Los Negrales, Spain. The Forge 22 which began on October 1, 2017, and having journeyed through three different yet interrelated phases, ended on December 15.

The concluding phase of Fragua 22 began with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and consequent celebration of the Sacrament of reconciliation on December 13. Obviously the radiance of joy on the faces of the participants spoke louder than any word could possibly articulate! Each looked “full of new life!” The morning of the following day was marked with several recapitulations “personal and interpersonal” leading to the evaluation of the entire duration of the program: the spiritual exercises, pilgrimages, conferences, sharing, participation, team work, gratitude, economy, etc. These very engaging activities were “chilled” a bit by an appetite-whetting banquet! It was a joyful celebration!!

In the evening, Fr. Gonzalo Fernandez, the general prefect of Spirituality and Fr. Belderrain Pedro, the Major Superior of the Claretian Province of Santiago, led the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, crowning the two and half months’ spiritual journey of Adoring the Father by walking the Jesus’ footprints in the footsteps of St. Anthony Claret and brother martyrs!

Renewed and reinvigorated, the participants started “going forth” to their respective missions and organisms on December 15 with the expression: “The journey of Fragua 22 begins now!”