Bogotá, Colombia. From November 20 to 25, 2024, the XVII Provincial Chapter of the Province of East-Colombia and Ecuador took place, a key event in the life of the Claretian Congregation. During this week, the capitulars reflected on the present and future of the province, structured into five fundamental stages: Discover, Dream, Elect, Design, and Commitment.
In the Discover stage, participants worked with inputs gathered during the pre-assembly and pastoral assembly. Detailed reports on governance, pastoral care, finance, and formation were presented and reviewed, offering a clear vision of the province’s current situation.
The Dream stage invited the capitulars to envision the future, aligned with the dreams of the Congregation and the Province. They reflected on the divine mission guiding the Claretian community in this region, focusing on vocation and evangelizing commitment.
A pivotal moment was the Elect phase, marked by deep spiritual discernment and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The new government team for the next six years was elected:
- Fr. Darío Alonso Carvajal, CMF: Provincial Superior.
- Fr. Enrique Aponte, CMF: Prefect of Apostolate.
- Fr. Fredy Fernando Rodríguez, CMF: Provincial Econome.
- Br. Guillermo Salamanca, CMF: Prefect of Formation.
In the Design stage, strategies were outlined based on the shared dreams. They focused on transforming structures and enhancing the province’s life, ensuring growth aligned with current pastoral needs.
Finally, in the Commitment stage, the community life of the province was reviewed. The capitulars reaffirmed their dedication to proclaiming the Kingdom of God, committing to move forward united and strengthened in their evangelizing mission.
The XVII Provincial Chapter concluded with a clear call for spiritual and pastoral renewal, reinforcing the Claretian missionary identity in Eastern Colombia and Ecuador for the years to come.
