Under the tropical sun of Sri Lanka, fragrant flower garlands were placed around the necks of the Claretian Major Superiors, a traditional gesture of welcome that marked the beginning of their nine-day encounter with the General Government in Colombo. This gathering offered an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and dialogue to continue discerning the future mission of the congregation.
With 29 participants present, the meeting unfolded in an atmosphere of fraternity, prayer, and cultural richness. The encounter was held under the theme “Peace be with you” (Lk 24:36), and throughout the days the participants offered special prayers for peace in the world.
During the gathering, Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, Superior General, reflected on the meaning of leadership within the congregation. He emphasized that leadership is fundamentally a spiritual responsibility, entrusted with safeguarding the Claretian charism and helping shape the future of our missionary congregation.
Highlighting the Church’s ongoing synodal journey, Fr. Vattamattam encouraged deep listening, shared responsibility, and unity in diversity among the Claretian communities around the world.
According to the information shared on the Claretian website, the Superior General outlined several key priorities for the congregation: strengthening fraternal and intercultural community life; fostering discernment and accompaniment; deepening missionary spirituality rooted in prayer; remaining close to the peripheries; and promoting transparency and shared responsibility.
He also encouraged the participants to see moments of fragility not as obstacles but as opportunities for evangelical renewal, urging the congregation to listen attentively to the Holy Spirit so that the upcoming XXVII General Chapter may become a true Pentecost moment.
Reflecting on the encounter, Fr. Paul Keller, CMF, our provincial, shared that the meeting was an important step in preparing for the next General Chapter.
“We want to be ready to embrace new perspectives in terms of how to make our charism and our mission alive today and in the current circumstances.”
Fr. Keller also highlighted some of the insights he brought back from the international gathering, particularly learning about the different ways Claretian communities approach vocations and ministry in other parts of the world.
“I really found very fascinating that their students of theology have a pastoral year when they don’t function as seminarians. They don’t even tell people they are seminarians. They work in the fields. They work in the factories. They experience the life of the people and listen to their stories. What a wonderful way to prepare students to not be clerical and think you’re better than anyone else, but to really understand the experiences of the people”.
We look forward to the upcoming XXVII General Chapter and all the new ideas it will bring.
