During these days we have received the joyful news of the appointment of Fr. Josep M. Abella as Bishop of Fukuoka (Japan). Until now Fr. Abella has been auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Osaka.
He is a very close and familiar person for the Lay Classics, since he was General Advisor of the Movement from 1999 to 2003 when he was elected Superior General of the Congregation. In the performance of his task as advisor he had the opportunity to share with many of us, encounters, assemblies, experiences,… leaving a pleasant memory behind him, since he believes deeply in the Movement and in the charisma of the Lay Claretians.
You can see more about this news in the web page of the Claretian Missionaries: http://www.claret.org/es/noticias-eclesiales/mons-josep-maria-abella-batlle-c-m-f-nombrado-nuevo-obispo-de-fukuoka-japon/
We ask God to enlighten him in his new service to the Church and to the Heart of Mary, to keep him and protect him.