, and creativity as a driver of institutional renewal. These ideas were explored through workshops that fostered collaboration among congregations, shared experiences in innovative management, and examined success stories showcasing the impact of cooperative efforts in ecclesial settings.
The forum concluded with a call to continue fostering spaces for dialogue that inspire renewal processes in consecrated institutions, underscoring a commitment to a mission that speaks to today’s challenges.
Source: www.itvr.org
