Leioa, Spain. The Lay Claretians hold their XI General Assembly in Leioa, Bizkaia. Over 80 members from 16 countries are participating, along with five Claretian Missionaries serving as advisors for the Movement in various locations.
The Assembly expressed gratitude for the exceptional work accomplished by the previous General Council and appointed a new Council to serve for four years. Miguel Angel Sosa, a layman from the Canary Islands, was re-elected as the secretary general. He will work alongside Bruno La Hoz from Peru and Silvia Rodríguez from Guatemala. The Claretian General Advisor will be Fr. Pedro Belderrain, CMF.
From left to right: Fr. Pedro Belderrain, CMF, Silvia Rodríguez, Bruno La Hoz, and Miguel Angel Sosa
The Province of Sanctus Paulus worked closely to prepare for the Assembly at Claret School of Askartza. The Provincial led the opening Mass of the event, which was attended by the Bishops of Bilbao and San Sebastian, including Bishop Fernando Prado CMF.
The Lay Claretians’ Movement
The Lay Claretians Movement originated from St. Anthony Mary Claret’s dedication to acknowledging the significance of lay Christians in the Church and evangelization. He worked towards unifying them as a missionary community.
The Movement was founded in the late 1970s following the Second Vatican Council and its influence. Its first statutes were approved 40 years ago in 1983.
The Lay Claretians have established a strong and positive relationship with the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life. With over 1500 members, they are currently located in 31 countries across America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
They express their beliefs in over 150 communities and actively support various evangelization projects connected to justice and the overall development of humanity.
